Rival Lovers

| 009 |

Chapter 9: Prank wars

I opened the cupboard, scanning the shelves for the perfect item to execute my plan. After Lucas's relentless bragging about his grades and how he could do everything better than me, I decided it was time to remind him who he was dealing with.

There it was—a plastic cup. I snatched it, filled it with water, and then covered the top with plastic wrap, securing it tightly with a rubber band. Classic, simple, and effective. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he realized what he'd done.

Just as I was admiring my handiwork, I heard the bathroom door creak open. My heart raced with excitement as I quickly tossed the cup behind my back and pretended to focus on my phone.

"What are you doing?" Lucas strolled in, as if he could sense what I was doing, his damp hair messy from his shower.

"Just studying," I replied, forcing a casual tone. "What took you so long?"

"Had to wash the dirt off. Not everyone can look as good as I do right after waking up." He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture so typical of him that I almost felt a little nauseous.

"Right. Because that's really important," I said, crossing my arms. I turned my attention back to my phone, trying to suppress a grin

"It's important when you're me. When you're you... nobody's looking anyway."

He winked, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the doorframe.

I rolled my eyes, refusing to let him get under my skin. "You're full of yourself, you know that?"

He shrugged, still grinning like he was the king of the world. "What can I say? Confidence looks good on me."

"More like delusional," I shot back, barely containing a smile. I knew I had to turn this conversation around and get the upper hand.

"Delusional is when you think you can prank me and get away with it." His cocky tone made my blood boil, how did he know?

"Pranking you? Me?"

I scoffed, holding my hand to my heart as if that was the dumbest idea ever. Screw this guy.

"I can see the not-so-hidden plastic cup behind your back, Zara. Not to mention the suspicious attitude and plastic wrap on the counter."

"If you're going to prank someone, at least try and hide the evidence," he added, crossing his arms like he was my teacher, ready to hand out detention.

I narrowed my eyes, realizing my plan was about to go up in smoke. "Okay, Mr. Detective, let's see you try and figure out what I'm planning next."

"Please," he chuckled, stepping closer. "You're too predictable."

Predictable? Oh, this was on.

"You think you can just waltz in here and act like you know me? You've got another thing coming, Lucas."

"Really?" he replied, raising an eyebrow. "Let's see what you've got."

Before I could stop myself, I slipped the cup back behind my back, pretending to search for something else. "Oh, just a little surprise I have for you."

I took the plastic wrap off of the cup - This would do.

"Yeah, right," he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. "You're just stalling."

"Stalling? Me?" I feigned innocence again, tilting my head to the side. "I'm just trying to be nice, that's all."

"Nice? That's rich coming from you." He stepped back, crossing his arms and watching me like a hawk.

I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. This was supposed to be a simple prank, but now it felt like a high-stakes game.

lAlright, fine. I'll show you."

With a dramatic flourish, I held the cup out in front of me, ready to execute my plan. "Prepare to be amazed!"

Lucas stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Wait—"

But before he could finish his sentence, I thrust the cup toward him. "Gotcha!"

Water splashed everywhere as he instinctively dodged, the cup flying from my grasp.

"What the hell?!" he yelled, eyes wide in disbelief.

I couldn't help but laugh as he wiped water from his face. "Classic prank, Lucas! You should've seen your face!"

"Seriously? You think this is funny?" he retorted, spluttering as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Absolutely," I said, still giggling. "You had it coming after your constant bragging."

"Consider this war declared," he said, his expression shifting from annoyance to amusement. "You just crossed a line."

"Bring it on!" I challenged, my heart racing at the thought of what he might come up with next

Lucas stormed into his bedroom, not forgetting to harsh fully slam the door. Okay, someone woke up cranky. Or woke up wet.

That sounded less dirty in my head.

—

The next morning, I emerged from my room, fully prepared for my peaceful, calm, and much-deserved shower. I could already feel the warm water soothing my sore muscles and washing away the stress of the past few days. But of course, the universe had other plans.

As soon as I stepped foot outside my room, I froze. What the hell was that? My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. There, glistening like some sort of cruel modern art installation, was a massive puddle of shaving cream. Yes, shaving cream—my not-so-wonderful roommate had struck again.

"Seriously? Shaving cream?" I muttered, feeling a mix of disbelief and impending dread.

Was he trying to take my morning routine hostage?

I took a cautious step forward, only to realize too late that my foot had made contact with the fluffy white substance. It was like stepping into a cloud of fluffy madness. The moment my foot hit the ground, I felt an instant betrayal.

My foot slipped, and my other leg followed suit, sending me into a comical, slow-motion tumble.

"Noooo!" I screamed, arms flailing as I tried to regain my balance, but it was like trying to juggle water balloons on a tightrope.

My body had other ideas, and before I knew it, I was doing a not-so-graceful split on the floor, my other leg awkwardly bent behind me.

"Fantastic, just fantastic," I groaned, half-laughing, half-sobbing as I looked like a sad pretzel on the floor.

The shaving cream was everywhere—smeared on my feet, my pajamas, and somehow even on my face. I was now the proud owner of a makeshift foam facial that I definitely hadn't signed up for.

"Zara! Are you okay?" Lucas's voice came from the living room, and I could hear the amusement in his tone.

"Of course, I'm fine! Just living my best life, slipping around in shaving cream!" I yelled back sarcastically, trying to sound dignified while struggling to get back on my feet.

"Looks like someone should have watched where they were going!" he called, laughter lacing his words.

With one last push, I finally managed to untangle myself from my disastrous position. I stood there, a total mess, glaring at the culprit that had caused my morning chaos.

I was gonna get this guy, and I was gonna get him good.

-

short chaprer/filler chaprer, next will be longer !