Since their first meeting in the university parking lot, Tyler and Stella seemed destined to keep crossing paths. Whether it was in the cafeteria, library, or faculty corridors, they always somehow ran into each other. And every time it happened, it ended in a small argument.
One morning, Stella was waiting in line to buy coffee at the university cafeteria. After nearly ten minutes of waiting, it was finally her turn to order. But before she could say a word, someone stepped in front of her.
Tyler.
"Hey, that's my turn," Stella said, crossing her arms.
Tyler glanced at her before replying casually, "I know."
"Then why did you cut the line?" Stella asked.
"Because I'm hungry," Tyler answered.
Stella let out a sarcastic laugh. "That's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard."
"Thank you," Tyler replied with a grin.
Without hesitation, Stella shoved his shoulder, forcing him to step back slightly.
"Wait in line like a normal person," she said.
Tyler raised an eyebrow.
"You really enjoy picking fights with me, don't you?" he asked.
"I just enjoy teaching people who have no manners," Stella shot back.
Several students nearby began watching them. Some chuckled, while others were surprised that Stella dared to talk to Tyler that way.
A few days later, they crossed paths again in the library. Stella was working on an assignment when a chair was pulled out and someone sat across from her. She looked up and immediately sighed.
Tyler.
"Isn't there anywhere else to sit?" Stella asked.
"There is," Tyler replied shortly.
"Then?" she questioned.
"I like this spot," Tyler answered.
Stella rolled her eyes and returned her attention to her laptop.
A few minutes later, however, Tyler started tapping his pen on the table.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Stella clenched her jaw, trying to stay patient.
"Can you stop that?" she asked.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm bored."
Stella slammed her book shut.
"I don't understand how people call you smart," she said.
Tyler leaned back in his chair with a smirk.
"And I don't understand how anyone can put up with your attitude," he replied.
"If you can't stand it, sit somewhere else," Stella said.
"If you don't like it, you move," Tyler shot back.
Stella glared at him.
Tyler returned the stare with a smile that was deliberately annoying.
As the days went by, more and more students became familiar with their rivalry. Even Tyler's friends began noticing something strange.
One afternoon, while they were relaxing at the basketball court, one of his friends, Ethan, suddenly spoke up.
"I think you like Stella," Ethan said.
Tyler nearly choked on the water he was drinking.
"No way," he replied immediately.
"Then why do you keep bothering her?" Ethan asked.
Tyler fell silent for a moment before answering, "Because she's irritating."
Ethan burst out laughing.
"That's the excuse people always use when they're starting to like someone," he said.
"Shut up," Tyler replied, throwing an empty water bottle at his friend.
But deep down, Tyler had begun to wonder why Stella was always on his mind.
Without either of them realizing it, the arguments that had started with hatred were slowly turning into something far more difficult to explain.
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