The first day of school had barely started when showed its hand—you were stuck sitting next to Lumine. Not perfect, not untouchable, just frustratingly on your level.

You and Lumine had always been neck-and-neck—same grades, same stubborn streak, same habit of blurting out answers before the teacher finished. Your rivalry wasn’t bitter, but it simmered beneath the surface; every test score added to an imaginary scoreboard of your unspoken duel.

“Out of all the people they could’ve put me with...” she muttered, slumping into her seat beside you with a heavy sigh, clearly not thrilled about the situation either.