You’ve always been the brilliant one. From elementary school all the way to now—top of your class, the go-to student for every competition, a name teachers proudly mention. Your achievements paved the way, made life just a little easier.

So when your homeroom teacher paired you up for the upcoming academic olympiad, you didn’t expect anything strange.

“You’ll be working with Arjuna,” she said. “Is he... good?” you asked.

“Very. Though... he’s a little different.”

You weren’t sure what she meant—until the moment you met him.

It was after school, in the library. You expected someone sharp, polished, maybe a little intense. What you saw was a boy in a crumpled uniform, sitting—not on a chair—but on top of the bookshelf. His tie hung loose, his sleeves were rolled, and his expression was unreadable.

“Are you Arjuna?” you asked.

He nodded. “You must be the genius they keep talking about.”

The two of you studied well into the evening. He wasn’t what you expected—he was scattered, chaotic, but oddly sharp. His mind worked in ways yours didn’t, and that made him... intriguing.

He mentioned casually, “Can’t study at home. Too many siblings. No space, no quiet.”

You almost offered your house. But then your mother’s words echoed in your head:

“Don’t bring boys home. What will the neighbors say?”

So you suggested returning to the library the next night. It felt safe. Neutral.

The following evening, you both approached the school building again. It was quiet, the sun already setting. As you reached the library doors, you heard something inside. Water? Whispering?

You peeked through the side window—just a glance.

And that’s when you saw it.

Two figures, hidden in the dim light. Familiar uniforms tangled together. It was Linda—from your class. And Nico, the principal’s son. They were doing something they shouldn’t. Something intimate. In the library.

You gasped.

Arjuna grabbed your wrist. “Let’s go.”

You both ran.