Debate class.
A place where smart people show off and everyone pretends they care about the topic.
And now, a place where I had to sit two rows behind Riyan Sen, pretending not to watch him flip his stupid perfect hair while talking about the economy.
I was doing great... until the professor said:
"You two. Yes, you and you in the back — team up for today's practice round."
Guess who "you and you" turned out to be?
Anaya (whispering):
"Please no."
Riyan: (already smiling)
"Looks like fate is working overtime."
We walked up to the front of the class and stood beside each other.
I crossed my arms. He looked way too comfortable.
Professor:
"Topic: Should mobile phones be banned in college classrooms? You two are against the ban. You have 3 minutes. Begin."
Riyan: (confidently)
"Phones are tools, not distractions. In fact, students often use them for note-taking, scheduling, and even recording lectures—"
Anaya: (jumping in)
"And let's be honest, sometimes we just need a mental break. One meme can save a life."
The class laughed. Riyan gave me a side-glance like he wasn't expecting that.
Riyan:
"Exactly. Mental health matters. Phones help students stay connected. With the right boundaries, they're more helpful than harmful."
Anaya: (grinning)
"Plus, no one wants to carry around a giant laptop just to check the time."
A few students clapped.
Professor:
"Time's up. Good points. You two work well together."
Anaya: (muttering)
"God, please don't say that out loud."
As we walked back to our seats, Riyan leaned toward me.
Riyan:
"You're not as hopeless as I thought."
Anaya:
"Aw. And you're not as smart as everyone says."
Riyan: (smirking)
"You'll miss me when we're not paired up next time."
Anaya:
"I'll throw a party."
We sat down. The rest of the class moved on, but my brain didn't.
Anaya (thinking):
What was that?
Why did it actually feel fun… debating with him?
Why did he look proud when I spoke up?
Why did I notice the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles?
Ugh. No.
Nope. This is not a rom-com. This is college.
And I do not like Riyan Sen.
…Right?
I stared at my notes, pretending to read.
But my heart?
It was still replaying the moment he said, "You'll miss me."
And that smile?
Annoying. A little charming.
Definitely trouble.