The next morning Sophie arrived early, the classroom still quiet except for the tick of the clock. She slid into her seat and opened her sketchbook, trying to finish yesterday's drawing of the boy with the guitar. She still didn't know his name.
Mrs. Caldwell swept in with a stack of papers. "Good morning, everyone. We're starting the semester with a long-term project," she announced as students trickled in. "You'll work in pairs. Names are on the board."
Sophie's stomach dipped. She hated random pairings—new people, forced small talk. She looked up as the teacher began writing.
When the chalk squeaked to a stop, Sophie found her name. Next to it: Ethan Blake.
Her heart thudded. The boy with the guitar.
Maya leaned over, eyes sparkling. "Oh my god. That's him. The universe ships you two."
"Stop," Sophie whispered, but her cheeks burned.
Ethan entered just then, sliding into his seat. When Mrs. Caldwell read out the pairs, he glanced toward Sophie. Their eyes met briefly before he looked down at his notebook.
"Sit with your partners to discuss ideas," the teacher instructed.
Sophie gathered her things and crossed the room. "Hi," she said softly. "I guess we're partners."
Ethan gave a small smile. "Looks like it. Sophie, right?"
She nodded, relieved he knew her name. They sat across from each other, an awkward space between their notebooks.
"The project's about 'local culture,'" Sophie said, reading the handout. "We have to present something creative."
Ethan tapped his pen against the paper. "I was thinking music. Maybe a song about the town?"
Sophie blinked. "You write songs?"
He hesitated. "Sometimes."
She smiled, surprised at her own boldness. "I draw. Maybe we could combine them—music and art?"
Something flickered in his expression, a mix of curiosity and relief. "Yeah. That could work."
For the next half hour they tossed around ideas—murals of landmarks, lyrics about the river that cut through town. Ethan's voice was low but steady, and when he talked about melodies his eyes lit up. Sophie found herself sketching as he spoke, lines forming the shape of a guitar.
As the bell rang, Ethan zipped his bag. "Library after school? We can brainstorm more."
Sophie's pulse quickened. "Sure," she said.
He slung the guitar case over his shoulder. "Cool. See you then."
Maya swooped in the second he left. "Well?!"
Sophie tried to hide her smile. "We're meeting in the library."
Maya raised an eyebrow. "Library dates already? I'm impressed."
Sophie rolled her eyes but felt a warmth blooming in her chest. She'd never been paired with someone like Ethan before. Maybe, she thought as she closed her sketchbook, this project would be more than just a grade.