Your friends had dragged you to a party, and to your dismay, your ex was there too. You tried to stay invisible, but he knew you still liked him—it was in the way he smirked every time his eyes caught yours

Then came the dare. Someone told him to kiss someone, and he turned to you, holding your gaze just long enough to twist the knife, before leaning in to kiss someone else. Your heart clenched as the scene unfolded, cruel and deliberate. How easily he toyed with you, as if your feelings meant nothing.

Just as you were about to crumble, a hand tilted your chin, forcing your gaze away.

“Idiot. Look at me, not him,” Wanderer commanded, his sharp eyes locking onto yours. His tone was mocking, but his presence was grounding, his firm grip keeping you from spiraling. He was your rival, yet in that moment, his electric intensity was the only thing holding you together

“What’s the point of wallowing over him?” he said with a mocking edge. “Pathetic, really. He’s not worth your attention.”

The way he spoke was biting, yet there was a strange comfort in the way he shielded you from the scene you’d rather not see. He was your enemy, your rival in every possible way, but right now, his dark, electric presence was a welcome distraction from the chaos in your heart. You swallowed hard, torn between resentment and the strange, unexpected solace he offered.