The Winner Takes it all

CHAPTER 6

Collision course

I can't believe what I just heard—we're teaming up? That's ridiculous. My head is already aching just from thinking about it. All my life, I've only dreamt of competing with him, of proving myself to him. But no, he's ruining it. He's standing in my way. He must be threatened by me.

As soon as class ended, I stormed off, determined to confront him. But I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized something embarrassing—I had no idea where his classroom was.

Frustrated, I wandered down the hallway, trying to figure out where to find him. What strand is he even in? I pressed my fingers to my temple, the stress growing unbearable. Adjusting my glasses, I resumed my search, only to bump into someone.

Again.

I sighed, fixing my glasses, and looked up—only to be greeted by the devil himself.

"Hey! Sorry about that. You okay?" Everett asked, his usual soft smile plastered on his face.

I glared at him and stepped back. "We need to talk," I said, my voice cold and detached.

He looked at me like he already knew what this was about. "Come on, Calliope. What's the big deal about teaming up?" he asked, still smiling as if everything was fine.

I rolled my eyes, barely able to hold back the frustration. "I wanted us to compete, Everett. Not team up," I snapped, my voice sharper than usual. I barely recognize myself in moments like this, but I push the thought aside.

"What's your problem? Are you-" he trailed off, hesitating.

I narrowed my eyes. "Am I what?" I demanded.

He shook his head, but I wasn't letting him off that easily. "Say it, Everett," I said, my voice low and threatening. I saw the surprise flash across his face. This was the first time I'd ever used his name.

"You're acting like I'm your enemy," he said, his tone growing serious.

I crossed my arms, standing my ground. "Isn't it obvious?" I shot back. "And since you clearly don't get it, let me make this clear, I have no interest in partnering up with you for that stupid quiz bee." I kept my voice icy, like I always do when I want to shut people down.

His expression shifted, his brows furrowing, the playful light in his eyes darkening. "That's not how it works, Cali," he said, his voice steady but with an edge to it.

I ignored his tone, refusing to back down. "I don't care, Everett. I'm not teaming up with you. Find someone else."

He shook his head slowly. "I'm not doing that."

I blinked, taken aback. "What?" I asked, my voice quieter, uncertain.

"I want you." His gaze didn't waver, and something about it made me uncomfortable. He quickly added, "For the team. You're the most suitable partner, and... I know how much you love-" he hesitated, looking unsure, "-science."

His words hung in the air, but all I could feel was the tension between us tightening like a string pulled too taut.

I cleared my throat again, forcing myself to look away to maintain my composure. "How do you know that? Stop talking nonsense," I lied. Truth was, I love science. I would practically sell my soul just to get my hands on every biology book and absorb every fragment of knowledge.

He shook his head, unfazed. "Denying it doesn't change a thing," he said firmly, his gaze still locked onto mine. "You're not backing out, and I'm not letting you."