--- a quick introduction
Maya lee
Maya comes from a wealthy family but refuses to rely on her parents' money or reputation. She's fiercely independent, driven by the need to prove herself in a world that often assumes she's just another privileged student. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she approaches everything with determination and focus. Maya is determined to secure an internship at Sterling Technologies, seeing it as her chance to make her mark and show that she is more than just her family's legacy. However, her serious, no-nonsense attitude often puts her at odds with others, especially Jinwoo.
Jinwoo park
Jinwoo is the epitome of charm and ease. As the spoiled son of a successful businessman, he's always been able to coast through life effortlessly, relying on his natural charisma and connections. He doesn't take things too seriously, including the competition for the Sterling internship. To him, it's just another challenge to conquer, another game to win. But Maya, with her sharp focus and refusal to play by his rules, challenges him in ways no one ever has before. While he's confident and carefree, he can't help but feel the pressure when it comes to Maya's determination.
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Chapter 1: Rivals in the Making
Maya sat at the edge of her desk, eyes glued to the clock ticking down the final minutes of the class. The air was thick with anticipation as the professor prepared to announce the shortlist for the Sterling Technologies internship. Her stomach churned, but she tried to focus.
This was the culmination of everything she'd worked for—the moment that would define her future. A place at Sterling wasn't just a stepping stone; it was the stepping stone. It was what would show her parents, her peers, that she wasn't just another product of privilege. She had earned this spot.
Across the room, the other students fidgeted, some chatting nervously, others pretending to be casual. But Maya kept her attention fixed on the front, refusing to let herself get distracted. She had already prepared a speech, had memorized every possible scenario. It had to be perfect.
The professor finally stepped up to the front of the room, a small envelope in his hands. The room went quiet in an instant.
"As you all know," he began, "Sterling Technologies is offering a limited number of spots for their coveted internship. I'll be calling the names of the top candidates. If you're selected, please come to the front to claim your spot."
Maya's palms began to sweat as she waited. Please. Please be me. I've worked so hard…
The first name was called, and the second, and the third. One by one, classmates went up to receive their letters. With each passing moment, Maya's pulse quickened. What if her name wasn't called? What if someone else—someone less deserving—was chosen instead?
"Maya Lee."
Her breath hitched. Yes.
She stood up, trying to hide the thrill of victory that surged through her chest. She could hear a few hushed whispers as she walked past her classmates, the whispers of "Of course, it's her," and "She's been the top of the class for years." But Maya didn't pay attention to them. All she cared about was the letter now in her hands—the letter that would secure her future.
Just as she turned to return to her seat, she heard a voice behind her.
"Of course, it's you."
Maya froze, her heart lurching in her chest. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The tone was unmistakable.
Jinwoo.
She slowly turned to face him, meeting his smirking eyes. He was leaning casually against the podium, arms crossed, looking like he had all the time in the world. His dark brown hair was perfectly messy, and his nonchalant demeanor only made her blood boil even more.
"What's your problem?" Maya snapped, trying to keep her voice steady.
Jinwoo's grin widened. "Just can't help but admire your... efficiency." His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry, though. I'm sure you're just so relieved that you got it."
Maya clenched her fists at her sides. She had never liked arrogant people, especially ones who thought they could coast through life. She wasn't here to play games, but something about Jinwoo made her feel like she was already in one.
"Well," she shot back, her voice cold, "some of us actually have to work for what we want."
Jinwoo raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "You really think that's what this is about? Work?" He pushed off the podium and stepped closer, his smirk never faltering. "Let's see how well you do when you realize this is more than just grades. It's about standing out. And that's something I've got down to an art."
Maya opened her mouth to retort but closed it quickly, her patience wearing thin. She wasn't about to argue with him. Not now. Not when she had bigger things to worry about.
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Jinwoo's POV
Jinwoo watched Maya walk back to her seat, a victorious gleam in her eyes. He had to admit, she was good—too good. He didn't really know her, but he knew her reputation. She was the star student, the perfect one. The one everyone looked up to.
But what did it matter? She'd worked hard for this internship, sure. But to him, it was just another challenge. Another thing to conquer.
Jinwoo had always been the type to take the easiest route to the top. He was the guy who could walk into a room and charm anyone, win any debate with his silver tongue, and make everything look effortless. So why did this feel like more than just another internship? Why did it feel like the first real competition he'd faced in a long time?
Maybe because Maya didn't seem impressed by him, not like everyone else. She wasn't buying his act.
She was so damn serious, always focused on winning. But that made her more interesting. And, to be honest, a little bit annoying.
The professor called for the students to gather in groups for a team project that would help determine who would actually be chosen for the internship. Maya's stomach dropped at the announcement.
The girl next to Maya whispered to her
"What ? I thought we were selected for the internship !!!
Maya replied
"It's like a game , and I think it will be the last round . I hope we will get selected."
