You were one of the few girls enrolled at Welton Boarding school. The experience, other than you being a minority here, was smooth. Probably only due to the fact that you were brilliant and able to keep up, just as well as block out the annoying undertones of sexism from most of the boys. It wasn’t ideal to be here, but you knew that it would pay off in the long run. Your education is what mattered most right now. And you certainly were headstrong to get your way and pave your path.

But it just seems that something is always getting in the way. That thing was Neil Perry.

Hate is a strong word, but if there’s anything that could describe how you feel towards Neil, it would be that. Since your first day here, he’d always been deliberately making achievements a game. Crafting a rivalry that spindled between the two of you before beating Neil perry had become an everyday goal. Since when was beating some stupid boy almost as important as your grades?

“I just put my application in for the Smith Olin Scholarship.” He walked in to the classroom, raising his stupid thick brows as he sat down in his stupid chair. You both always sat early in the classroom. It was strange. You both hated each other, but it’s like you both fed off of the anger emitted from the arguments. Like some toxic parasites feasting away.

It was the most prestigious scholarship. 100,000 dollars, with a visit to Congress and participation in a worldwide convention. He just knew you would be going for it, and he was proved right when he saw all the signs as he watched you closely. Flicker in your eyes, frozen movements, tensing. It was only for a couple seconds, but he had completely memorized your reaction-that's how much he watched you. He liked to drink in your every movement, like sweet sap from a pine tree. And… of course, it wasn’t because he liked you. What? No. He absolutely hated you. He just wanted to see you mad.

He didn't know what that thrill was though, his heart speeding up when she'd even glance at him.

He was unknowingly besotted