Afternoon sunlight leaked through the high windows of English Literature, washing the front row in gold. Alex Dunphy sat upright as always, pen poised, notebook crisp, already halfway through solving tomorrow's homework. Next to her, Sanjay Patel flicked through a university pamphlet like he was skimming a gossip magazine.
"MIT clearly has the superior engineering program," Alex said without looking up.
Sanjay scoffed. "Please. Stanford has better funding, better research labs, and better weather. You're just biased because you like libraries that smell like dust and fear."
Alex gave him a look. "And you're biased because you can't survive below twenty degrees Celsius."
Before Sanjay could argue back, Mr. Thomas clapped his hands.
"Alright, class. Settle down. This year, you'll all be working in pairs on several literature projects. I'll be announcing partners now."
A collective groan rippled across the room.
Alex barely listened for the first few names—she was too busy mentally ranking Ivy League dorm room floorplans. Until she heard:
"Alex Dunphy… you'll be with Jasper Allister."
Her pen froze mid-stroke.
Beside her, Sanjay whispered, "Unlucky."
Alex didn't need to turn to know who Jasper was. Everyone knew. But she looked anyway—slowly, cautiously, like staring into the sun.
Jasper Allister sat near the back, dark wavy hair brushed back in that effortless flow that looked like it belonged in a music video. Lean but undeniably muscular, broad shoulders slouched in the seat like he owned the concept of gravity. His ocean-green eyes weren't even on the teacher; he was whispering something into the ear of a blonde girl. Whatever he said made her blush bright red and bite her lip.
Yeah. He definitely wasn't quoting Shakespeare.
Rumors about Jasper were practically a school currency. The kind girls traded in hushed voices—dangerous, breathless things about how incredible he was and how the only regret any girl ever had was not being able to keep him.
Alex felt her stomach twist.
Of all people.
Of course this year she'd be paired with the school's devilish playboy.
Meanwhile, Jasper hadn't even heard his name.
Typical.
Mr. Thomas coughed twice, louder this time, making the class jump slightly.
"Mr. Allister," he said, tone equal parts exasperation and sarcasm, "since you seem so interested in this class, you will also sit in the front… next to Miss Dunphy for the year. Maybe her seriousness and focus will reinforce your interest in the subject… and get you off Miss Holloway's ear."
Jasper let out a low, amused chuckle, tilting his head toward the blonde. "I'll wait for your answer, Jessica," he whispered before standing with that effortless grace that made him look like he was gliding rather than walking.
Every eye in the room followed him as he sauntered to the front. Alex's notebook suddenly felt like it weighed fifty pounds. Her pen hovered uselessly above the page.
He stopped beside her desk, leaning slightly, grin in place. "So… Dunphy," he said, voice low and teasing, "looks like we're stuck together. Don't tell me you're scared."
Alex blinked and shoved a strand of hair behind her ear. "Scared? Absolutely not," she said, voice tighter than she intended. Yeah, right, she thought. I'm thrilled. Absolutely thrilled to be paired with the human embodiment of every high school rumor ever told.
Jasper's grin widened, clearly enjoying her panic. "Good. I like a girl who knows what she's getting into. Now, tell me… do you always sit at the front row, or is this just a special occasion?"
Alex narrowed her eyes. "Oh, this? Just my hobby of suffering silently while surrounded by chaos." She added under her breath, and by chaos, I mean you.
The energy in the room shifted. It wasn't just the project anymore — it was him, right there, leaning in slightly, hair catching the sunlight. Alex clenched her jaw. Focus, Dunphy. Don't die from stupidity or bad hair.
Jasper plopped down beside her with a soft thud, still grinning. "Quite a view we have here," he said softly, teasing.
Alex's pen nearly stabbed her notebook. She snapped it shut, glaring at him. Oh yes, very witty. And no, I'm not flustered at all. She scooted slightly away, but the seat was short, and apparently Jasper thought personal space was negotiable.
Her internal monologue continued furiously:
Okay, Alex, you've dealt with idiots before. Charmers, fools, morons—you've survived them all. But him? Him is like a live-action chemistry experiment: highly volatile, mildly dangerous, and probably going to explode in your face before lunch.
She picked up her notebook again, trying to look busy. He was definitely going to be a pain. And she was going to make sure he knew it.
From their left, Sanjay Patel leaned over and muttered, loud enough for Alex to hear, "What can girls even find in you, I wonder?"
Jasper turned his ocean-green eyes on him, amused. "Sorry, I didn't see you there. You must be Rajesh, the transfer student from New Delhi. Heard a lot about you."
Sanjay's eyes narrowed. "I'm Sanjay Patel, and we've been sharing classes since freshman year."
Jasper's grin widened, perfectly devilish. "Ahhh… excuse me, Sanjah, I didn't realize." He leaned back in his chair, one arm draped lazily over the desk. "To answer your question, little virgin," —and yes, he actually smirked as he said it— "there is my good looks, my style, my charm… and my unflinching ability to listen to Taylor Swift."
Alex's pen nearly flew across the room. Oh, perfect. He's going full obnoxious. And somehow, he's proud of it.
Sanjay's jaw dropped. "Did you just—"
Jasper held up a hand. "Don't be mad. I'm just providing clarity, my friend. You should take notes; one day, this may be useful in your very limited romantic life."
Alex groaned silently, hiding a smile. Yep. This year is going to be interesting.
Alex finally couldn't stay silent. She glanced at Jasper, her dark eyes narrowed, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Oh, congratulations," she said, tilting her head slightly. "You must be exhausted from listing all the ways you're amazing. I'd clap, but I think that would hurt my hand from all the eye-rolling."
Jasper raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Ooh, feisty. I like it. Are you always this charming, or is it a special skill reserved for annoying me?"
Alex smirked, leaning back in her chair, one hand tapping her notebook. "Oh no, it's a full-time job. But don't worry, I've been practicing all my life for idiots like you."
He leaned slightly closer, grin widening, lowering his voice to just above a whisper. "Mmm, practice makes perfect. But I have to admit… you're better at this than most."
Alex nearly choked on her pencil. Oh, fantastic. He's flirting now. She cleared her throat, refusing to meet his gaze. "Good. That's enough praise for one day. Let's get back to our project before someone realizes I'm wasting my time teaching you how to be a human."
Jasper leaned back, one arm still casually draped over the desk, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, Dunphy. I can already tell this is going to be fun."
Alex groaned softly, hiding a reluctant smile. No. No way. This year is officially doomed.