𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 | 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞

Chapter 7

The library was always a place that I found amazing for a cheer-up. Ever since middle school, I had been a total bookworm. I loved books and often found myself dreaming of being in those stories.

Well, today was totally different. People had talked about a big project that was always assigned to you in your third year, due by the end of the school year. And luck had it—Aaron was my assigned partner.

As I walked into the library, I felt a mix of dread and annoyance. I wasn't ready to be working with him. And I would surely ask him if he said anythinn to the teachers to assign him with me.

I had mixed feelings about Aaron; he had approached me under false pretenses, and I still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something off about him. But for now I pushed those thoughts aside.

I found a table tucked away in the corner, my usual spot, where I could escape the bustling noise of students searching for textbooks and study materials. It was quieter there, and I hoped I could dive into my work without distractions. As I settled into my chair, I glanced around the room, searching for Aaron.

I really didn't want to be with him. I could just do this project by myself and give credit to both of us. But deep down, I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. I just had to get through this.

Moments later, I saw Aaron walk in, scanning the room until his gaze landed on me.

A part of me wanted to hide, but I forced myself to sit up straight and maintain my composure. He approached my table with that same charming smile, and I felt my walls go up.

"What's up, frowny face?" he said, settling into the seat in front of me.

"I'm not frowning," I replied, my brows furrowing. Now I am.

"Totally aren't," he teased.

"Did you tell the teachers to pair me up with you?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Why would I?" he raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

"'Cause you're such a stalker," I shot back.

"I didn't," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Trust me."

Which meant he did. My gut twisted at his words.

"Okay, fine," I sighed, shaking my head. "Just don't think you can take over everything. I've got this."

He chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it. Just here to help, remember?"

"Yeah, help. Right," I muttered, pulling out my notes and spreading them across the table, trying to divert my focus from him. I didn't want to admit how much I wanted this project to go smoothly. "Let's just start with the basics."

Aaron leaned forward, propping his chin on his hands. "Alright, then. What do you want to focus on?"

I hesitated, caught off guard by his eagerness. I hadn't expected him to be this engaged. "I'm thinking more of the nerve or immune system," I said, tapping my pen on the notes as his eyes darted to my careful handwriting.

"Your handwriting is neat," he observed, and I nodded slightly.

"I'm sort of a perfectionist," I admitted, my voice dropping a bit as if I were confessing to a crime. "I want all my plans to run smoothly. I remember back in high school, I was the one who planned everything because I was so good at it."

"Ah, so you're a control freak," he teased. "That explains a lot."

"Hey, it's not that bad," I shot back. "I just like to know what's going on. You know, plan for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best."