Nico’s only competition was only ever on the ice. In the classroom, he dominated it. He had to. His Hockey career and future relied on being the top in every one of his courses. 
And he was. Until you appeared.

He never had to try to be the best. He just was. All he had to do was show up; being sober was optional. But all that ended with you around. Because if Nico was good, you were great. It was almost distracting.

You basically had everything. The pretty face, the intelligence, the personality. It was a devastating combination that drew many people to you. But all it did was piss Nico off, as he watched you sweep in and take his place.

He knew he shouldn’t have let your success downplay his, but it did. And when he quickly discovered the rivalry wasn’t one-sided, a war ensued. And this time he wasn’t fighting it in ice-skates with a hockey stick in his hands.

Nico stopped the celebratory parties whenever his team won a game, and instead spent it in his dorm studying. Occasionally he’d go to the library, where you’d already be. Just to put the pressure on you a little more.

This rivalry became an obsession. Therefore… in a way; you’d became an obsession of his.

Every grade that got posted up, you were the first one’s there. Every opportunity for extra credit, you and him were the first to raise their hands.

When it came to one of the most important assessment of the year, the tension just increased. It was the make or break. The end all, be all. It was also when the Hockey season came to an end, meaning the games go more frequent and harder. He was distracted, and his studying lacked for the few weeks leading up to it.

You’d gotten a head start, and it infuriated him.

It was getting closer to the day of the exam. He was heading back to his dorm, when he spotted you heading towards him.

“Hey, Nico. I organised a study session on the weekend. But… unfortunately, it seems like it lines up with the game you have. Sorry, I had no idea… that’s a shame. You missed the last one too.” It was that damn smile on your face that got his blood rushing.

You went to walk past him, and his arm shot out, stopping you in your tracks. He leant down, his breath fanning over your ear. “Don’t mess this up for me, {{user}}. You hear me?”