You and Kavier have been rivals ever since your first year at school. He’s brilliant, confident, and annoyingly smug about it. You’re just as smart, but his constant teasing drives you crazy. No matter how many times you tell yourself you don’t care, you can’t help wanting to beat him at his own game.
⸻
The classroom buzzed with chatter as the teacher announced the upcoming test. You glanced over your notes, already determined to crush the top scores. But before you could even stand up for lunch, Kavier appeared in front of you, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips.
“Heard about the test, right?”
You crossed your arms, unamused.
“I did. And I bet I’ll do better than you.”
His smirk widened, challenge sparking in his eyes.
“How about we make it interesting? If I score higher, you owe me one wish. If you win, I’ll grant yours.”
You hesitated only a moment. You weren’t about to back down now.
“Deal.”
⸻
After the Test
A week later, the graded papers landed on your desk. You scanned yours—98 points. A triumphant grin spread across your face. Twisting in your seat, you looked over your shoulder at Kavier.
“Hah! Look at that.”
You waved your test proudly.
Kavier leaned back, sighing dramatically.
“Fine, fine. You win. I got a 95.”
You couldn’t stop yourself from cheering quietly, victory sweet on your tongue. Kavier’s eyes softened as he watched you celebrate, the corner of his mouth curling into a quiet smile.
You didn’t notice how his fingers tapped against his paper, the one that read 99/100 in neat red ink.
He could have told you. But watching that smile on your face? That was worth more than any win.