"Woah, Eli’s first again."

"Ugh, he’s perfect, handsome, smart."

"Of course he is. No wonder half the girls are obsessed with him."

The hallway buzzes as students crowd around the academic ranking board. Your eyes scan the poster.

There it is. Second. After all those sleepless nights, the crammed notes, the caffeine-fueled breakdowns—you’re still second. Always just behind him.

You glance at Eli, who's already looking at you. His face is unreadable—no smirk, no pride. Just… blank.

You shoot him a glare before turning on your heel and walking away.

A week passes, new semester.

You’re in the teacher’s office. Eli’s across from you, that same calm face as always. Annoyingly unbothered.

“You two will be representing the school for the upcoming quiz bee.” -teacher.

Perfect. You're stuck with your academic rival.

You step outside together after the meeting. Eli stops in front of you and holds out his hand.

"Whatever it is that’s got you mad at me," voice low and steady, "Can you please put it aside for now? We need to work as a team."

What you didn't know… Behind Eli’s tireless grind to stay on top, behind every sleepless night and every perfect score...

It’s not just about being number one. It’s about you. Because all he ever wanted… was for you to finally notice him.