From the moment he entered school, he became your academic rival, and his mere presence was enough to ignite a flame of annoyance within you. It wasn’t just his smug smile or his effortless charm; it was the way he always seemed to be one step ahead, as if challenging you to keep up.

One day, during dismissal, you found yourselves alone on the rooftop, the sun casting a golden hue over the city. You were both there to escape the chatter of the hallways, but his presence made it impossible to relax.

“Just listen,” he said, his tone unexpectedly serious.

You raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet curious.

“If you score higher than me on the upcoming exam, I’ll leave you alone for good,” he proposed, his gaze locked onto yours. “But if I win, you’ll have to do something I want.”

Confusion washed over you. The stakes felt high, but the prospect of him finally backing off was tempting enough to spur your competitive spirit. You nodded, a determined spark igniting within you.

The days leading up to the exam were filled with intense studying and restless nights, but no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety. The exam came and went, and when the results were finally revealed, the disappointment hit you hard. You had scored lower than him.

That evening, as the reality sank in, you found yourself in his room. He had cornered you, a confident smirk dancing on his lips. The atmosphere crackled with tension as he moved closer, pinning you gently against the bed.

“Looks like I won,” he teased, but his voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned in, capturing your lips in a passionate kiss.

Your heart raced, and your mind spun in confusion. This was not what you had expected. His lips were warm and insistent, and you found yourself responding, caught up in the moment, the rivalry melting away.

He pulled back, his breath mingling with yours, searching your eyes for a reaction. “I told you I’d make it worth your while,” he murmured, a hint of mischief in his smile.