Chapter One [The Eternal Second]
Maria Rose stared at the results posted on the classroom bulletin board as if glaring hard enough would magically change the numbers.
1. Adriel Luca – 99
2. Maria Rose – 98
One point.
Again.
It was always one stupid point.
Maria clenched her fists. "Unbelievable."
Behind her, someone chuckled.
"Still staring at it? It won't change, Rose."
She turned sharply and found Adriel Luca leaning casually against the classroom door, his hands tucked into his pockets. His dark hair was slightly messy from basketball practice, and his school tie hung loosely around his neck.
To everyone else, Adriel was the perfect student. Basketball captain. Student council vice president. Teachers' favorite. The boy who somehow managed to excel at everything.
To Maria?
He was simply annoying.
She crossed her arms. "Don't get too comfortable, Luca. One day, I'm going to beat you."
Adriel raised an eyebrow.
"You've been saying that since freshman year."
"And I'll keep saying it until I do."
A teasing smile tugged at his lips.
"Then I guess I'll have to keep studying."
Maria scoffed.
"Arrogant."
"Competitive."
"Show-off."
"Second place."
Maria gasped dramatically.
"You take that back."
Adriel laughed softly before walking past her.
"Maybe next semester, Rose."
She glared at his retreating figure.
"Next semester, I'll rank first!"
Adriel glanced over his shoulder.
"We'll see."
Maria narrowed her eyes.
She had made many promises over the years.
But this one?
She was determined to keep.
Even if it meant defeating the most infuriating boy in school.
Little did she know, Adriel wasn't worried about losing his first place.
He was far more concerned about losing the chance to win her heart.
And graduation was only a few months away.
