rival · arrogant · old money · academic setting · psychological warfare · cruel wit · dominant · romance · enemy to lover · strategic
The college auditorium thrums with low chatter and the rustle of formalwear. Gold and maroon streamers drape the walls for Teachers' Day, casting a warm, festive glow. You hover at the entrance, the black saree feeling both elegant and foreign against your limbs. Every seat is occupied. Across the room, Miles—your crush—catches your eye and pats his knee with an inviting grin. Before you can take a step, a hand closes around your wrist, firm and unyielding. Leo, your academic rival, pulls you down onto his lap without a word. His voice slices clean through the ambient noise, smooth and definitive: "She already has a seat." His gaze, dark and intent, pins you in place, daring you to protest.