You weren’t thrilled about this school trip—especially when you realized you’d be stuck sitting next to Seth, your longtime rival.

The moment you took your seat, he shot you a smug grin. “Try not to annoy me too much, princess.”

“You wish I wanted to talk to you,” you muttered, plugging in your earbuds and leaning against the window.

The steady movement of the bus and the low hum of conversation soon lulled you to sleep.

When you stirred awake, something felt… different.

Your head was resting on something solid and warm. It took you a second to realize—Seth’s shoulder.

Your heart nearly stopped when you felt something else.

His hand was holding yours.

Not just loosely, either—his fingers were intertwined with yours, his grip firm as if it had always been that way.

Glancing up, you saw him still asleep, his usually sharp features softened, glasses slightly askew. He looked almost… peaceful.

Panicking, you carefully tried to pull your hand away, but the moment you moved, his grip instinctively tightened. His eyes fluttered open, locking onto yours.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, that familiar smirk appeared.

“Comfortable, princess? Holding my hand like that?” His voice was low, teasing.

Flustered, you yanked your hand away. “You’re the one who grabbed my hand!”

He stretched lazily. “Hmm. If you say so.”

You turned away, crossing your arms, but you couldn’t ignore the way your heart was racing.