next day in class.......
''you are in my seat''
Nikolai looked up, one eyebrow raised, pencil paused mid- sentence.
''Sorry...what?''
Mikhail stood there, backpack slung over one shoulder, expression flat but sharp. His tone wasn't angry ------just cold.
''That's where I usually sit.''
Nikolai blinked. He glanced around the half--empty classroom.
''It's not reserved.''
''''Didn't say it was,'' Mikhail replied, '' I'm just saying-----that's my spot.''
For a second, silence. A couple of students nearby slowed their chatter, sensing the tension.
Then Nikolai casually leaned back, arms crossed.
''You're serious? There are twenty other seats.''
''And I pick that one. Every day.''
''You've only been here two days.''
Mikhail's jaw clenched slightly.
Nikolai didn't move. Didn't budge. Instead, he smiled----soft, innocent, annoyingly polite.
''I think the window suits me. Better lighting.''
Mikhail didn't reply. He just exhaled sharply through his nose, turned around, and dropped into the seat one row behind.
But he glares stayed.
The lecture started, but neither of them really listened. Mikhail's pencil tapered the desk in uneven rhythm. Nikolai hummed quietly under his breath, as if nothing had happened.
By the end of class, as students started filing out, Nikolai stood, turned around, and looked directly at Mikhail.
''By the way...'' he said lightly, ''You might want to claim your 'spot' a little earlier next time. Just a tip,''
And then he walked off.
Mikhail stared after him.
''What an annoying tittle----------''
He didn't finish the sentence. Just grabbed his bag and left.
Later that afternoon, Mikhail was halfway through a stale sandwich in the campus country when his phone buzzed. New Email from prof. ##. ''Literature Group Project Assignment-----Partner Attached.''
He groaned, wiping mayo off his thumb before clicking it open. His eyes scanned down the short message....and then froze.
Group Partner: Nikolai Mikhailov.
''You've got be kidding me,'' he muttered.
Next day, he entered Room 305 a few minutes early--------just to secure ''his seat'' this time--------and opened his notebook. No sign of Nikolai yet.
But right on time, the door clicked open.
Speak of the devil.
Nikolai walked in, headphones around his neck, a half -empty coffee in hand. He scanned the room lazily, saw Mikhail, and gave him a little smirk.
''Congratulations, we're married now.''
Mikail scowled, ''Excuse me?''
''Group project. It's academic marriage. We're stuck together whether we like it or not.'' He took the seat beside him-----------this time willingly.
''Relex'' Nikolai added, ''I'm not that bad. And you seem like the boss, control freak type, so I'll let you lead. Just tell me what to do.''
Mikhail turned slowly to face him. ''I'm not bossy.''
Nikolai shrugged. ''Says the guy who tried to evict me from a chair yesterday.'' There was a beat of silence.
Then-----the smallest twitch of Mikhail's lips. Almost a smile. Almost.
By the end of class, they'd agreed to meet in the library after lunch.
Just for project work.
Nothing else.
Of course.