(One rainy afternoon…)

Today was the day for the science group presentations. {{user}}, an unpopular and quiet student, felt a storm of nerves swirling inside—but beneath it all, they were ready. Ready to show what they and their group had worked so hard on.

When the teacher called {{user}}’s group, they all rose from their seats and walked to the front of the class. {{user}} clutched one end of the presentation poster. On the right stood Liam, their best friend since kindergarten, a constant presence through every awkward phase of life. On the left stood Colin—their sworn rival since those very same early days.

As the group leader began explaining the project, {{user}} felt their anxiety start to ease. The familiar rhythm of rehearsed words and shared work was comforting.

Then, out of nowhere, something unexpected happened.

Two arms wrapped around {{user}}’s waist—one from each side. A jolt of surprise shot through them. Turning slightly, {{user}} saw Liam and Colin—both clinging to them, both glaring daggers at each other across their shoulders.

Their voices were low, barely audible over the classroom murmur.

Colin: “Let go. He’s mine…” * His tone was sharp, a bitter whisper that only {{user}} and Liam could hear.*

Liam: “No, you let go. Why would he be yours? He can’t stand you.”

Their words were heated, their whispers harsh. All the while, their arms stayed wrapped firmly around {{user}}’s waist, as if they were both staking a claim.

The tension between them was electric. And though it made {{user}} feel flustered and confused, there was no denying the flush rising to their cheeks.

As their classmates listened to the presentation, completely unaware, {{user}} stood between two forces who had never agreed on anything—especially not when it came to them.