Academic Hearts

2.Challenge Accepted

Emily's POV

I got my first class today. Clutching my books tightly on my chest, i walked through the maze of historic buildings that made up the campus. I was aware of the students around me each absorbed in their own world.

Taking a deep breath, i pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The room was already buzzing with the chatter of the students.

I scanned the room for an empty seat, finding a spot towards the back, I settled in, my notebook now open on my desk. As the professor entered the room the class fell silent.

The lecture began, as I listened to the professor's words.

When somoene interupt the class. I look at the door to see the boy that bumped into me yesterday.

" Why are you late this time Cole ?" the professor asked.

" My alarm didn't go off..." he said 

" Again? I don't believe a thing about it, sit down please it's the last time."

So his name is Cole.

I noticed then that there is just one seat left and it is next to me.

We made eye contact when he said:

" Didn't i tell you that if we see each other again you will regret?"

" I can't do nothing about it if we're in the same class" I responed while rolling my eyes.

He looked annoyed about it but i didn't give a shit, the teacher was talking about the upcoming group project that will be with two.

" The person next to me will be your partner" She said.

I don't want to work with this asshole not in a million years.

" So i guess we will have to work together what's your name? "

"Emily and i won't work with you "

" We will see about it " He shrugged as the bell rings.

I stand up and go to the professor's desk and ask her if i can change partners.

And of course she said no i walked out class and see Cole standing against the door.

"So when do we start give me your number i will send you when and where."

I sigh and give him my number when i walk through the halls he follows me behind.

Cole's POV

"Why don't you want to work with me ?" I ask her

She turns around " Because you're an asshole who thinks he's never in fault and is selfish and thinks will have everything he asks for because of his looks" She says out of breath.

" So you think im attractive?" I smirk

" What- No NO I mean of course not" She smuttered with a blush on her cheeks.

Emily's POV

I walked away from him upon reaching the dorm, i pushed open the door to my room expecting the familiar sight of my modesty decorated half of the space.

Confusion flickered across my face but what caught my eye was the figure seated on one of the beds, engrossed in a book.

My roommate?

"Hi there," she said, setting her book aside and rising from the bed. "You must be Emily, right? I'm Lily."

I returned the smile, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Lily seemed friendly enough, with a welcoming demeanor that put her at ease. "Yeah, that's me," I replied, crossing the room to stand beside my new roommate. "It's nice to meet you, Lily."

Lily extended her hand, and I shook it firmly. "Likewise. I hope you had a smooth journey here."I nodded, my nerves beginning to dissipate. 

Me and Lily settled into a comfortable rythm in our dormroom, we talked about a lot of stuff.

Hours passed

" It's time for dinner let's go" Lily said excitedly

We walked dowstairs our laughter echoed through the hallway as we saw a group of boys walking up to us, the boys werechatting amongst themselves, their laughter ringing out as they made their way down stairs.

My heart skipped a beat when i recognized one of the boys- Cole.

Lily nudged me playfully, a mischievious glint in her eye. " Looks like we've got some company she whispered, her voice barely above murmur.

" Emily" he said as he turned to a an empty hallway.

" What do you want ?" I asked

Cole stepped forward, his gaze sharp and calculating. " Oh nothing much just wanted to have a little chat, that's all."

Taking a deep breath, I sqaured my shoulders and met his gaze." Fine" I said firmly.

" Let's talk." My voice firm.

And with that, the stage was set for a showdown between two storn enemies, each determined to emerge victorrious no matter the cost.

Me and Cole stood facing each other, the tension crackling between us like electrecity. Despite our mutual animosity, we both know that we have no choive but to work together on the upcoming group project asighen by the teacher.

"So I guess we're stuck with each other then." He said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

I nodden my jaw clenched. " Seems that way."

We eyed each other warily, neither quite sure how to proceed.

"Look" He began, his voice surprisingly hesitant, I know we don't exactly get along, but we both want to do well in this project right?"

I raised an eybrow, clearly skeptical. " And?"

" And maye if we put aside our differences andactually work together, we might actually stand a chance getting a decent grade." He suggested tentatively

"Fine. But don't think  this means we're suddenly best friends or anything."

Cole couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Trust me, the feeling's mutual."

" Should we start the project tomorrow after school in the library?" 

" Yeah, sure "

I walked away as me and Lily ate dinner.

 Cole's POV

At dinner the boys are eating dinner. I look Emily laughing on a joke Lily said.

" So, Cole have you heard from Emily the new girl lately?" Max leaned forward, a sly grin playing as he eyed me.

My expression tensed, my thoughts istantly drifting to Emily. " Yeah we've been... communicating" I admitted reluctantly, trying to brush off the significance of our interactions.

I return my attention to Emily.

Max exchanged knowing glances with the others before continuing. " You know it's funny how much obssesed you are with her."

My heart raced as i felt the weight of his words sinking in. I couldn't deny the truth in their observations, though i fought against the realization." It's not like that she's... just challenging"I insited, attempting to maintain mu composure.

Jack, ever perceptive, arched an eyebrow. "Challenging, or captivating?" heteased, his tone laced with amusement.The table erupted into laughter, and Alex couldn't help but join in, though my mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Emily . With a sigh, he conceded, "Okay, maybe she's a bit more than just challenging."

"We have noticed that since the diner began you keep undressing her with your eyes dude"

I feel a warm flesh appearing on my sheeks.

I left the table mad as they continue teasing me and laughing at the table as everyone is looking at me AND Emily. 

" Just great" I murmured.