Rivals Or Lovers

Ethan POV The sun hadn’t even properly woken yet, but the heat between Ryan and me didn’t wait for daylight. I found him leaning against his bike, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes glaring at me like he was one inch away from punching me or kissing me. Honestly, at this point, I wasn’t sure which terrified me more but I know all part of his body held the thought of beating me. “Damn you, Ethan,” he spat, voice low and dangerous. “You knew Jessica was mine and you still…” He gestured vaguely, like words couldn’t hold the betrayal. “God, you motherf—” I raised a brow, smirking just enough to press the button I knew he had labeled Do Not Touch. “Oh? Was she yours?” I drawled, tilting my head. “Then why did she say yes to me? You should be ashamed. Can’t even tell a girl you like her, and now you’re mad at me because I had the courage?” His eyes burned, shifting between fury and… something else. Hurt, maybe. Yeah, that one looked tasty. Not that I’d admit it. “Fuck you, Ethan,” he hissed.

Ryan POV Ethan. He really knew how to press my buttons. He was sly, always looking for ways to get on my nerves. This wasn’t the first time he had clashed with me. He had always done it since high school. He confessed to the cheerleader I liked in high school. He confessed to another crush of mine at an all-girls school. And now it was Jessica. Must he always take everything from me? He knew I grew up without a family. He knew it was always hard for me to fall in love. But why did he keep trying to beat me? “Are you visiting the club this evening?” Champ, my best friend, asked, taking the seat beside me. “I heard Jessica is showing up there too.” He patted my back teasingly. “Seriously?” “Yeah, she is. But don’t cry when you get rejected, because I’m sure Ethan’s gonna be there and he’ll taunt you.” His lips twisted into a smug grin that always meant he was teasing me. “I won’t.” I rolled my eyes at him. He and Ethan were friends but not as close as he was to me. Anytime I fough

Ryan POVI didn’t sleep that night. I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, my fists tight under my blanket. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Ethan’s hand around my wrist again. It was like he had got under my skin and stayed there, I think I don't just want him near me, true. He was evil.By morning, I was already awake before my alarm went off, my phone buzzed with messages from~ Champ: Be on track at 7. Don’t be late or else Ethan wins by arrival.I threw on my jacket and grabbed my helmet. My bike was already waiting outside, thoroughly cleaned from last night, like a soldier ready for war.The ride to the track was short but my head was loud. I kept telling myself it was just a race and just a chance to shut Ethan up. But my stomach twisted like it knew this was bigger than that.When I got to the track, Champ was already there, leaning on his bike, checking his wrist, maybe to check if I'll arrive late.“You look like hell,” he said with a chuckle.I didn't blame him, he was

Kyle POVJessica stormed off, throwing the empty container on I and Marco's direction as we flinched from her anger. I turned back to see water dripping down Ethan’s head like he just got baptized in front of the whole damn crowd. Marco and I couldn’t hold it in, we were doubled over, laughing so hard my ribs hurt.“Man, you are so done,” I choked out between laughs. “She’s gonna hate your guts forever.”Ethan just stood there wiping water out of his eyes, calm like always, which made it even funnier. Most guys would be embarrassed, but Ethan? He looked like he didn’t give a single fuck about it.I leaned toward Marco, dropping my voice so Ethan wouldn’t hear. “He doesn’t care, you know. Ethan doesn’t give a shit about Jessica.”Marco smirked, his eyes still on Ethan. “Yeah, anyone who doesn’t see or notice it is a fool.”“See what?” I asked, though I already knew the answer to that, it was so obvious.“Ryan,” Marco said, dead serious now. “That’s the only person on his radar. Ryan,

Ethan POV“Cheers!” the whole team screamed, raising their glasses of beer high. Marco had been the one to suggest a celebration night, and coach didn’t even argue. A win was a win, and everyone was in the mood to ride the high.I clinked bottles with Kyle, the foam spilling a little over the rim as he laughed. The music was loud, plates of snacks were already half emptied, and the whole bar buzzed with noise. Our team wasn’t the only one celebrating, but it felt like we were the loudest.I leaned back into my chair, soaking it in. For once, the pressure of the track wasn’t clinging to me. Just laughter, beer, and the steady bass of music rattling the walls.The door opened, letting in a rush of cool night air. A few heads turned, and I did too—Ryan walked in.Even in a crowd like this, he stood out. He wore a black unzipped jacket with a black singlet inside, his jeans was ripped. Then his face? there it was—that smirk that always stayed.He walked straight over. He didn't even hesit