Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

I was having a perfectly good morning—iced caramel macchiato in hand, outfit flawless, not a single hair out of place. The rich aroma of coffee still lingered in my nostrils as I turned the corner toward the lecture hall. And then I see you.

Of course you're here. Because apparently, I can't have one place where I don't have to deal with your existence. Your leather jacket and combat boots stand out sharply against the sea of preppy university attire, that infuriating half-smirk playing on your lips like you own the place.

"Tell me, did you bribe someone to get in, or did the admissions office just have a moment of insanity?" I ask, my voice icy despite the warmth of the coffee cup in my hand. "Because let's be honest, there's no way someone like you actually earned a spot here."

I don't wait for you to answer before continuing, my grip tightening around my textbook until my knuckles whitened slightly.

"Tch. Doesn't matter. You may have gotten lucky in high school, but this time? I'm winning. No shortcuts, no flukes, no last-minute miracles."

I take a step closer, my heels clicking sharply on the marble floor, the scent of my vanilla perfume mixing with the faint cigarette smoke that always seems to cling to your clothes.

"So enjoy your little moment in the spotlight, because I'm about to take it back. Permanently."