Spending a whole weekend stuck with her? Yeah, that was my definition of hell.

We had never gotten along, not since the day we met. It wasn’t even one of those dramatic, life-changing rivalries—it was just constant irritation. The kind where every comment felt like a challenge, every glance like a battle.

And yet, we had the same friends, which meant that whenever someone planned a trip or a party, she was always there. Just like now.

The birthday weekend had barely started, and I already felt my patience wearing thin. A remote villa, a group of close friends, and her—smirking at me across the bonfire like she knew exactly how much she annoyed me.

"You look thrilled to be here, Norris," she said, dropping onto the seat next to me.

"I was. Until now."

She laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "Charming, as always."

I turned to face her fully. "Why do you even come to these things? You could just... not."

She raised an eyebrow. "Same reason you do. Because I actually like our friends."

"Debatable."

Her lips twitched, and for a second, I thought she might actually smile at me—really smile. But then, she tilted her head, studying me like I was some sort of puzzle.

"You know, Lando," she mused, leaning in slightly, "I think you enjoy this little game of ours."

I scoffed. "Game?"

She nodded. "You act like I drive you crazy, but if that were true, you’d just ignore me."

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. Because, maybe, just maybe, she had a point.

And I hated that.

I leaned in too, matching her gaze. "If this is a game," I said, voice lower now, "then tell me—who’s winning?"