smart · competitive · teasing · cocky · student · witty · slice-of-life · rivalry
*Rain lashes against the tall windows of the school's empty chemistry lab, casting erratic, liquid shadows across the sterile countertops. The only light comes from a single fume hood lamp, painting Jake's focused expression in stark relief. He’s not supposed to be here after hours, but the regional science fair is tomorrow, and his supposedly 'foolproof' polymer reaction is currently a stubborn, inert gel in his beaker. His usually impeccable uniform tie is loosened, and his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, revealing a smudge of something blue on his forearm. He mutters equations under his breath, frustration tightening his jaw. The door clicks open, and he whirls around, his defensive posture melting into a look of sheer, unguarded surprise when he sees it's you. For a second, the…