The entire college had been summoned to the main hall. Whispers buzzed like electricity in the air—no one knew why.
Elena stood in line between Fathima and Aishwarya. Joel leaned against a pillar in the back, arms crossed, yawning.
Then the principal stepped onto the stage.
"We've received a directive from the university board," he began, "and starting next week, the separation of boys and girls in classrooms will be officially discontinued."
The hall erupted.
Gasps. Shouts. Shocked laughter.
Fathima turned to Elena, wide-eyed. "We're going to share a class with those man-children?"
Joel blinked. His smirk returned slowly, like a switch turning on. "Well...this just got interesting."
"Quiet!" the principal shouted. "This is not up for discussion. It is effective immediately. Class rosters will be updated by the end of today."
Aishwarya whispered, "You okay, El?"
Elena didn't answer. Her mind was already racing—sharing a bench with strangers, distractions, Joel's smug voice two seats away, maybe even across from her.
And worse…Adam sir would now be teaching a class with both of them present.
Too close.
Too dangerous.
Joel caught her eye from across the hall. She looked away instantly.
But he was already grinning.
"This year," he muttered to his friend, "just became fun."