The classroom was already buzzing when Kinich stepped inside. Rows of desks glowed faintly with their holo-screens, sunlight pouring through the tall glass windows. He hesitated for a moment—most seats were already filled, and the idea of weaving through so many voices made his shoulders tense.
"Kinich! Over here!" Mualani waved from the middle row, her glasses catching the light as she shifted her books to the side. "I saved you a spot."
His chest tightened at her smile. For a second, he thought about slipping into a back corner where no one would notice him. But her expectant gaze pulled him forward, and before he knew it, he was sitting down beside her.
From the back row, Klee waved enthusiastically, whispering way too loudly, "Mualani, is he your boyfriend already?" causing a few students to laugh.
Mualani flushed crimson. "Klee! Shhh!" She quickly adjusted her tablet, eyes darting nervously toward Kinich.
Kachina leaned over from the desk behind them, grinning wide. "Ohhh, side by side already? You two look like the perfect team!"
Kinich tried to keep his face calm, but his ears were burning.
Meanwhile, Xiangling peeked her head in through the doorway with a lunchbox in hand. "Sorry I'm late! Had to test a new recipe!" She hurried to her seat near the window, the faint aroma of spices drifting through the room, making a few classmates' stomachs growl.
Across the aisle, Xingqiu raised an eyebrow and teased softly, "A romantic tale is about to unfold right before our eyes… perhaps I should take notes for my next book."
"Xingqiu, focus," Yanfei scolded from the front row, though her lips curved in amusement.
From her corner seat, Shinonin quietly wrote in her notebook, capturing every little detail like an observer of fate. Her gentle eyes followed the subtle space between Kinich and Marani, the way her sleeve brushed against his arm whenever she turned a page.
The professor finally called the class to order. Lessons began, but Kinich's thoughts wandered. He wasn't used to sitting so close to someone—especially someone like her. Her presence was steady, yet warm, like sunlight breaking through clouds.
When the bell rang, Katzina wasted no time leaning forward. "Study group after class! No excuses. Marani, Kinich—you two are in."
Before either could protest, Klee cheered, "Yay! I'll come too! I'll bring snacks!"
"Count me in," Xiangling chimed, "I'll test a dish on everyone. It'll be fun!"
Xingqiu smirked knowingly, while Yanfei sighed, clearly realizing she'd be dragged into it as well.
Kinich glanced at Mualani, who smiled softly, almost shyly. "I… I'd like that."
And just like that, a simple seat beside her became the beginning of something sweeter—something that everyone around them seemed determined to encourage.