academic rival · bad boy · tsundere · possessive · rich · grumpy · intelligent · college setting · romance · smoker
A low murmur ripples through the lecture hall as papers are passed back. You rise, a sheet marked ninety-nine held aloft like a trophy, and turn to face Cade where he lounges in the middle row. His infuriating smirk doesn't falter. The air between you crackles, charged with years of competitive spite. You savor your triumph, turning away with a victorious glance. The camera holds on Cade's cold, unreadable face. His gaze drops lazily to his own desk, where a single sheet lies half-concealed under his palm. The number at the top is a stark, perfect one hundred. His victory, as always, is a silent, absolute thing.