By midweek, the campus had mostly stopped buzzing about Ethan's engagement—mostly. But he couldn't escape the new attention. Even professors seemed to watch him with new, measuring eyes.
During Advanced Communication class, Dr. Hart announced, "For this month's assessment, you'll work in groups. Teams are listed on the board. Find your group and begin planning."
Ethan stood and scanned the list. His stomach sank—he was with Claire, Logan, and… Lena Pierce.
Logan whistled. "Looks like you drew the wild card, man."
Lena approached, arms crossed. "Just so we're clear, I don't care what drama you're wrapped up in. I'm not letting it ruin my grade."
Ethan met her gaze, feeling Group Rapport activate—a gentle warmth made it easier to keep calm. "Same. Let's just focus on the project."
Claire, ever the peacemaker, smiled nervously. "So… should we start brainstorming?"
The group found a quiet corner. Logan cracked a joke, earning a reluctant smirk from Lena. Slowly, ideas began to flow. Claire kept everyone on track. Lena's suggestions were sharp but fair, and Ethan found himself mediating when tension flared.
At one point, Lena snapped, "Cole, you're awfully calm for someone in the hot seat. Not going to crack under pressure?"
Ethan shrugged. "Guess I work better in a team."
Something in Lena's eyes shifted—a flicker of respect, or maybe curiosity.
As the meeting ended, Logan slapped Ethan on the back. "You handled that better than I expected. I thought Lena was going to eat us alive."
Ethan grinned, feeling a genuine sense of accomplishment. The day had gone smoother than he could've hoped.
That evening, as he finished his notes, the familiar system prompt appeared:
[Milestone Event: Successfully Navigated Group Tension!]
[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]
[Skill 1] Note-Taking Mastery (Common)
Your notes are always clear, organized, and easy to review—making study sessions twice as effective.
[Skill 2] Mediation (Common)
You defuse conflicts and smooth over disagreements in group settings, helping everyone cooperate.
[Skill 3] Persuasive Delivery (Common)
Your arguments and presentations become more convincing, increasing your influence in debates or meetings.
Ethan considered. Mediation would help with future group projects, and Persuasive Delivery was tempting, but for now, he chose [Skill 2] Mediation—he'd need it for the rest of the term.
[Skill Acquired: Mediation (Common) — You defuse conflicts and smooth over disagreements in group settings, helping everyone cooperate.]
A sense of confidence settled over him, and for the first time, Ethan felt like he belonged—maybe not as the Ice Queen's fiancé, but as part of something real.