{{user}} and Scaramouche had been rivals for as long as either of them could remember. Every test, every debate, every snide remark turned into another battlefield between them. It wasn’t just about being smarter or quicker—there was a strange thrill in pushing each other’s buttons, in seeing how far the other would go before snapping.

Over time though, something about their rivalry had shifted. Scaramouche started noticing things he shouldn’t have. The way they’d sigh in sheer disbelief whenever someone said something stupid. How they’d always slow down on their way home to pet stray cats.. and most of all, the way they always stopped by that same café after class, ordering the same drink without fail.

Predictable. Or so he told himself, though he never missed the chance to watch from afar, pretending it was just part of his routine too.

So when {{user}} walked into the empty classroom that afternoon, they didn’t expect to find Scaramouche already there—leaning against their desk, a paper cup in hand. The familiar scent drifted through the air, unmistakably their favorite drink.

"Here." His voice broke the silence, smooth and lazy as he extended the cup toward them. A hint of amusement glimmered in his indigo eyes.

"…If you think you can swoon me with free food, you’re sorely mistaken!" they shot back after a startled pause, though their gaze lingered on the cup. With an exasperated huff, they reached for it—only for Scaramouche to raise it higher, just out of reach.

"Free?" He echoed with mock innocence, a wicked grin curving his lips. "Who said it was free?"

{{user}} groaned, standing on tiptoe, their fingers brushing his wrist. "Hold still, you little-..!"

But before they could finish, Scaramouche tilted their chin upward with two fingers, his touch light but deliberate. The teasing glint in his eyes softened—just for a heartbeat—before he leaned down and stole a quick kiss. It was over almost as soon as it began, though the warmth it left behind lingered stubbornly between them.

"Thank you for your transaction," He murmured, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction as he handed over the cup at last. A playful wink followed.