Chapter 1

 Students hurried through the hallways, trying to find new classrooms while greeting friends they hadn't seen all summer. Lockers slammed shut, laughter echoed through the corridors, and teachers repeatedly reminded everyone that classes had already started.

 Aria Bennett adjusted the strap of her backpack and checked her class schedule for what felt like the tenth time.

 "Room 214..." she muttered. "Advanced Literature."

 Perfect.

 She was determined that this semester would be different. Better grades. Fewer distractions. And maybe—just maybe—she'd finally find the courage to talk to Ethan Brooks, the boy she'd secretly admired since sophomore year.

 As if the universe had heard her thoughts, Ethan walked down the hallway with a warm smile, laughing with his friends.

 Aria's heart skipped.

 "Get it together," she whispered to herself.

 She was so busy watching Ethan that she didn't notice someone walking toward her.

 Bang!

 Books scattered across the floor.

 "Oh, seriously?" a familiar voice groaned.

 Aria looked up and immediately rolled her eyes.

 Noah Carter.

 Of course.

 Tall, effortlessly handsome, and wearing that irritating smirk she hated more than anything.

 "You could try watching where you're going," Noah said as he picked up one of her notebooks.

 "I was going my way," Aria shot back. "You're the one who walked into me."

 He raised an eyebrow.

 "Interesting version of events."

 She snatched the notebook from his hand.

 "Don't touch my stuff."

 "No problem."

 For a second they simply stared at each other, neither willing to back down.

 Their rivalry wasn't new.

 It had started in freshman year when Noah beat Aria by one point in the school's academic competition. Since then, every test, debate, and competition had become another battle between them.

 Neither remembered how the rivalry truly began anymore.

 They only knew one thing.

 They couldn't stand each other.

 "You know," Noah said with a grin, "I was hoping we'd have fewer classes together this semester."

 "So was I."

 "Guess the universe enjoys watching you lose."

 Aria laughed sarcastically.

 "You mean watching you lose."

 Before Noah could reply, the first bell rang.

 Students rushed toward their classrooms.

 "See you around, Bennett."

 "I'd rather not."

 Noah chuckled and walked away.

 Aria watched him disappear into the crowd before shaking her head.

 "Unbelievable."

 "Still fighting with Noah?"

 Aria turned to see her best friend, Mia Thompson, standing beside her with an amused smile.

 "He's impossible."

 Mia laughed.

 "You say that every semester."

 "Because it's true."

 The girls headed toward Advanced Literature together.

 As they entered the classroom, Aria froze.

 Only one empty seat remained.

 Right beside Noah Carter.

 "No."

 Mia bit her lip to hide a smile.

 "I guess fate has a sense of humor."

 Aria sighed dramatically before taking the seat.

 Noah leaned back in his chair.

 "Looks like you're stuck with me."

 She didn't even look at him.

 "I'll survive."

 "We'll see."

 Their teacher entered the room.

 "Good morning, everyone. This semester you'll be working with the same partner for several major projects."

 Aria suddenly had a terrible feeling.

 The teacher smiled as she read the list.

 "Aria Bennett... and Noah Carter."

 The entire class erupted into whispers.

 Noah slowly turned toward Aria.

 She looked just as horrified as he did.

 "This has to be a joke," they said at exactly the same time.

 The class burst into laughter.

 Neither of them laughed.

 Because they both knew one thing—

 This semester was about to become the longest one of their lives.