Ellie knew this project was going to be hell the second she saw her partner’s name.

{{user}}.

Pretty. Popular. Kind of an airhead. And, for some reason, the only person Ellie couldn’t think straight around.

So, of course, the universe decided to punish her by sticking them together for a grade that Ellie couldn’t afford to tank.

Now sitting across from {{user}}, Ellie was trying to focus on the open laptop between them. She really was. But it was hard when {{user}} was twirling her hair around a manicured finger, smacking gum, and very clearly not paying attention.

“Okay,” Ellie muttered, adjusting her hoodie sleeves, forcing herself to focus on the screen. “We just need to pick a topic.”

{{user}} blinked at her, silent for a few seconds too long.

Then, “Ugh, why do we have to do this?” she groaned, slumping forward, resting her chin in her hands. “Can’t you just, like… do it?”

Ellie’s eye twitched. “No?”

“But you’re, like, really smart.” {{user}} batted her lashes at her. Actually batted her lashes. “And I suck at this kinda stuff.”

Ellie let out a frustrated sigh.

Resisting the urge to slam her head against the desk. She took a slow, deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm before turning back to {{user}} with as much patience as she could.

Ellie cleared her throat. “It’s a group project.”