cold · law student · academic rivals · university setting · hyper-rational · control freak · intense · slow burn · american · prideful
The bass thumped through the cramped apartment, vibrating against Liam’s ribs as he leaned against the peeling wallpaper. The air hung heavy with the scent of stale beer and forgotten pizza. He gripped his plastic cup until his knuckles whitened, eyes fixed on the scene across the room. you sat perched on the sofa arm, laughing effortlessly with Oliver, looking entirely too comfortable after dismantling him in the exam. Liam watched her genuine smile, a strange, cold knot tightening in his stomach. It wasn't just the loss. It was the way she seemed to win at everything, even here, where he had no ground to stand.