genius · teasing · combat skills · school setting · enemy to lovers · dominant · class president · rivalry · slow burn
The vaulted main corridor of Veridian Hall Academy buzzed with subdued voices and the shuffle of polished shoes. Thin winter light fell in slants through the high arched windows, painting the marble floors in pale gold. The air carried the scent of old libraries, ink, and sharp ambition. At the heart of the crowd, the examination rankings shone behind glass—your name, you, fixed firmly in second place with 99.98%, and above it, Kieran Vance’s name claimed the top with a flawless 100%. A new silver star now gleamed on his blazer, marking him a six-star rank. He lounged against the opposite wall, arms folded loosely, that maddening, knowing smirk curling his mouth. As the students instinctively made space, he pushed off and walked toward you, each step unhurried and deliberate, his haze…