Li and Min approached the box with sheets, their hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Li was still trying to shake off the uneasy feeling she had about running into that senior again. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as they reached out to pick their sheets.
Min: (whispering) "Remember, just stay calm. We'll figure it out if anything goes wrong."
Li nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. As they unfolded their sheets, they both held their breath.
Min: "I got... Senior Shar. He seems pretty calm, so it shouldn't be too bad."
Li glanced at her own sheet, her face turning pale as she read the name. "Oh no... I got Senior War."
Min: (gasping) "What? The same guy you just helped?"
Li: "Yes! I knew it, Min! I knew I was doomed."
Min: "Calm down, Li. Remember what we talked about. Just act normal and don't let him intimidate you."
Before Li could respond, the seniors began calling out the names of the juniors assigned to them. War's voice cut through the hall, commanding and direct.
War: "Lisa! Where is Lisa?"
Li took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to keep her composure. She could feel all eyes on her as she made her way to War. He recognized her instantly, and a small smirk played on his lips.
War: "Well, well, if it isn't the girl who thought she could handle everything herself. So, you're stuck with me, huh?"
Li: (forcing a smile) "Seems like it. Let's just make the best of it."
War: "Oh, don't worry. We're going to have a lot of fun together. Let's see if you're as capable as you think you are."
Li felt a shiver run down her spine. She glanced back at Min, who gave her an encouraging nod. This was not how she expected her first day to go, but she wasn't going to back down now.
As the seniors started to give instructions, War leaned in closer to Li, his voice low so only she could hear.
War: "You know, I don't appreciate being told what to do, especially not by a junior. Let's see if you can keep up with me, Lisa."
Li: (meeting his gaze) "I'm not here to challenge you, just to do my best. But don't underestimate me either."
War raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her response. "We'll see about that."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of tasks and instructions. Li did her best to stay focused, but she couldn't shake the feeling that War was watching her every move. She knew she had to prove herself, not just to him, but to herself as well.
As the day ended, War called out to her once more.
War: "Good job today, Lisa. But this is just the beginning. I'll be expecting more from you tomorrow."
Li: (nodding) "I'll be ready."
War: "I hope so."
As Li walked away, she couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into. But one thing was for sure—this semester was going to be anything but ordinary.
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