The sun shone brightly over Lupine Academy, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Daniel stretched his sore muscles, wincing slightly at the memory of yesterday's drills. Despite the exhaustion, there was a thrill in waking up to another day of school, competition, and… Leo.
He tried to ignore the alpha who seemed to dominate every space he entered. But it was impossible. Even from across the courtyard, Daniel could feel Leo's gaze slicing through the crowd, observing, calculating. The amber eyes lingered, like a predator noting every movement, every nuance. Daniel straightened his back, forcing a confident posture and telling himself: Keep the mask, keep the secret, survive.
"Daniel!" Mika's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts. She was leaning lazily against the wall, hair slightly messy from morning training, notebook tucked under her arm. "Don't tell me you're nervous again? You were fine yesterday!"
"I'm fine," Daniel replied, forcing a casual smile. His stomach betrayed him with a faint flutter, but he brushed it off. Mika only raised an eyebrow, knowing better than to challenge his words.
The day's surprise came quickly. The instructors announced a school-wide competition: each pair had to complete a series of playful yet challenging tasks—mental puzzles, minor obstacle courses, and coordinated exercises. The twist? Students would be paired randomly, and pairs that performed best would earn points for their dormitory.
Daniel's chest sank when he drew his token. Leo. Again. Fate seemed cruelly determined to test him.
"Looks like we're together again," Leo said smoothly, approaching with that trademark smirk. "Don't think I'm going to go easy on you just because you're new."
Daniel's pulse spiked. He forced calmness into his voice. "I wouldn't expect it any other way."
The first challenge was a lighthearted obstacle course—a mix of climbing, crawling, and balance exercises. Daniel moved carefully, making sure every step appeared effortless while concealing his omega instincts. Leo stayed close, occasionally brushing against him or nudging him gently during tight maneuvers. Each accidental contact sent sparks through Daniel, forcing him to focus harder.
"You're… surprisingly nimble," Leo commented, tone teasing but sharp. "Are you hiding more than you're showing?"
Daniel's throat went dry. "Just… a good day," he replied, voice steady, though his pulse betrayed him.
Mika and Ryo observed from the sidelines. Mika's eyes twinkled, clearly amused by the subtle tension. Ryo's expression was more serious, arms crossed as he muttered under his breath, "Alpha's caught on to something. Watch him closely."
The playful rivalry escalated during a puzzle challenge. Daniel solved the riddles with cleverness and subtle teamwork with Leo, each solution met with a smirk, a tease, or a glance that lingered longer than necessary. Their interactions drew attention—students whispered, noting the chemistry, the tension, the rivalry turned collaboration.
"Don't think I'll let you take first place," Leo said, leaning close enough that Daniel felt the warmth of his body. His amber eyes met Daniel's, unreadable, teasing, and slightly challenging.
Daniel forced a small smile. "We'll see about that," he said, internally aware of the flutter in his chest.
The final event was a light mock-combat drill, playful yet competitive. Daniel and Leo moved together seamlessly, balancing strategy, skill, and instinct. Every brush of hands, every moment of close proximity sent Daniel's omega instincts into overdrive, warmth rising through his body. Yet he managed to hide it, focusing on the exercises, maintaining the alpha facade.
By the end of the day, their dormitory had scored high, though not without Leo giving Daniel a long, measured look that promised he had noticed every subtle trick, every slight advantage, every hidden strength.
Later, Daniel found Mika waiting for him at the dorm entrance. "So…?" she asked, eyes bright and mischievous. "How was your day with… him?"
Daniel flushed, suppressing a laugh. "Tiring… intense… and infuriating."
Mika smirked knowingly. "Infuriating, huh? That usually means something else too."
Daniel groaned, sinking onto his bed. The day had been exhausting, mentally and emotionally, yet something about it thrilled him. Leo had challenged him, teased him, and pushed him harder than anyone had before. And though he would never admit it aloud, the thought of Leo's gaze, his smirk, and the way he'd felt under that scrutiny… made his chest ache in a way that was both terrifying and exhilarating.
The academy wasn't just a place to survive anymore. Every glance, every touch, every playful challenge brought him closer to something he hadn't expected. And he realized, with a mixture of fear and anticipation, that the rivalry was no longer just about proving strength—it was about something far more complicated.
Something far more dangerous.
Something far more thrilling.