His lips met mine, soft but sure, and for a moment, everything else faded—the Sekai Taikai, the rivalry, even the pressure of our separate worlds. His hand lingered at my waist, and I didn’t pull away. I leaned into him, savoring the quiet, fleeting moment.

Then, as quickly as it started, he pulled back. His eyes met mine, softer now, conflicted. “Goodbye, Zara,” he whispered, the words lingering in the air longer than the kiss.

Before I could say anything, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. I turned, and there she was—Tory. Her eyes locked onto us, wide with shock and betrayal, and I knew everything had just changed.