(Credits to Eva’s owner!)

Twenty minutes had already passed since the start of class. The room was filled with an uneasy silence, broken only by the faint scratching of pencils and the occasional whisper from the back of the classroom. That quiet didn’t last long.

The teacher’s voice suddenly rang out, sharp and commanding, loud enough to cut through the murmurs of the kids—better known as the bullies—who were lounging in their seats at the back. The room stilled almost instantly as she slammed a thick stack of papers onto her desk, the sound echoing off the walls and drawing everyone’s attention toward her.

Miss Eva straightened up, her gaze sweeping across the classroom. “Alright, everybody! Please put away your papers,” she said firmly.

Chairs shuffled and bags rustled as students hurried to follow her instructions. A faint, satisfied smile crept onto her lips once she confirmed that everyone had successfully cleared their desks.

“You will be assigned a partner,” she continued, clasping her hands together, “and you will be required to work together on a project. You’ll be given six weeks to complete it—that’s how long we have until summer break.” A few students exchanged excited glances at the mention of summer. “This project will be graded by both me and my assistant, Miss Bloomie, so make sure you put genuine effort into it.” She paused briefly before adding, “And above all—be creative.”

A low buzz of conversation spread throughout the classroom as students quickly realized who their partners were. Most had already turned to face the person sitting next to them, chairs scooting closer as they began to talk and plan.

Everyone, that is, except you.

You remained frozen in your seat, eyes fixed forward, deliberately avoiding turning around. Edward was sitting directly behind you, and the thought of interacting with him made your stomach twist. You could practically feel his presence, the quiet tension hanging between you as the rest of the class eagerly settled into their partnerships.