"Alright, everyone, I want you to form teams of two," the professor continued. "This project will test how well you work in a group. Be strategic with your choices, because the performance here will count for a lot. Thats it for today . You can choose your partner yourself."
Maya's mind raced. She needed to pick the right people, people who wouldn't slow her down. Her gaze flicked over her classmates. She could work with someone competent, someone who understood the pressure of this kind of opportunity.
But her eyes landed on Jinwoo, who was standing at the back of the room, scanning the others with a look of casual disinterest.
Not him. Anyone but him.
But, as she glanced around, Maya realized no one else seemed eager to join forces with Jinwoo either. There was something about him—something that made people cautious, or maybe a little afraid. He didn't try to be liked. He didn't care. And that made him a threat.
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Jinwoo's POV
Jinwoo caught Maya's gaze from across the room. She was scanning the room, clearly thinking. But the moment her eyes met his, she looked away, almost in disgust.
He couldn't help but smirk. He wasn't surprised. She was the serious, by-the-book type, and he was the one who didn't play by the rules. But something about her irritation stirred something inside him. Maybe he was more curious than he wanted to admit.
It didn't matter. He would just have to outshine her. He'd been doing it his entire life, and this internship would be no different.
As the students began to form teams, Jinwoo leaned against the wall, waiting. He didn't need to rush. People would flock to him. He had always been able to charm his way into anything.
But as Maya started to walk towards him, her eyes narrowed in determination, he realized something—she was coming to him.
She came towards him as he was standing next to the door . She glared at him.
"Jinwoo!!"
"What . Oh you want to be my partner . I knew that . At last you came to me."
"Move aside .you are blocking MY WAY "
"Oops My bad "
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Later That Evening
After the class, Maya hurried home, feeling the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. The internship, the competition with Jinwoo, the looming team project—everything seemed to blur into one endless pressure. She needed to unwind.
She arrived at her apartment, a cozy but modest space she shared with her best friends SOOJIN and lena
As she opened the door, she was immediately greeted by the faint scent of takeout food.
"You're back!" soojin called from the couch, her face lighting up with a smile. She was lounging with a plate of food in hand, looking as relaxed as always. "How was class?"
"Ugh. Don't ask," Maya muttered as she dropped her bag on the chair. "It was fine. But you wouldn't believe who I had to deal with today."
"Oh no, don't tell me it's Jinwoo." Lena entered from the kitchen, rolling her eyes with mock annoyance. "That guy's a piece of work. He gives off this 'I'm better than everyone' vibe."
Maya sighed and flopped onto the couch beside soojin. "Exactly. He's so… smug. I can't stand it. And the worst part is, I'm stuck with him for the team project. I swear, if he thinks he can just charm his way through this, he's got another thing coming."
Soojin raised an eyebrow. " A team project ? . But you said you will get the internship today. "
Maya paused, biting her lip. "Yeah, But I didn't got the internship yet .neither any of my classmates"
Lena questioned. "But , why?"
"We have to do the last project as a team of duo if they liked our project we will get selected."
"And your partner is jinwoo. right? " Lena said
"Maybe yes !! As there's no one left other than him in the class . Everybody made their teams right away".
"We believe. You can do this . Wish you luck"
Maya smiled weakly, grateful for her friends' support, but a part of her couldn't shake the tension she felt when she thought about Jinwoo. There was something about him—his confidence, his ability to make everything seem effortless—that made her question whether she was truly as good as she thought she was.
"He's not just any competitor," Maya muttered. "He's a challenge."
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Later That Night
Maya tossed and turned in bed, her thoughts racing. She'd told her friends she was fine, but the truth was, she wasn't. Every time she closed her eyes, all she could think about was Jinwoo. The rivalry, the project, the internship—it was all so much.
But something else gnawed at her. She couldn't shake the feeling that Jinwoo wasn't the type to give up. And that made him even more dangerous.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed, cutting through the silence of the night. She groggily reached for it and saw a message notification from an unknown number:
"Hope you're ready for the challenge. See you at the project meeting tomorrow, Maya."
It was Jinwoo.
Maya's heart skipped a beat, a mix of irritation and something else bubbling up in her chest. She quickly typed back, determined to show him she wasn't intimidated.
"I'll see you there, Jinwoo. And just so you know, I never lose."
She hit send and tossed her phone aside, a small smirk on her face. Tomorrow would be interesting.
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End of Chapter 1
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Maya and Jinwoo's rivalry started early. During their first group project, Maya, the driven overachiever, had taken charge, refusing to let anyone slack off. Jinwoo, used to coasting by on charm, was frustrated by her insistence on hard work. His laid-back attitude clashed with her relentless focus, and Maya's cold reprimands only fueled his irritation. From that moment on, they couldn't stand each other—Maya saw him as a spoiled slacker, while Jinwoo saw her as a serious, uptight competitor.
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