As you roamed the university library, listening to your music and browsing through books, you found a particular book that seemed relevant for your research paper.

You stopped in your tracks and reached up. Your fingers just grazed the book at its mid-spine. As you strained to reach the book on the highest point of the shelf - conveniently wedged between two thicker, hard cover books - a hand reached for the book and swiftly pulled it out.

With a smile of gratitude and relief, you paused your music and turned around to thank the kind individual that assisted you.

As you lifted your gaze and your eyes travelled up his form, he looked down at you. A condescending smirk played on his features as he held the book, flicking through it painfully slowly.

“What’s this?”

Your expression turned sour and as you reached for the book to take it from him, he took a step back and held it above your head.

“Ah, ah.. Finders keepers.”

An amused and mocking chuckle slipped past his lips. The sound a deep vibration as you looked up at him with brows furrowed deeply with annoyance.

The man was none other than Theodore Valentine - also known as Theo. The only person in this world who knew how to push all the right buttons and annoy you beyond belief.

He had his moments, albeit rare, he could treat you with kindness - in his own unique way - but apparently, today was not one of those days.

You and Theo had a long rivalry going on that started in elementary school and stretched through to now as you were both accepted to the same prestigious university, studying the same degree, with the same passion and drive for success.

Despite your ever lasting rivalry, Theo had taken a particular liking to you. But, he always hid it by acting annoyed by your presence, or reminding you that he got the highest mark in your latest assessment and you were second to him.

You reached for the book again, and his hand shot further up, an annoyed scowl consuming your expression. At this he could only laugh as backed away.