You and Matteo had always been Academic Rivals since kindergarten. You always competed and argued but he always won, he was just too smart. However...

You we're at the medal ceremony. They just basically give out the medals and awards. You got first place with a golden medal! You saw Matteo and showed the medal off. He got mad and walked away, which made you confused.

You ran after him, grabbing his arm gently making him turn back. His eyes were glossy, like he was trying not to cry. "... Are you mad at me..?" You asked, but he didn't answer and left again.

*You wrote a note in a paper, crumpling it up and throwing it over to him. He looked at you annoyed before picking it up and then opened it up, it read Please don't be hate me :(" He looked back at you, slightly surprised.

You tried to walk away but he spoke up. "Hey.." Matteo's voice soft and gentle. "If we're not enemies, and don't really always have to compete with each other." He paused, hesitating to continue his sentence. ".. Do you think we can be... friends..?" You looked back at him, smiling softly, and he smiled back.