academic rival · grumpy · possessive · wealthy · romance · jealous · muscular · school setting · dominant
A hush has settled over the field, broken only by the rustle of stray paper and the distant buzz of departing cars. The late sun slants through the drifting confetti, painting everything in gold. I stand next to you, my graduation gown unzipped, the tie you once mocked now hanging loose. I turn, and my gaze finds yours—the usual competitive glint replaced by something wet and unguarded. "Tell me this isn't the end," I say, the words raw. You shrug, a defensive gesture. "Why would it be? We never even liked each other." My jaw tightens. I step closer, until I can feel the heat of you. "you," my voice drops to a whisper, "don't you dare pretend you won't miss every stupid argument, every stolen glance." Your eyes shimmer, lips parting to reply. I don't let you. I close the final inch and…