Rivals to Romance

Chapter 11: Unlikely Allies

Around noon, the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the university campus.

In a spacious classroom, students gathered for their mid-morning lecture, chatting and settling into their seats. Among them were Alexis and Ryan, a fact that didn't escape their mutual eye rolls as they found themselves in the same subject class yet again.

As the professor entered the room, the class settled down, and the atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and reluctance. The professor cleared his throat and began discussing the topic of the day's lecture.

Alexis scribbled notes with a focused expression, while Ryan leaned back in his chair, seemingly disinterested.

About halfway through the lecture, the professor paused and looked around the room.

"Attention, everyone. As part of your coursework, I will be assigning a project that will count towards your final grade. You will be working in pairs."

A collective murmur of both excitement and anxiety rippled through the classroom. Alexis exchanged a wary glance with Sasha, who sat beside her, and Ryan couldn't help but smirk.

The professor continued, "I will assign the pairs randomly. Please find your partner by the end of the class."

As the professor started calling out pairs, Alexis felt her stomach churn with unease.

"Theodore Steinfeld and Sasha Kings."

Sasha looked back at Alexis, smiling slightly to reassure her.

"Élisabeth Rousseau and Natalya Ivanova"

Alexis crossed her fingers, hoping to be paired with someone tolerable at the very least. But when the professor finally announced the last pair after many names were called, her heart sank.

"Alexis Ford and Ryan Erickson."

The room seemed to buzz with a mix of amusement and astonishment. Alexis shot a glance at Ryan, her expression a mix of disbelief and annoyance. He, on the other hand, was grinning mischievously.

Sasha couldn't hold back a snicker. "Well, well, well. Fate has a sense of humor, doesn't it?"

Alexis sighed and shook her head. "Of course, it does."

As the class ended, Alexis and Ryan found themselves standing beside each other. Ryan turned to her with an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, what a coincidence. We're partners."

Alexis rolled her eyes, "Yeah, lucky us."

Ryan's smile was infuriatingly charming. "Come on, Alexis. It might not be as bad as you think."

"Oh, I'm sure spending hours with Mr. Eardrum-Busting Music himself will be a real treat," she replied with a sarcastic smile.

Ryan chuckled. "You wound me, really."

As they left the classroom, they walked side by side, their bickering somehow maintaining a level of playful camaraderie.

Alexis shot a pointed look at Ryan. "Just remember, Erickson, I don't tolerate any nonsense when it comes to academics."

Ryan held up his hands defensively. "Don't worry, Fords. I'm all ears."

Alexis smirked. "Well, that's a first. Let's see if you can hold onto that promise."

And so, an unexpected partnership began. Alexis and Ryan found themselves working on a project that required them to collaborate closely. Not to mention, the initial tension and sarcastic comments.