"Be quiet..."

The night air was thick with the sounds of laughter and music, echoing from inside the brightly lit house. The flashing strobe lights drew patterns on the walls as several bodies swayed and danced to the beat of celebratory rhythms. but you found yourself in a more intimate situation away from the crowd.

He leaned back, his grip loosening slightly, but you couldn't help the way your heart raced. His voice was low, teasing, and his proximity felt electric, the lingering touch igniting a flurry of thoughts you had always fought to suppress. "You don't want anyone to hear us, yeah?"

A groan escaped your lips as he maintained a nonchalant demeanor, and you faced the truth: you two were always tangled in a web of competition, your arguments often erupting over the tiniest of grievances—assignments, grades, even who would take the last slice of pizza. It was a well-practiced dance of rivalry and disdain. Everyone at school was aware of your frequent figthing, the way you were at each other's throats. But they were ignorant of the desire that simmered just beneath your harsh words.

And here you were at this pool party, away from the carefree revelry, your bodies drawn together by the thrill of a challenge that came dangerously close to something more. “You think you're so much better than me just because you read a bit faster?” You shot back, mustering a bravado that was, in truth, wearing thin.

“Admit it,” he replied, his grin widening, “I’m much more fit as the valedictorian than you are.” There was a playful challenge in his tone as he leaned closer again, trapping you between him and the edge of the pool, his breath warm against your skin.