Page 249 of Ruthless Court

“I had intended to select a winner.”

My stomach tightens.

Kane shifts beside me.

“However, what began as two opposing positions became a stronger joint argument than either of you submitted independently.”

“Is that a tie?” Kane asks.

“It is an A.”

“That wasn’t the wager.”

Aldridge peers at him.

“I’m not interested in your private gambling arrangements.”

Half the class starts laughing again.

Professor Aldridge gathers his papers.

“Your written reflection is due Friday. Separately.”

He emphasizes the last word.

The seminar ends in a rush of movement and noise.

Chairs scrape. Bags zip. Phones appear.

Before I make it to my seat, notifications begin flooding my screen.

Lila.

Noor.

Three classmates I barely know.

Then a post from a campus account.

A grainy clip shows Kane standing inches from me.

The caption reads:

KANE HAVERHILL’S CLASSMATE JUST DEBATED HIM INTO A PUBLIC CONFESSION.

Another post appears beneath it.

THIS ISN’T ACADEMIC RIVALRY. THIS IS FOREPLAY.

Hashtags are already collecting underneath.

#HaverhillVsGoodwin

#DebateBae

#ClassmateOrCrush

I close my eyes.