Competing With Desire (GxG)

Character Introductions + Trope

Sup everyone! New book in the making because my mind has been BUZZING with ideas lately. This doesn't mean I'll be discontinuing either of my other books, it's just a tiny break and change of scenery!

Without more to say, thank you so much for tuning in and giving it a chance. The writing will get better with every chapter. To hold on tight, and enjoy!

Isabelle Hartman

"I've always stood out, and I like it that way. Maybe it's the heels, maybe it's the lipstick, or maybe it's just because I walk into a room like I belong there. I'm used to people noticing me, and that's how it should be. In a sea of guys in my physics class—where they all think they're the next Einstein—it feels good to hold my own. They don't expect much from me, but that's fine. I let them think they've got the upper hand, and then I crush them on every exam. Top marks, top projects. The boys act shocked, but really, they should've seen it coming. I didn't get here by accident. I study until I've got everything down, and I never miss a detail. Being at the top takes work, and I'm not ashamed of wanting to be the best."

"People think I'm uptight or too focused, but what's wrong with knowing what you want? I've always been that way, whether it's getting the highest grades or planning the perfect night out. I can balance both. Some people find that hard to understand—they assume I'm all work, no play. But that's not true. I know how to have fun, how to live a little, as long as it doesn't mess with my goals."

"Chloe, though? She's a mystery. She walks into class looking like she just came from a climb, always with that carabiner and chalk on her hands. She's smart, I know that, but she's not serious. She doesn't have the drive, the ambition. She acts like everything's so easy, like grades don't matter to her, and I can't figure out why that bothers me so much. It's like she's on her own planet, not caring what anyone thinks. Maybe that's what annoys me... or maybe it's because, in some weird way, I kind of wish I could be that relaxed. But I'm not like that. I'm precise. I'm focused. And I'm going to beat her."

Chloe Turner

"I don't need all the extra noise. People get caught up in stuff that doesn't matter—like grades, what the professor thinks, how you look in class. I'm here to learn, and that's it. I like the hands-on part of science, the stuff you can touch and figure out with your own two hands. Rock climbing is like that—there's no faking it. Either you get to the top, or you don't. You can't talk your way through it. That's why I'm good in the lab. I don't overthink it; I just do it."

"Honestly, I don't fit the 'student mold' or whatever. I don't have time for that. I've got my climbing, my hiking, and I'm always on the move. The classroom feels like a box sometimes, but I do what I need to get through. I keep to myself, mostly because I don't see the point in showing off. The guys here try too hard, and I can't be bothered to get into it with them. I'm here for the knowledge, not the show."

"And then there's Isabelle. She's like... the opposite of me. All about the spotlight, always putting in the extra effort, like she has something to prove. And sure, she's smart, but she's too perfect. Everything about her is polished. She's the kind of person who probably organizes her fridge and color-codes her closet. I'm more of a 'shove it in the bag and go' kind of girl. I don't care if my shirt's wrinkled or if I'm late to class. But Isabelle? You can tell she plans everything down to the last second. It's impressive, I guess, but also kind of exhausting. I'd never live like that."

"It's funny, though. She acts like she's got everything under control, but I wonder if she's as confident as she looks. Sometimes people like that crack under pressure, and I can't help but wonder what it'd take to make her break. Either way, I'm not letting her get the upper hand. She may be queen of the classroom, but I've got my own game, and I'm not about to let her win."

Chloe's opinion on Isabelle:

"Isabelle Hartman is the worst type of girl—a know-it-all who can't shut up about how much better she is. She walks into class, her perfect little outfits and designer bags, like she's stepping onto some kind of runway. And God, she's good at making sure everyone knows she's the smartest in the room.

What pisses me off most? She acts like I don't belong there. Like me being into sports or not obsessing over grades means I'm beneath her. The way she watches me every time I speak up in class, ready to pounce with some correction or snarky comment—it drives me crazy. She doesn't get that I'm just as smart as she is, maybe even better. I hate how she's constantly breathing down my neck, waiting for me to screw up so she can jump in and act superior.

And that night? I still don't know how the hell it happened. We were at that party, both of us too drunk for our own good. One minute we were arguing, and the next... I had her pinned against the wall, my mouth on hers. I should've pulled away the second I felt her lips. But instead, we kept going. I hated her more in that moment than I ever had, and somehow it only made me want her more.

Now, every time I see her, all I can think about is how much I hate her... and how much I want to rip her apart at the same time."

Isabelle's opinion on Chloe:

"Chloe Turner is an arrogant, careless jerk. She struts into class like she owns the place, thinking she's better than everyone else just because she can climb a wall or lift weights. I've never met someone who took school so unseriously yet managed to do so well. It drives me insane. She doesn't care about her grades, yet somehow, she's always right there, neck-and-neck with me, as if she could beat me without even trying.

The worst part is, she's always undermining me, acting like my hard work doesn't matter. And the way she looks at me—like I'm just another obstacle for her to crush—it makes my blood boil. She doesn't deserve to be in my space, doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as me in that classroom. I hate everything about her.

But that night, I let my guard down. Too many drinks, too much tension between us, and then suddenly, we were kissing. It was fast, rough, filled with anger. I remember the way her hands gripped me, the way she pushed me against the wall, like she wanted to win something even then. I hated every second of it, but I couldn't stop.

I won't let that happen again. I can't let her have the satisfaction of thinking she has any power over me. I'll crush her in class, prove I'm better, and pretend that night never happened."

Warning: Mature Content

This story contains themes and elements that may not be suitable for all readers, including:

    •    Explicit Language: Frequent use of strong language throughout the narrative.

    •    Sexual Content: Explicit sexual situations and descriptions of intimate relationships.

    •    Substance Use: Occasional references to alcohol and its use in social situations.

    •    Conflict and Rivalry: Themes of competition and tension, including emotional confrontations.

    •    Strong Themes: Exploration of ambition, desire, and personal insecurities.

Reader discretion is advised. This story is intended for mature audiences only.

And before we dive right in, I want to mention that all pictures belong to the rightful owners.

I don't condone in plagiarism, meaning; copyright of the story belongs to me!

To be continued! 💋