MY BROTHER'S BESTFRIEND

Chapter 5: Paired Up

Sorry for the late update guys. I was kind of busy this week but I will set a new goal, trying to publish two chapters in one week, so be exited for tommorow or sunday. Well I hope you like this chapter <3

Enjoy.

Chapter 5 - Paired Up

Valerie's Point of View

The classroom is bigger than I expected. Rows of seats stretch across the room, filling up fast with students chatting, yawning, or scrolling through their phones. The air smells like coffee, notebooks, and a hint of someone's perfume.

I shift my bag higher on my shoulder, glancing around to find a seat, when my eyes land on him.

Jake.

He's sitting near the back, legs stretched out like he couldn't care less about being here. His black T-shirt sits perfectly on him, his biceps stretching it out a bit, his abs visible, and he's twirling a pen between his fingers like he's bored out of his mind.

But he's not alone.

Three girls are gathered around him. One leans in close, laughing at something he didn't even say. Another lightly touches his arm, pretending to be interested in whatever thought he's clearly not sharing. The last just watched him with a look that's way too obvious. You can practically see the hearts on her eyes.

I don't know why I keep staring.

It's not like I care.

Still, something uncomfortable tugs at my chest, something I don't want to name. It's a weird feeling and it's not new. But it's stronger than ever.

Then suddenly - his eyes meet mine.

My breath catches.

For a second, neither of us moves. His gaze is unreadable, dark and steady. He's like a closed book. He doesn't smirk, doesn't look away. It's like he's waiting for something.

Before I can figure out what, a voice calls my name making me surprised.

"Valerie!"

I blink and turn to see Alec sitting toward the middle of the room, grinning like he's been waiting for me. He pats the empty seat beside him, his eyes warm and inviting.

I frown, not knowing what to do.

What do you mean, you don't know what to do, girl? He's literally calling your name, wanting you to go over to him. Jake is sitting there surrounded by three girls, why would he need one more?

I walk straight past Jake, trying to listen to my inner thoughts and take the seat next to Alec.

Jake's Point of View

I knew she was going to sit beside someone else.

I don't even know why I was waiting. The seat beside me is already taken.

Still, something twists inside me when she walks straight past me without a single glance, sitting next to fucking Alec like it's the easiest choice in the world. She's already smiling at him, already lost in whatever conversation they're having.

Fucking hell.

I tighten my grip on my pen.

The girl next to me - Lauren, I think - says something, but I don't process it. Cause for some reason my focus is completely somewhere else.

Then the professor walks in, placing his briefcase on the desk. He looks around the room clearing his throat.

"Alright, everyone, settle down," he calls out, adusting his glasses. "I'm Professor Harding. Welcome to Business Strategy 101. Now, let's get one thing straight - I don't believe in solo work. Business is about partnerships, about learning to work with others to create something much bigger than yourself."