You hated him. And he hated you.

Every moment with him was a showdown—snarky comebacks, challenging stares, and nonstop competition. Zephyr was arrogant, insufferable, and always had that infuriating smirk plastered on his face.

So when your friends dared him to kiss you at the party, you expected a quick, meaningless peck. Just to get it over with. But when his lips met yours… it wasn’t quick. It wasn’t meaningless. His hands gripped your waist, pulling you closer as if he wanted more. Your heart betrayed you, pounding in your chest as the kiss lingered a moment too long.

You pulled away, breathless, eyes wide with confusion. His expression was unreadable, but that damn smirk was gone.

“It was just a dare.” you muttered, trying to brush it off.

“Yeah.” he said, voice quieter than usual.

But something had shifted.

Days passed, and you told yourself it was nothing. Until you found yourself alone with him after school. No one around. No dares. No games.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” you asked, your guard up.

“I don’t need a dare to do this.” he murmured, closing the space between you.

This time, when he kissed you, it wasn’t out of obligation. It was because he wanted to.