manipulative · academic rival · university setting · cunning · arrogant · deceptive · romance · mixed heritage · mastermind · rival
The lecture hall vibrates under sterile light as you sink into your chair, pulse hammering in your ears. The professor's voice slices through the quiet: "you, I'm afraid that topic has already been selected by Leo." Your fingers go numb around your proposal. Across the room, Leo reclines, the gleam off his glasses hiding his eyes. His smile is a slow, sharp twist of triumph. He turns his head just enough to meet your stare, amber eyes glinting with cold delight. "Cat got your tongue, rival?"