The walk home was longer than usual.
Not because the distance had changed.
But because Adrian walked ahead of me like he had absolutely no intention of slowing down. His long strides were relaxed and confident, like the world moved according to his pace.
Meanwhile, I followed behind, gripping the strap of my bag tightly.
I still couldn't believe it.
Just two days ago, Adrian was simply the arrogant new transfer student at Riverview Academy.
Now he was the person I had to live with.
The universe clearly had a terrible sense of humor.
By the time we reached the house, Adrian opened the door without hesitation and walked in first.
Like he had already claimed the place as his own.
I stepped in after him.
My mom's voice immediately floated from the kitchen.
"Chelsea? Adrian? Is that you?"
"Yes, Mom," I answered.
She appeared a moment later, wiping her hands with a towel.
"Perfect timing," she said with a bright smile. "Dinner will be ready soon."
Behind her, Daniel walked into the living room holding his phone.
"Good evening, kids," he greeted warmly.
Kids.
The word felt strange.
Adrian gave a small nod. "Hey, Dad."
I forced a polite smile.
Everything felt… awkward.
Like we were actors in a strange play where no one knew their lines.
My mom looked at Adrian kindly.
"How was your first full day at Riverview Academy?"
Adrian shrugged slightly.
"It was alright."
"Did Chelsea help you around?"
I nearly choked.
Adrian glanced at me, his eyes full of amusement.
"Oh, she helped," he said casually.
I shot him a warning look.
Mom beamed proudly.
"I knew you two would get along."
If only she knew.
Dinner was even worse.
The four of us sat around the table together.
My mom talked happily about wedding plans.
Daniel occasionally added comments or suggestions.
Meanwhile Adrian sat across from me, eating calmly.
Too calmly.
At one point I glanced up and caught him watching me.
I frowned.
"What?" I mouthed silently.
He simply smirked and looked back at his plate.
Infuriating.
After dinner, my mom stood up.
"Chelsea, why don't you show Adrian his room?"
I froze.
"His room?"
"Yes," she said cheerfully. "It's the guest room next to yours."
Next to mine.
My appetite instantly disappeared.
Adrian didn't seem bothered at all.
"Sounds good," he said.
I sighed and stood up reluctantly.
"Fine. Come on."
We walked upstairs together.
The hallway suddenly felt too narrow.
Too quiet.
Too close.
I stopped in front of a door.
"This is your room."
Adrian pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was simple but comfortable.
A bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a window facing the street.
"Not bad," he said.
I crossed my arms.
"You'll survive."
He turned to face me.
"Are you always this welcoming?"
"Yes."
He chuckled.
"I like it."
I rolled my eyes.
"Don't get used to it."
Adrian leaned against the desk casually.
"You know," he said thoughtfully, "you act like living in the same house with me is the worst thing that's ever happened."
"Because it is."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yes."
I pointed at him.
"You flirt with half the girls at school."
"And?"
"And it's disgusting."
Adrian laughed.
"That's a strong opinion."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice.
"Just stay away from me."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"What if I don't want to?"
My heart skipped.
I frowned immediately.
"Then we'll have problems."
Adrian stared at me for a moment.
Then slowly, that familiar smirk returned.
"You're interesting, Chelsea."
"I'm not trying to be."
He pushed himself off the desk and walked toward me.
For a second, I thought he was going to stop.
But he didn't.
He came closer.
Too close.
My heart began beating faster.
"Relax," he said softly.
"You look nervous."
"I'm not nervous."
He leaned slightly toward me.
"Your face says otherwise."
My cheeks heated up.
"Stop messing with me!"
Adrian laughed again.
Then he stepped back.
"Alright, genius. I'll leave you alone… for now."
I turned quickly toward the door.
"Good."
But just as I stepped into the hallway, Adrian's voice stopped me.
"Chelsea."
I paused.
"What?"
His tone had changed slightly.
Less teasing.
More serious.
"At school," he said, "we keep things normal."
I nodded.
"Obviously."
"No one needs to know we live together."
"I already agreed to that."
Adrian watched me carefully.
Then he nodded once.
"Good."
I started walking toward my room.
But before I closed the door behind me, I heard him say something quietly.
"Still…"
I turned slightly.
Adrian was leaning against his doorway, watching me again.
"That rivalry in class today," he said.
I frowned.
"What about it?"
His smile slowly returned.
"I enjoyed it."
My eyes narrowed.
"Of course you did."
Adrian shrugged.
"Tomorrow we'll see who answers faster."
I scoffed.
"You're not beating me."
He grinned.
"Challenge accepted."
I closed my door with a firm click.
Finally alone.
I leaned against the door and exhaled slowly.
This was going to be a disaster.
Living with Adrian.
Competing with him at school.
Seeing him every single day.
But one thing was certain.
Tomorrow at Riverview Academy…
The competition between us was only just beginning.