At campus, Tyler was the worst.
He'd steal your seat. Roll his eyes at you in class. Make dramatic faces whenever you answered a question. The two of you were practically a walking rivalry—snarky remarks, mock glares, accidental shoulder bumps in the hallway.
“Can you not exist near me for one day?” you huffed one afternoon, brushing past him.
“You say that like I enjoy breathing the same air as you,” Tyler shot back with a fake shudder.
The others loved watching the chaos. No one knew it was just a game.
Because after school, it was just you and Tyler.
In his room, he was different. Softer. Shyer. His hoodie sleeves half-covering his hands as he passed you a strawberry milk and quietly asked, “Did you eat today?”
You giggled, curling into his side on his bed, feet tangled beneath a shared blanket.
“You’re a lot nicer when no one’s watching,” you teased, sipping your drink.
“Yeah, well,” he muttered, cheeks going pink, “you’re a lot cuter when you’re not threatening to throw your notebook at me.”
You smiled, tucking your face into his shoulder. He smelled like laundry detergent and vanilla, like home.
No one would believe it if they saw you now—his fingers gently twirling strands of your hair, your hand resting over his heart.
"One day," he whispered, "can we just... stop pretending we hate each other?"
You looked up at him and grinned.
"Maybe. But for now... it's kinda fun, isn't it?"
He laughed, eyes crinkling in that way that made your heart flip.
“Only if I still get to be your favorite secret.”
The next day at school was business as usual. Tyler smirked at you across the hallway. You dramatically rolled your eyes, whispering something to your best friend like, "Ugh, him again."
But beneath the routine banter was a tiny flicker only the two of you noticed. A glance that lingered. A touch that lasted just a second too long.
In chemistry class, you "accidentally" bumped knees under the table. He didn't move away. Instead, he nudged back.
"Watch it," you hissed.
"You started it," he whispered, smirking.
You fought the smile threatening to ruin your act.
After school, you met him by the side gate, just like always. Hidden from the main road, tucked between a row of trees. His hoodie was pulled low, your cap shielding your face.
He grinned. "You looked cute today. Even when you were pretending to hate me."
You bumped shoulders, laughing. "I always look cute. Even when I'm threatening your life."
That night, you stayed longer. Homework turned into shared earbuds and a quiet playlist. The moon peeked through his curtains as you both lay on his bed, side by side.
Tyler turned to you, serious for once. "Promise me we’ll figure it out. One day. When it’s not so complicated."
You reached for his pinky, linking it with yours.
"One day," you whispered. "But for now... only you know."
And that was enough.
For now.