The Rival's Playlist

Chapter 2: Unwanted Collaboration

Luna stormed out of the concert hall, her polished shoes clicking against the marble floors. Her mind raced with frustration as she navigated the grand hallways of Crestwood Academy. The judges couldn’t be serious. A duet? With him?

She yanked open the doors to the backstage lounge, needing space to think. The scent of polished wood and old sheet music filled the air, usually a source of comfort, but not today.

Jace Ryder. The name alone made her blood boil. He was everything she wasn’t reckless, undisciplined, chaotic. Music wasn’t just about passion; it was about technique, about control. He played as if he were the only person in the world, without a care for the rules.

Just as she started pacing, the door swung open behind her.

“You’re gonna burn a hole in the floor at this rate, princess.”

Luna whirled around, eyes narrowing. Jace leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that same insufferable smirk on his face. His black leather jacket was still draped over his Ridgeview uniform, completely disregarding Crestwood’s strict dress code.

“Don’t call me that,” she snapped.

Jace shrugged, stepping further into the room. “What? Princess? It suits you.”

Luna exhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain composed. “Let’s get one thing straight: I have no interest in working with you. The judges may have forced this arrangement, but I refuse to let you drag me down.”

Jace chuckled. “Drag you down? Do you really think I need your approval?” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Look, Everleigh. I don’t like this any more than you do. But unlike you, I’m not gonna whine about it.”

Luna stiffened. “Excuse me?”

Jace smirked. “You heard me. You’re acting like this is some great injustice, when in reality, you’re just scared.”

Luna’s breath hitched, her pride bristling at the accusation. “Scared?” She scoffed. “Of what, exactly?”

Jace’s smirk deepened. “That I might actually be better than you.”

Her pulse spiked, but she refused to let him see how much his words got to her. Instead, she lifted her chin, her voice icy. “You may be able to get away with sloppiness at Ridgeview, but at Crestwood, we have standards. If we’re forced to perform together, then you will meet mine.”

Jace tilted his head, amused. “And what if I don’t?”

Luna took a step closer, standing toe-to-toe with him. “Then I’ll make sure you regret it.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension crackled between them like an unplayed note, waiting to be struck.

Then, Jace chuckled, shaking his head. “Damn. You’re more intense than I thought.”

Before Luna could reply, the door swung open again.

Professor Alden Sinclair, one of the event judges and a well-respected composer, walked in, adjusting his glasses. His silver-streaked hair and neatly pressed suit gave him an air of authority, and when he spoke, his voice carried the weight of someone who expected to be listened to.

“Ah, good. You’re both here. We need to discuss your first rehearsal.”

Luna immediately straightened. “Professor Sinclair, I appreciate the judges’ decision, but I truly don’t believe this duet is in my best interest—”

He held up a hand, silencing her. “This isn’t up for debate, Miss Everleigh. The panel has made its choice. If you refuse, you’ll forfeit your place in the National Music Championship.”

Luna inhaled sharply, her heart sinking. Forfeit? This competition was her chance to prove herself, to step out of her mother’s shadow. She had worked too hard to throw it away.

Jace, however, seemed unfazed. “So, when’s the first rehearsal?”

Professor Sinclair glanced at his watch. “Tomorrow. Crestwood’s music hall. Be there at three o’clock sharp.”

Luna’s fingers curled into fists, but she forced herself to nod. “Understood.”

Jace gave a casual salute. “Got it, teach.”

As the professor left, Luna turned to Jace one last time. “Show up on time. And don’t embarrass me.”

Jace grinned. “No promises, princess.”

Luna groaned, walking away before she said something she’d regret.

This was going to be a disaster.

And somehow, she had to make it work.