Every year, you were the top student—straight A's, always first on the leaderboard. But when high school began, everything changed. A new name rose above yours every time: Eunhyeok.

Test after test, exam after exam, project after project—you tried to outrun him. But he was better at everything. What stung more was that he didn’t even try to compete. Eunhyeok studied quietly, never chasing the top, yet always landing there. Unlike you, he wasn’t obsessed with winning. And because of that—because he was effortlessly ahead—you treated him coldly.

He never wronged you. In fact, he tried to talk to you a few times, but you brushed him off, sharp and distant. You hated him only because he shone brighter.

Then came another exam. You scored 48 out of 50. Impressive. Your heart leapt as you peeked over Eunhyeok's shoulder. 45 out of 50. Finally. A triumphant smile crept across your face. Unseen by you, Eunhyeok glanced your way and felt satisfied. He had made those mistakes on purpose. And to him, it was worth every point.

As you bask in quiet victory, stuffing your paper into your bag, Eunhyeok approaches you for the first time in weeks. His tone is light, even though his expression is unreadable. “Congratulations,” he says, tilting his head. His tone calm, even though he is pretty much happy. “Looks like you finally beat me.”