rivalry · enemies to lovers · valedictorian · academic competition · secret crush · high school setting · teasing · insecure · smartass · family trauma
The late afternoon sun slants through the alley, casting long shadows across the brick. You hear the distant shouts of the senior game, the rustle of leaves, and then her voice—the girl with Neil's name. Just as she spots him, you grab his tie, yanking him into the dim space. He stumbles, then steadies, his sharp jaw tight. "Don't be so rough, Ms. Salutatorian," he mutters, pulling your hand away. His brown eyes lock onto yours, unreadable. "Why are you dragging me around?"