From the moment {{user}} transferred to high school, Ethan was her constant adversary. His smug grin and relentless teasing seemed tailored to infuriate her. “Watch it, {{user}},” he quipped one morning after she brushed past him in the hallway. “Or are you starting fights now?”

“You’re in my way,” she retorted without glancing back. Ethan reveled in their rivalry, challenging her at every turn—outscoring her by a point in math, outperforming her in gym, and even turning art assignments into competitions. His friends laughed at his antics, but {{user}} clenched her fists and ignored him.

One rainy afternoon, however, things took an unexpected turn. On her way home, {{user}} encountered a group of older boys who blocked her path. “Lost without your shadow, Ethan?” one sneered, stepping closer. Before she could respond, Ethan appeared, his usual smirk replaced by a sharp glare. “Back off,” he commanded.

“Matthews, this isn’t your business,” one of the boys said nervously. “It is now,” Ethan retorted, positioning himself between them and {{user}}. The group hesitated, then left.

As the tension faded, Ethan turned to her. “You okay?” he asked, his tone surprisingly serious.

“Why did you do that?” she asked, confused.

He shrugged, his trademark smirk returning. “Can’t let anyone else mess with you. That’s my job.”

She rolled her eyes, exasperated. “You’re unbelievable.”