Minchan University AU — Rivals to lovers. They're both twenty-one (third-years) and dance majors.

—

Everyone on campus knew Minho and Chan didn't get along.

They weren't enemies.

That would be dramatic.

They didn't sabotage each other or actually hate one another.

But they were definitely rivals.

The kind of rivals who knew exactly how the other moved, what mistakes they made, and how to push each other's buttons.

Both were dance majors.

Both were at the top of their year.

Both were ridiculously talented.

And both were competitive enough to turn a normal practice into a silent battle.

Neither of them liked losing.

Especially not to each other.

"You're staring again."

Minho immediately looked away from across the studio.

"I'm not."

Changbin crossed his arms.

"You've been glaring at Chan for five minutes."

Across the room, Chan was helping a group of first-years with their choreography.

He demonstrated the move slowly, encouraged them when they messed up, and patiently repeated the explanation until everyone understood.

Of course he was doing that.

Chan was always like that.

Talented.

Hardworking.

Kind.

Annoyingly perfect.

"Whatever," Minho muttered.

Changbin shook his head.

"You know, most people just admit when they admire someone."

"I don't admire him."

"Sure."

Minho ignored him.

—

The rivalry had started during freshman year.

Their first performance evaluation had been the biggest event of the semester.

Minho had practiced until his muscles hurt.

He had stayed in the studio long after everyone else left, repeating the same steps over and over until every movement was exactly how he wanted it.

He was confident he would win.

Then Chan beat him.

By one point.

One.

Minho still remembered staring at the results, wondering if the judges had made a mistake.

They hadn't.

Chan had simply performed better.

And the worst part?

Chan had walked up afterward with a smile.

"Your performance was amazing."

Minho had stared at him.

"You're not even going to brag?"

Chan looked confused.

"Why would I?"

That somehow annoyed Minho even more.

Because Chan wasn't arrogant.

He wasn't trying to prove he was better.

He was just... Chan.

And Minho couldn't stand how much that bothered him.