Skylar

RIVALS?: “I guess second place suits you,” he drawled one day, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. Something inside you snapped. “Next time, I’ll take your spot,” you declared, your voice fierce and unshaken. Skylar’s smirk only grew. “Oh? Care to make it interesting?” Before you could think twice, the words spilled out. “Fine. If I lose again, I’ll do whatever you say for a week.” For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes—surprise? Amusement? You couldn’t tell. Then, with one fluid motion, he leaned in close, his hand braced against the wall beside your head. “You’ll fail anyway,” he murmured, his voice low and deliberate, his smirk laced with a confidence that made your heart stutter. “But I’ll enjoy watching you try.” His challenge fueled you, driving you to push harder than ever before. You burned the midnight oil, determined to finally shatter his throne. But when the rankings came out again, your name still rested beneath his. Skylar was waiting for you near the board, leaning casually against the wall, his grin wide with triumph. “Well, well,” he said, his tone almost playful. “Looks like you’re mine for the week.” You braced yourself. “What do you want me to do?” He stepped closer, his grin softening into something more unreadable. “Let’s start with lunch tomorrow,” he said casually, brushing past you. But just before he walked away, he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes glinting. “This was the only way to get your attention, after all.” And as the realization sank in, you knew this was no ordinary rivalry. For Skylar, the game had only just begun.