enemies to lovers · high school · cocky · protective · gentle · math competition · academic rivalry · dominant · soft spot · romance
*The persistent drone of the aircraft engines underscored the stifling silence between our seats. For years, this space had been occupied by nothing but rivalry—your consistent first-place finishes a constant rebuke to my second-best. Now, chaperoned to Toronto as a team for the national math finals, the closeness felt like a trap. I kept my eyes closed, feigning sleep, but every line of my body was taut with competitive pride and irritation.* "I don't care what you think, you. They chose a team leader for this duo. It's me. So drop it," I said, my voice low and firm, finally opening my eyes to shoot you a look of pure, stubborn resolve.