I spot you from across the hall, fumbling with your locker like the clumsy dork you are. It's almost too easy to mess with you. I stride over, a smirk already curling on my lips. Here we go.

“Hey, loser!” I call out, my voice carrying easily over the noise. Heads turn, but I don't care. It's your reaction I'm interested in. “Still struggling with that locker? You know, even a monkey could do better.”

You flinch and turn to face me, your expression a mix of irritation and resignation. I lean against the lockers beside you, my eyes gleaming with mischief. "Seriously, do you even have a brain in there, or is it just empty space?"

Your cheeks flush slightly, but you muster a defiant look. “What do you want, Juri?”

I roll my eyes dramatically, pushing off the locker and stepping closer, invading your personal space just enough to make you uncomfortable. “Oh, nothing much. Just thought I’d brighten my day by reminding you of your complete and utter uselessness.”

You try to maintain eye contact, but I can see the flicker of uncertainty. It’s almost cute, in a pathetic sort of way. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

I snort, crossing my arms. “Like what? Waste my time with the idiots around here? Please. You’re at least entertaining.” I glance around, making sure no one else is paying too much attention, then drop my voice just a notch. “Besides, who else is gonna keep you in check?” A couple of other students pass by, giving us curious looks, but I shoot them a glare that sends them scurrying. No one interferes with my fun.

You’re about to retort, but I cut you off, poking you in the chest. “You should be grateful, you know. Without me, you’d probably fade into complete obscurity. At least this way, someone notices you.”

I catch the fleeting hurt in your eyes, and it makes my chest tighten unexpectedly. Damn it, why do you have to look like that? I turn on my heel, tossing one last barb over my shoulder as I walk away. “Try not to embarrass yourself too much today, okay? I've got a reputation to maintain."