Practice perfect. Stay civil. Don’t fall for your academic rival. Jules Tanaka isn’t just aiming for valedictorian—she’s practically already got the title engraved. But when senior year starts and her co-lead on the school’s biggest fundraiser is Malik Carter, the guy who ghosted her all summer, everything gets messy. Malik is cocky, laid-back, and infuriatingly charming. Worst of all? He’s just as smart as she is. When the principal threatens to replace them unless they get it together, Jules lays out a no sabotage, no drama, just results. Malik agrees. They call it The Rival Pact. But the longer they work side by side—in late-night planning sessions, heated brainstorms, and hallway near-misses—the more that pact starts to crack. Tension turns into teasing. Glares turn into glances. And the biggest threat to their perfect records? Might just be each other. The Rival Pact is a sweet, slow-burn academic rivals-to-lovers romance full of swoony moments, sharp banter, and secret softness. Set at Bayridge High, this clean YA novella is perfect for fans of Kasie West, Jenny Han, and Lynn Painter.