Rival Offline (Anya Forger x Damian Desmond)

Chapter Thirty Six: Like

What did he have to lose?

If she accepted him, they could be together. If she turned him down, well... she would just become another classmate. Damian had been mulling it over all day, and now, standing outside the school, finally free of his costume, he felt both relieved and anxious.

He spotted Anya, standing near the bonfire, her gaze fixed on the flames as students gathered around, chatting and laughing. Something about the way she stood there alone felt different—quieter, more contemplative.

"You're not going over there?" Damian asked as he approached her.

Anya seemed startled, turning quickly. "Huh? Oh... no," she replied, her voice soft, almost uncertain. Where was that cocky teaser from earlier, the one who had insisted they were on a "date"?

He stepped a little closer, hands shoved in his pockets. "You were all talk earlier. What happened?" he asked, trying to sound casual but feeling a knot of nervousness in his chest.

Anya looked back at the bonfire, biting her lip slightly. "I dunno... It just feels different now."

Damian's heart raced. Maybe this was it—maybe this was the moment. He glanced at her, then at the bonfire, the warmth of the flames flickering on their faces. "Different how?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Just... I guess I've been thinking too much."

He swallowed, suddenly feeling like he was on the edge of something huge. "Anya," he began, his voice quieter now.

"Is there something... bothering you?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but his heart raced in anticipation.

"Maybe... I never thought I would feel the way I do right now," she said with a nervous chuckle, scratching her cheek, her eyes darting away from his.

"Like how?" he pressed, feeling the weight of the moment hanging between them. They both avoided looking directly at each other, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in the air. The heat on their faces was definitely not just from the bonfire.

Anya took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

"I like you... but I know... I'm just a commoner... and your rival," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

He blushed uncontrollably, heat flooding his cheeks. "That... doesn't matter... I like you too, even if you're my rival," he replied, his words spilling out before he could second-guess them.

"You? Like me?" she asked, genuine surprise lighting up her eyes.

"D-Don't make me repeat myself!" he stammered, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, the embarrassment overwhelming him.

"Even if these feelings are mutual and we start dating... I won't lose to you," she smirked, her competitive spirit shining through.

He chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Isn't that what comes after this?" he said, teasingly.

"I think so? I don't know," she blushed, scratching her head in embarrassment. "Romance isn't my specialty," she admitted, her cheeks still flushed.

"Will you be my girlfriend, Anya Forger?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with hope.

"Yes, of course, Damian Desmond," she smiled brightly, her heart soaring. She interlocked their hands and leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling a warmth radiate between them.