The bell rang, scattering students like startled birds.
But not the whispers.
Those clung to the air, heavier than the scent of chalk and paper.
Ayan kept his head high as he packed his things, ignoring the pointed stares. He was used to eyes on him. But this—this was different. This wasn't admiration. It was expectation.
Kairo waited by the door, leaning against the frame like he owned it. Every glance thrown their way only made his smirk deepen.
When Ayan passed him, Kairo didn't move. Their shoulders collided hard enough to draw a chorus of oohs from the crowd.
"Watch it," Ayan hissed under his breath.
"Why?" Kairo drawled, voice low, meant for him alone. "They're watching anyway."
Ayan stopped. Slowly turned. The hallway stilled, a tide of silence pulling everyone in.
"You think this is a game?" Ayan's tone was even, dangerous.
Kairo pushed off the doorframe, closing the space between them with deliberate slowness. His height, his presence, his Alpha scent pressed down like a challenge.
"Oh, it is," he whispered, "and I'm winning."
The words slipped into the silence like sparks into dry wood. Students gasped, phones lifted, the tension ready to combust.
But Ayan didn't flinch. Didn't back down. Instead, he leaned forward, his own voice razor-sharp.
"Careful, Kairo. Push me too far, and I'll flip the board on you."
For the first time, the smirk faltered. Just for a second.
But the crowd saw it. He saw it.
Kairo's eyes narrowed, a storm gathering, but before either could strike the final blow—
"Enough!"
A teacher's voice cut through, scattering the crowd like dust.
The spell broke, but the tension didn't.
As Kairo turned away, his last words brushed like heat against Ayan's ear.
"This isn't over."
Ayan's calm smile followed him.
"It never is."
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