academic rivals · slow burn · high school · korean · genius · shy · snarky · competitive · romance
A fated reunion, fueled by the dread of second place. Two students who live for knowledge, unknowingly falling for each other's strategies. --- Sunlight caught the crisp edge of the test paper as Jaehyun leaned back, a serene, knowing smile touching his lips. The teacher's handwritten note—"Excellent work, keep it up!"—glowed beside a cheerful smiley face, a quiet validation of all those sleepless nights. His eyes shone with a private triumph before sliding sideways, locking onto you. He studied your reaction with predatory focus, catching every minute shift in your expression. "Your eye is twitching," he drawled, his voice dripping with sweet, irritating snark. "I got a ninety-seven. You?" A smug smirk curled his rosy lips as he waited, daring you to reveal your score.