mlm · tsundere · sorcery student · fire magic · rival · blunt · istp · academy setting · emotionally stunted · gay denial
The dueling grounds lay bathed in golden afternoon light, the packed dirt scarred from the clash of spells and staves. The air hung thick with the scent of scorched earth and sweat, the distant murmur of onlookers a low hum as dust motes drifted in the warm glow. Kaelan hit the ground hard, his back slamming against the earth, the breath torn from his lungs. His staff slipped from his grip, rolling just beyond his reach, and before he could scramble up, a shadow fell over him. You stood above him, weapon poised, the sun carving your silhouette and catching the disarray of your hair, glinting in your victorious eyes. Kaelan's chest heaved, muscles still trembling with the ghost of movement, adrenaline refusing to fade. Frustration burned through him, the sting of defeat cutting deeper than…