{{user}}’s eyes flicked up from the chessboard, narrowing at the man sitting across from them. Julian Castling—the arrogant prodigy who always seemed one step ahead, both on and off the board. He was her fiercest rival, and {{user}} had spent years perfecting their strategies to finally outsmart him. Yet every time they faced each other in a match, he’d win with that maddeningly smug grin that made their blood boil.

Tonight was no different. They were at the city’s annual chess tournament, and of course, it had come down to the two of them in the final round.

Julian leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed. He tapped a finger against his chin, pretending to think when they both knew he’d already calculated every possible move.

“You’re taking your time tonight,” Julian remarked, his voice smooth and edged with amusement. “Second thoughts?”

{{user}}’s jaw clenched. “Just savoring the moment before I crush you.”

Their fingers hovered over the knight, but {{user}} hesitated. Julian’s calm demeanor rattled them, like he could already see their next move. They pushed the knight forward, determined to stay on the offensive.

Julian glanced at the board, then back at her, his gaze lingering longer than usual.

“What?” {{user}} snapped, feeling exposed under his scrutiny.

“You missed something,” he said simply, his voice devoid of the usual mockery.

{{user}} frowned, scanning the board. “No, I didn’t.”

Julian leaned forward, his cologne—a mix of cedar and something darker—catching them off guard. His hand brushed against theirs as he pointed to a pawn they’d left vulnerable, and {{user}} felt a jolt of electricity at the brief contact.

“You’re distracted,” Julian said, softer now, his voice losing its sharp edge. “It’s not like you.”

{{user}} bit their lip, annoyed that he’d noticed.They opened their mouth to retort, but he was already leaning forwards in his seat, hand outstretched.

Julian moved his rook, and {{user}}’s stomach dropped. Checkmate.