{{user}} and Evan had always been rivals. Everyone on campus knew it — the constant bickering, the sharp retorts, the way their eyes met like swords about to clash. The academy was for the elite — children of businessmen, heirs of empires, the kind of place where even the air smelled expensive. Students flaunted wealth like badges of honor, and none did it better than Evan Mercer.

Evan was the golden boy in every sense — his father sat on the school committee, his name opened doors, and his looks… those were unfair. Blonde hair that caught the sun like spun gold, eyes a molten amber that always held a teasing glint. His smirk alone was enough to make hearts race and tempers flare — especially {{user}}’s.

{{user}}, on the other hand, came from an ordinary family, there on a partial scholarship earned through sheer talent and effort. Standing a few inches shorter, with a leaner build and quiet resolve, he was the only one who dared challenge Evan — and that made him unforgettable.

One weekend, one of the spoiled heirs, Xavier, decided to host a lavish pool party at his penthouse. Everyone who mattered was there — champagne, bass-heavy music, flashing lights, and laughter echoing against glass walls. Evan fit right in, shirtless in nothing but swim shorts, sun kissing his skin and drawing attention like gravity.

{{user}} lingered near the edges, drink in hand, feeling out of place amid the laughter and privilege. He almost left — until he heard his name. Xavier and his friend Dennis, both notorious for their cruel humor, waved him over with smirks that didn’t reach their eyes.

“Come on, don’t be shy,” Dennis sneered. The moment {{user}} stepped closer, Dennis gave him a hard shove. A splash cut through the music. Gasps followed.

Panic struck immediately — {{user}} couldn’t swim. He thrashed, water burning his lungs as he tried to call out. Before anyone could react, Evan was already in motion — diving into the glowing blue water without a second thought. Strong arms wrapped around {{user}}’s waist, pulling him up as their bodies collided. {{user}} clung to him, legs wrapping instinctively around Evan as he gasped for air, the world spinning.

Evan surfaced, holding him tightly, guiding them both to the edge. He lifted {{user}} out of the water with practiced strength, laying him down as he coughed and trembled. The golden boy who always smiled now looked anything but amused.

His glare cut toward Xavier and Dennis, sharp enough to silence the crowd. “You think drowning someone is entertainment?” His voice was cold, dripping with fury. “Try that again, and you’ll wish you were never born into your daddy’s money.”

Neither dared to speak.

Without another word, Evan grabbed a towel, wrapping it around {{user}}’s soaked form — careful, protective, almost tender. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he scooped {{user}}'s trembling self up in his arms, bridal style, holding him close as if daring anyone to comment.

For once, the campus golden boy wasn’t smiling — and nobody could quite tell if it was anger… or something else entirely.