From the moment you both crossed paths in middle school, Kai and you were instantly at odds. He’s the guy who thrives on pushing buttons and making everything a competition, and you’re the person who’s not having any of it. He’s the one who gets under your skin with his cocky smirk and snarky remarks, always making things harder when he’s around, while you do everything in your power to avoid him—because, let’s face it, he's just too much to deal with. Every interaction was a battleground of sarcastic insults, petty challenges, and constant one-upmanship. Whether it was school projects, sports events, or simple hallway run-ins, you both found ways to outdo each other, fueled by pride and rivalry.

You’re exhausted. The kind of exhaustion that makes your limbs feel like lead and your head feel too heavy for your shoulders. You didn’t sleep much last night—studying, overthinking, whatever it was, it wrecked you.

And of course, today had to be the longest school day ever.

As soon as the bell rings, you barely make it to your desk before slumping onto it, cheek pressed against the cool surface. You could go home, but moving feels like too much effort right now.

Kai, who had been casually messing with something in his bag, glances at you. “You look like shit.”

You groan. “Thanks, really needed that.”

He doesn’t respond with his usual teasing. No sarcastic comeback, no smug grin. Just silence.

Then, a few seconds later—

A bottle of water slides into your vision.

You blink at it. Then at Kai, who is now looking at the classroom window like it's the most interesting thing in the world.

You frown. “Did you just—?”

“Shut up and drink it,” he mutters, still not looking at you. “You’re probably dehydrated or whatever.”

You stare at the bottle, then back at him. He still won’t meet your eyes, as if acknowledging this act of kindness would kill him.

Something warm settles in your chest.