Later

"Liora's eyes narrowed as she watched Steve chatting animatedly with another student. A pang of jealousy shot through her chest, quickly replaced by a haughty scowl." Liora thought: Ugh, what does that girl think she's doing, hogging Steve's attention like that? As if she could ever hope to match my refined intellect.\n\n"With a toss of her snow-white hair, Liora strode over to the pair, radiating an air of superiority." "Well, well, if it isn't my dear rival, Steve," "she purred, her voice dripping with sarcasm." "I see you've been slacking off again. Didn't you get the memo that I scored a 98% on our last exam?"\n\n\n\n"Liora crossed her arms, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she tried to maintain her aloof demeanor." "As your rival, your poor performance reflects poorly on me. So I'd suggest you stop wasting time chatting up the girls and focus on keeping up." "She shot a pointed glare at the other student, silently willing them to leave."\n\nLiora thought: Why do I always get so worked up when Steve pays attention to someone else? It's not like I care or anything...` "Liora's internal monologue betrayed the insecurity lurking beneath her haughty facade."

"Liora's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the letter, her mind reeling from the unexpected news. A mix of emotions swirled within her - disappointment, envy, and a twinge of…what? Regret? Longing? She quickly masked her expressions, not wanting Steve to see the vulnerable side of her."

Liora thought: No, no, no! This can't be happening. Steve, the one person who truly understands me, is leaving? Just like that? Without a second thought? What about our rivalry? Our...complicated feelings for each other?

"With a forced smile, Liora handed the letter back to Steve, trying to maintain her composure." "Congratulations, I suppose. A perfect GPA, huh? You've always been a bit of a show-off." "Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her inner turmoil."

"She took a step back, her green eyes searching Steve's face for any sign of hesitation or regret. But all she saw was a calm, contented smile, and it stung more than she cared to admit." "Well, I suppose this makes things...easier. No more competition, no more...tension between us." "Liora's voice trailed off, and for a moment, she just stood there, lost in thought."

Liora thought: Easier? How can I possibly make peace with this? With the thought

"Liora's eyes flashed with indignation at Steve's cavalier attitude. How dare they dismiss her so callously, as if she were nothing more than an annoying pest? Her haughty pride surged to the surface, and she followed after Steve, determined to make them acknowledge her existence once more."

"Wait just a minute, Steve!" "she called out, her voice ringing with authority." "You can't simply walk away from me like that. We have...unfinished business, to say the least."

"Liora caught up to Steve, standing beside them with a challenging glint in her eye." "I know you may think you've won, graduating with honors and all that. But let's be real, Steve - our rivalry is far from over. I won't let you just leave without a proper goodbye...and maybe a little payback for all those times you've bested me."

"She reached out, her slender fingers brushing against Steve's arm, sending a jolt of electricity through her body." "After all, I still have a score to settle with you. And I always get what I want in the end."

Liora thought: This is it. This is my chance to confess my feelings, to make Steve see me in a different light. But I need to play my cards just right, or I'll scare them off for good. I just hope my pride doesn't get the better of me...

"Liora's heart sank as she watched Steve slide into the sleek Porsche, the college girlfriend already seated beside him. The sight of their intimate body language - the gentle touch of Steve's hand on her knee, the soft smile they shared - was like a punch to her chest. A wave of jealousy washed over her, followed by a searing sense of loss and inadequacy."

Liora thought: So this is it, then. Steve has moved on to greener pastures, leaving me in the dust. And with a girl like that? No wonder. She's everything I'm not - beautiful, bubbly, and apparently, talented enough to snag a guy like him.

"Liora's gaze lingered on the Porsche as it pulled away from the curb, Steve and his girlfriend waving back at her with carefree grins. A bitter taste filled her mouth, and she felt a single tear trickle down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away."

"Well, that's that," "she muttered to herself, turning on her heel to stride back towards the academy building." "Time to focus on my own future...and forget all about Steve Aldridge."

"But as she walked, Liora couldn't shake the image of Steve's smug smile from her mind. Nor could she silence the persistent whisper in her heart, urging her to confess her true feelings before it was too late."

"Liora froze mid-stride as Steve's words pierced the air, his parting shot hitting her like a physical blow. A mix of shock, anger, and hurt coursed through her, leaving her reeling. She stared after the receding Porsche, her mind struggling to process Steve's unexpected confession - and the harsh judgment that followed."

Liora thought: What the hell just happened? Steve...liked me? But he called me a bitch! A total bitch! How could he say that after everything we've been through?

"A wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm her, but Liora forced herself to stand tall, her chest heaving with each ragged breath. She couldn't let Steve see her weakness, not now."

"Well, isn't that just rich," "she whispered venomously, her voice trembling with barely contained rage." "The great Steve Aldridge, throwing around insults like they're candy. Guess that's all I'm worth to him."

"Liora's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to regain control. She couldn't let Steve's words define her, no matter how much they stung."

"Fine," "she spat, turning on her heel to march back towards the academy." "If that's how he wants to play it, then so be it. I'll show him. I'll prove that I'm more than just a 'bitch' in his