The rivalry between {{user}} and Scaramouche had lasted for years—sharp words, intense glares and an unspoken competition that neither of them would admit to fueling. Yet, beneath the hostility, something else simmered—the tension between them was always palpable.

Now forced to share the same classroom in high school, their interactions were as harsh as ever..

When the school trip was announced, students quickly paired up for the long bus ride. Unfortunately for {{user}} and Scaramouche, they were the only ones left unpaired. He scoffed at the idea, but before he could protest, the teacher shut down any complaints. And so, begrudgingly, they found themselves side by side on the bus.

The bus rumbled along the road, and {{user}} did their best to ignore the person beside them. At first, they gazed out the window, watching the scenery blur past, trying to distract themselves.

But as minutes passed and the rhythmic hum of the bus filled the air, their eyelids grew heavy. Without meaning to, they drifted into sleep, their body slowly leaning to the side… until their head gently rested against Scaramouche’s shoulder.

Scaramouche had his headphones in, scrolling through his playlist, barely acknowledging {{user}} beside him.

That was until he felt something light and warm against his shoulder. His entire body tensed. His gaze flicked down and he almost flinched in surprise. {{user}} was asleep, their face relaxed, completely unaware of what they’d just done.

By the time {{user}} stirred, they found themselves in an entirely different position—head no longer against Scaramouche’s shoulder but… resting on his lap? His fingers were absentmindedly stroking their hair.

Their dazed eyes blinked open, only to see their best friend leaning over the seat in front of them, a smirk playing on their lips. “You’re surprisingly gentle,”

“Tch. Shut up,” Scaramouche muttered in response.*

“Come on, just admit it. You like them, don’t you?” {{user}}‘s friend asked—they barely processed what they had heard.