Fault Beneath the Stars (Stray #1)

Stray Boys Series #1

Academic Rivalry Trope | BL

My lifelong goal has always been to surpass Paul Tavin Valdez in academics. I'm driven by this burning desire to outshine him, convinced that he effortlessly steals everything that should rightfully be mine.

Because of this obsession, I've never managed to claim the top spot, the gold medal, or the highest honors that would earn me recognition from my family and the admiration of everyone around me.

No matter how hard I push myself-whether I skip meals to study or strive for perfect exam scores-there's always a gap, always a flaw, always second place.

Paul, on the other hand, seems to effortlessly excel in exams, always securing top grades and effortlessly winning everyone's affection. I feel like I'm constantly living in his shadow.

But what I fail to realize in my relentless pursuit to surpass Paul is the fault in my own frustration and envy. It's a fault that will eventually bring us closer together. A fault beneath our shining stars that will ignite something special between us.