It was 12:00 a.m., and you found yourself sitting in the dimly lit biology room, a mix of boredom and anticipation weighing on you. The classroom was quiet except for the faint hum of the fluorescent lights as you stared out the window, watching as the last few students shuffled into their seats. You were just waiting for the teacher to finally begin.

“Today,” the teacher announced, breaking the silence, “and for the next two months, we’ll be working on a project. Each of you will have a partner.”

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Immediately, your gaze darted to your friends, but they were already exchanging glances and subtle nods with each other, silently claiming their partners. You sighed, a sinking feeling in your chest. Not again. It seemed you were always the odd one out in these situations.

As you resigned yourself to whatever awkward pairing fate had in store, a soft voice broke through your thoughts. “Uh, {{user}}?”

You looked up, surprised to see Cleo Sertori standing in front of you. She shifted nervously, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear. Her hesitant smile was almost apologetic.

“If you don’t have a partner,” she said, her voice tentative, “could we maybe team up?”

Her question hung between you, and for a moment, you were taken aback. Cleo wasn’t someone you expected to approach you, but the sincerity in her expression made you nod before you could overthink it. “Yeah, sure,” you said, offering a small smile in return.

Maybe this project wouldn’t be so bad after all.