The Perfectionist’s Playbook Chapter 1

I was a complete try-hard, but my entire brand was “effortless perfection.”

Ever since I was little, I was absolutely determined to take the number one spot in everything.

Watching the awe and admiration in other people's eyes as they looked at me like a genius gave me a thrill so intense it made my scalp tingle.

That was, until high school, when I became the perpetual second place.

Later, the guy in first place and the girl in third place started dating.

When the results for another mock exam came out, I heard someone in the hallway laughing:

"Why is Riley always stuck between those two lovebirds like a giant third wheel? Hahaha..."

Walking past an empty classroom, I heard the valedictorian tutoring his girlfriend:

"Baby, if you score a few more points next time, our names can be right next to each other on the honor roll."

"..."

I completely snapped. You want your names next to each other, right?

Fine. I'll take first place and grant your wish!

* * *

I've been fiercely competitive since I was a kid. From the moment I became the fastest in my kindergarten class to master basic arithmetic, earning praise from the teachers and envy from my classmates, my life's trajectory was set.

My vanity swelled as I grew older.

Before high school, I practically monopolized the number one spot in my grade. Basking in the reverent gazes of my peers, I felt an intoxicating rush.

The joy of a perfectionist pretending to be effortless is just that superficial.

For high school, I tested into the elite St. Jude’s Academy with the highest score in the city.

But of all places, this was where I met Tristan Hayes.

For the entirety of freshman and sophomore year, I never beat him.

Not even once!

I, someone who lived and breathed to show off, was firmly nailed to the humiliating post of "perpetual second place."

The teachers would always console me: "Riley, you're already outstanding. You just lack a tiny bit of luck. Just be more careful next time."

But I'd hear them discussing in the faculty lounge: "Tristan's brain just works on another level. His logic is so mature. I heard he used to do college-level math competitions..."

Even when classmates came to ask me questions, they always had to throw in a "high-EQ" backhanded compliment that pierced my heart:

"Riley, being able to hold down second place is insane! You're the only person in our grade who can even compete with Tristan."

Tristan.

I maintained my polite, breezy smile: "What can I say? I'm just not as skilled."

Inside, I was screaming and dying of rage.

As soon as the classmate left, my desk-mate, Chloe, leaned in mysteriously. "Riley, I've got some gossip."

"Hmm?" My eyes stayed on my textbook, but my ears perked up.

"Tristan is dating."

What does that have to do with me?

"Guess who he's dating?"

I finally shifted my gaze from the worksheet to look at her. "Who?"

"Serena Blake," Chloe whispered.

"Who?"

Chloe: "..."

She rolled her eyes at me. "My dear Queen Riley, if someone scores lower than you, do they just not exist in your eyes?"

"Her class rank is right behind you and Tristan."

Thanks to Chloe, I got a crash course on this academic romance.

Tristan and Serena were in the class next door. Serena used to rank in the top twenty, but this semester, her grades skyrocketed.

"I heard they stay after school every day to do practice tests together. The valedictorian is personally tutoring her. No wonder she improved so fast. He's a gold-medal tutor," Chloe sighed.

I finally remembered who Serena was.

Actually, after every exam, I always checked the names of the people ranked right behind me.

Serena had long, dark hair, big round eyes, and curled eyelashes. She was very cute.

"You don't have any thoughts on this?" Chloe poked me, whispering. "The teachers definitely know, but since it's Tristan, they just turn a blind eye."

"No, why would I care?" I smiled.

Date, date, date away! I hope you both get distracted and drop to the bottom of the class! I thought viciously.

Right before the end of our sophomore year, the final honor roll was posted.

I stood near the back of the crowd, but the rankings were crystal clear.

Second place again.

I was so mad I planned to go home and eat two massive bowls of rice to vent my frustration.

But before I could even finish being angry, I heard someone in front of me joking:

"Why is Riley always stuck between those two lovebirds like a giant third wheel? Hahaha..."

"Our graduating class really hit the jackpot with these two freaks. The first and second place have never changed hands. But I bet Serena has a chance to overtake Riley next time. She was only six points behind her this round."

"..."

That wasn't all.

After school, I realized I forgot my house keys and went back to grab them. Passing the classroom next door, I happened to see Tristan tutoring Serena. They were the only two left in the room.

They were sitting by the window.

Tristan's voice drifted out: "Baby, if you score a few more points next time, our names can be right next to each other on the honor roll."

"..."

Being the eternal runner-up was miserable enough.

But instead of people hoping I'd pull Tristan off his throne, there were actually people hoping someone else would pull me off mine?

I let out a dark chuckle. I was fully in my villain era now.

You two want your names next to each other, right?

Fine. I'll take first place and grant your wish!