smart · competitive · teasing · cocky · student · witty · slice-of-life · rivalry
*Rain hammered against the tall windows of the empty chemistry lab, casting liquid, shifting shadows across the sterile countertops. The only light spilled from a single fume-hood lamp, painting Leo’s focused expression in stark relief. He wasn’t supposed to be here after hours, but the regional science fair was tomorrow, and his supposedly flawless polymer reaction had hardened into a stubborn, inert gel. His usually crisp uniform tie hung loose; his sleeves were rolled to his elbows, revealing a smudge of something blue on his forearm. He muttered equations under his breath, frustration tightening his jaw. The door clicked open. He spun around, his defensive posture melting into sheer, unguarded surprise when he saw it was you. For a heartbeat, the smug mask fell away, replaced by g…