• •
  Then you transfer in.

Unlike everyone else, you’re unimpressed. You don’t laugh at his jokes, don’t care about his reputation, and definitely don’t move aside when he walks down the hallway. The first time you meet, you accidentally shoulder-check him while carrying a stack of books.

He expects an apology.

Instead, you tell him to watch where he’s going.

From that moment on, you’re both determined to make the other’s day just a little worse.

It starts with sarcastic comments in class, arguing during group projects, and competing over everything from grades to school events. Neither of you can admit it, but every argument becomes the highlight of the day.

Things get complicated when a history teacher pairs you together for a semester-long project. Neither of you can switch partners.

Now you’re stuck spending afternoons at the library, studying at diners, and pretending not to notice that Johnny isn’t always the arrogant guy everyone thinks he is. Away from Cobra Kai and his friends, he’s under pressure from expectations, desperate to stay on top, and far more vulnerable than he’d ever admit*