Back to Class....
The bell rang sharply, signaling the return to the classroom after lunch. Students shuffled in, settling into their seats. Ariana walked quietly to the same spot near the window, placing her books neatly on the desk. Her heart still raced from the morning conversations.
Jason followed, sliding into the seat across from her without hesitation.
"You ready for the next class?" he asked casually.
Ariana looked up briefly.
"I think so," she replied softly.
Jason grinned.
"Good. You'll do fine. Just don't freak out when the teacher gives us work," he said.
Ariana smiled faintly, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her notebook.
Noah entered quietly from the back, as usual. He carried his bag over one shoulder and his book tucked under his arm. His gaze scanned the classroom, noting the students' energy, but it lingered for a moment on Ariana.
Vanessa sat nearby, pretending to read her notes but watching him closely.
"You're staring again," she whispered sharply.
Noah didn't answer, eyes still on Ariana.
The Assignment Announcement.....
The teacher, Ms. Carter, stood at the front of the room.
"Good afternoon, class," she began. "I hope everyone is ready. Today, we'll start with a group assignment."
Students groaned softly.
Ariana's stomach tightened. She had always excelled individually but group projects always carried risk—especially in a new school.
Ms. Carter continued.
"You'll be divided into pairs. Each pair will present a topic from the literature syllabus next week."
Jason leaned back in his chair, glancing at Ariana.
"Looks like teamwork day," he whispered with a smirk.
Ariana nodded, uncertain how to respond.
"Pairs will be chosen randomly," Ms. Carter announced, pulling names from a small box.
She held up the first slip.
"Jason Miller… and…" She read the next name. "Ariana Blake."
Jason's eyes widened briefly, then he leaned back, smiling.
"Well, looks like we're a team," he said.
Ariana blinked, her cheeks warming.
"Uh… okay," she replied softly.
Noah watched silently from the back as a murmur ran through the classroom. He noticed Tiffany and Vanessa exchanging sharp glances, though neither spoke aloud.
Planning the Assignment.....
After class, Ariana and Jason walked to the library together to start their work.
"So… we need to pick a topic," Jason said, flipping through the syllabus.
Ariana nodded, flipping her notebook open.
"I was thinking… maybe we could do something on symbolism in poetry," she suggested quietly.
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"Poetry, huh? You really like reading," he teased lightly.
Ariana looked down at her hands.
"I… like literature," she admitted softly.
Jason smiled.
"Good. I'll follow your lead then," he said.
Ariana glanced at him, surprised by his sincerity.
"Okay," she murmured.
First Differences.....
Jason pulled out a notebook and a pen.
"So… how do we divide the work?" he asked.
Ariana hesitated.
"I… I can do the research. You could… maybe write the introduction and conclusion?" she suggested softly.
Jason tilted his head.
"Sure. I can do that. Sounds fair," he said.
Ariana relaxed slightly.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
Jason smiled, noticing the faint tension in her shoulders.
"No problem. You seem nervous, but you're smart. I like that," he added.
Ariana felt her cheeks burn.
"Th-thank you," she murmured, looking away.
Meanwhile, Noah sat at a nearby table, silently taking notes on the topic himself. Vanessa leaned closer.
"Why are you helping her in your own time?" she asked quietly, irritation in her voice.
Noah didn't answer immediately.
"Observing," he said finally. "That's all."
Vanessa frowned, but she didn't press further.
The Jealous Girls' Plans.....
Tiffany and Vanessa huddled in the corner of the library, whispering.
"She's already paired with Jason," Tiffany hissed.
Vanessa smirked faintly.
"And Noah's… interested too," she added quietly.
Tiffany's eyes narrowed.
"We can't let her get close. Not to either of them," Tiffany whispered.
Vanessa nodded, plotting silently.
"She won't know what hit her," Vanessa said with a sly smile.
Working Together.....
Jason and Ariana spread their books across the table.
"So, what have you found?" Jason asked.
Ariana opened her notebook and started reading aloud softly.
"Symbolism is often used to represent emotions or ideas that cannot be expressed directly," she began. "For example, in this poem, the river represents the passage of time and the inevitability of change."
Jason listened carefully, nodding occasionally.
"Got it," he said. "I can write the introduction around that. Sounds deep," he added, smiling.
Ariana felt encouraged.
"Okay… I'll add more examples from other poems," she said.
Jason leaned back in his chair.
"You know… you explain things really well," he complimented.
Ariana's cheeks warmed again.
"Th-thank you," she said softly.
Small Moments....
As they worked, Ariana noticed how Jason listened. He wasn't interrupting or trying to take over. He asked questions, clarified ideas, and sometimes offered suggestions with a light laugh.
She found herself relaxing in a way she hadn't expected.
Jason noticed the faint smile that appeared more often as she explained points.
"You're not as quiet as I thought," he teased.
Ariana's lips twitched in a shy grin.
"No…" she said softly. "I'm… just careful."
Jason nodded knowingly.
"Careful's good," he said.
Observers in Silence...
Noah continued observing from across the room. He noticed Ariana speaking, the way she explained ideas, the subtle smiles and the small glances toward Jason.
Vanessa leaned closer, voice barely audible.
"She's… dangerous," Vanessa whispered.
Noah didn't answer.
"She's smart, focused… and she's already getting close," Vanessa added.
Noah's eyes stayed on Ariana, unreadable.
"She's interesting," he finally said.
Vanessa pressed her lips together, frustration mixing with intrigue.
End of the Day....
The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Students packed their things and filed out. Ariana carefully gathered her notes, still processing the day.
Jason stood beside her.
"So… we're on track for the presentation?" he asked casually.
Ariana nodded.
"Yes. I think so," she said softly.
Jason smiled.
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow then?"
Ariana nodded again.
"Yes… see you," she replied, a small smile on her face.
Noah walked past silently, book in hand, eyes briefly on Ariana. She didn't notice him, but he took note of her focus, her calmness, and the subtle way she responded to Jason.
Tiffany and Vanessa watched from across the courtyard, plotting silently.
Their jealousy simmered, but the school year had only just begun.
End of Episode 3