Jennifer had been teasing Ana all evening, their playful banter lingering until the night slowly surrendered to silence. They'd discussed the seminar project endlessly, laughter and groans mixing as they strategized and argued over ideas.
By morning, Jennifer was almost fully recovered. She hummed softly while getting ready for college, pulling on her uniform with a quiet confidence. Ana emerged from the bathroom, steam curling off her damp hair, singing a teasing tune: "Na-na-nana… one kiss is all it takes!"
Jennifer looked over, a sly smirk curving her lips. "It's okay, ma'am your wish will be fulfilled… soon," she said, a glint of mischief in her eyes. Ana shot her a death glare, cheeks pink, before redirecting her attention to drying her hair, lost in some wild, secret thought.
"Ugh… how am I even going to work with this kid?" Ana muttered, almost to herself. "She'll probably lose her senses after seeing her Mr. Perfect." Jennifer caught her gaze, smiled knowingly, and shook her head. The girls headed off to college, laughter trailing behind them like sparks.
Meanwhile, Roby had already risen, showered, and dressed with precision. He made his way to Zen's apartment, knocking sharply at the door. Zen appeared instantly, his face brightening upon seeing Roby. "Feeling better?" Roby asked, his voice calm but carrying a subtle concern.
"Much better," Zen replied with a small smile, closing the door behind them as they stepped into the morning air. The drive to college was filled with light conversation, their laughter blending with the hum of the city outside.
As they reached the campus, their presence turned heads. They entered the classroom, settling into their seats, when Ashley alongside Rose and Mia padded up and tried to touch Zen's shoulder. A sharp hiss escaped him as he jerked his hand away, Roby immediately moving to intercept.
"Stay away from him. Got it?" Roby's voice was ice-cold, sharp enough to cut through the chatter. Ashley rolled her eyes and stormed off, leaving a trail of whispered frustrations behind. Roby glanced at Zen. "Still hurts?"
Zen shook his head, offering a small, reassuring smile. Roby relaxed, though the corner of his mouth twitched with unspoken amusement.
Jennifer and Ana entered next, drawing immediate attention. Gasps rippled across the classroom as heads turned, only to relax when the girls claimed their seats. Jennifer noticed Ashley sitting nearby, gossiping with her so-called best friend Rose.
Ana muttered, "Why are these cringes in our seats? They know these are ours."
Jennifer smiled, placing a gentle hand on Ana's shoulder. "Don't let them ruin your mood. We'll sit in the second-to-last row you always wanted to be backbenchers anyway." But her eyes flicked toward Ashley, a spark of ire threatening to ignite.
They moved back, settling into their seats, Roby and Zen occupying the very last row. Roby's eyes narrowed he hadn't expected Jennifer to behave like a typical bookworm and choose a back seat but he didn't comment, focusing instead on study plans with Zen. Ana noticed Roby's position behind her and felt a thrill of excitement pulse through her veins, momentarily pushing aside any thoughts of Ashley.
Two lectures passed before a knock at the door pulled their attention. The peon entered, whispering to Mr. Lee that Mr. Chang wanted to see Jennifer and her teammates immediately.
All eyes snapped toward them. Roby, Zen, Ana, and Jennifer stood, hearts thumping, and requested permission from Mr. Lee to leave. He nodded, and they walked down the hallway, whispers and speculation trailing in their wake.
"Why them?" someone hissed. "Why not us?!"
"They're so lucky…"
"What if they become a couple after the project?"
Even Mr. Lee had to call the class to order, silencing the mutters.
As they walked, Ana leaned closer to Jennifer, whispering in awe, "He's… so perfect. Just look at him."
Jennifer's lips curved into a smirk. "Careful, Ana. You're staring a little too hard. You'll give yourself away."
The office of Mr. Chang loomed ahead. Roby knocked sharply. "Come in," came the reply. They entered, lined up before him, and bowed.
"As you all know," Mr. Chang began, "the seminar is two months away. I expect nothing short of perfection from you." Ana muttered under her breath, "Expectations hurt." Jennifer glared playfully at her, signaling silence.
"You will prepare a blockbuster project. Use the library side room anything you need will be provided. The topic is your choice, but it must be unique, attractive, and executed flawlessly. Questions?"
Jennifer spoke first, practical as ever. "Sir, what about our regular classes? Assignments, tests how do we balance everything?"
Mr. Chang's expression softened with approval. "Jennifer, I expected nothing less. I will coordinate with your teachers. Your grades will reflect your performance."
He turned to Zen. "Your father called. He trusts you're settled. I expect your full effort here clear?"
"Yes, Sir," Zen replied, steady, almost cold but Ana noticed and found herself admiring the composure beneath his icy exterior.
"Any other questions?" Mr. Chang asked. Silence fell. "Meeting dismissed."
As they exited, a sudden barrier appeared in their path. Ashley and Mia, roses in hand, bent simultaneously on one knee. "I love you," they declared in unison.
Zen and Roby's jaws dropped. Ana's knees buckled as she nearly fainted, the sight so absurd she could barely breathe. Jennifer froze, heart hammering, utterly confused, her mind spinning with disbelief and a strange, flustered heat creeping up her spine as she stole a glance at Roby.
The hallway seemed to shrink around them. Every pulse, every heartbeat became louder, hotter, charged with electricity. Roby's eyes burned with an unspoken warning, Zen's jaw tensed, and Ana's cheeks flushed crimson. Even Jennifer, normally unshakable, felt the air thicken with tension, awareness of every body, every glance, every brush of proximity making the atmosphere almost unbearable.
Something told her… this project wasn't going to be just academic.