The kiss was a catalyst. It shattered their unspoken rules, rewrote the code of their rivalry, and left behind something raw and electrifying. Maya and Leo stood motionless in the quiet hallway, the soft hum of the ventilation system the only sound. Their breathing came in shallow, ragged bursts, eyes locked, stunned and hungry.

Leo was the first to speak, his voice hoarse and unsure. “Maya… I didn’t mean to…”

“Don’t.” Her voice trembled as she cut him off. “Don’t say you ...