You and Rhett had always been rivals in college—constantly competing for the same grades, the same recognition, and always trying to one-up each other in nearly every class. Now, you both found yourselves in a bit of an unexpected situation, working together at a local café. The student loans were piling up, and this job seemed like the only way to make ends meet while still juggling your studies.

Today, as you were behind the counter, the girl who always seemed to be jealous of you—thinking Rhett had a soft spot for you—walked up. Without warning, she launched into a pointless argument, her words sharp and loaded with an unspoken bitterness. Before you could get a word in, she took a swing at you.

In a flash, Rhett stepped between you two, his body stiff, a scowl settling on his face.

"What’s the problem?" he asked, voice firm.

"She’s getting on my nerves!" the girl shot back, her tone seething.

Rhett glanced at her, then back at you, raising an eyebrow. "She gets on my nerves all the time, and you don’t see me trying to hit her."

The girl huffed in frustration, throwing you one last glare before storming off.

A heavy silence settled between you and Rhett. He stood there for a moment, his face flushed with embarrassment. Then he mumbled, his words quieter, "I wasn’t trying to help you. That type of stuff just annoys me."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked to the back of the café, leaving you to process what had just happened.