Emma sat at the back of the English classroom, fingers nervously tapping the edge of her notebook. She kept her eyes on the teacher, doing her best to ignore the groups of friends laughing quietly around her.
Please don't make us do group work, she thought. Please.
But of course, the universe wasn't that kind.
"Okay, class," Mr. Daniels said, clapping his hands once. "We're starting a project today. Pair work. You'll analyze a novel together and present your ideas at the end of the term. I'll assign partners now."
Emma's stomach dropped.
Names filled the room like tiny explosions of relief or groans. And then—
"Lucas Rivera… and Emma Carter."
Emma froze. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as a few heads turned toward her — the new girl, paired with him. Lucas.
When she glanced over, Lucas was already looking at her. Not surprised. Not annoyed. Just… watching.
At the end of class, as everyone packed up, Emma hesitated, then forced herself to stand. She didn't want to seem like she was avoiding him. Before she could overthink it, Lucas was at her side.
"Hey." His voice was low, easy.
"Hi," she managed.
For a second, neither of them spoke. The classroom emptied around them, the noise fading.
"I guess we're partners," Lucas said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Yeah. Lucky you." The words slipped out before Emma could stop them — half a joke, half a defense.
Lucas's smile grew, just a little. "I don't mind."
Emma blinked. "You don't even know me."
Lucas shrugged, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Not yet."
There was something about the way he said it — not flirty, not teasing. Like he meant it. Like he wanted to.
"We could start the project after school," he said. "Library? Or if you want more time, tomorrow."
Emma hesitated. Every part of her wanted to say no, to keep her distance like she always did. But she heard herself say, "After school is fine."
Lucas nodded. "Cool. I'll see you then."
And with that, he walked away, leaving Emma standing
there, heart beating faster than it should.