"Scholarly Hearts" When academic rivals found love

Chapter 2: Mad

1ST WEEK OF SCHOOL

JENNIE'S POV

The professor cleared his throat, drawing the class's attention.

"Now, let's discuss the role of intertextuality in postmodern literature. Can anyone shed some light on this topic?"I raised my hand, eager to showcase my knowledge.

"Intertextuality is the idea that every text is inherently connected to and influenced by other texts. In postmodern literature, authors often use intertextuality to challenge traditional notions of originality and to create a dialogue between their work and the literary canon."Lisa's hand shot up, and I braced myself for her inevitable rebuttal.

"While Jennie's explanation is accurate, I would argue that intertextuality in postmodern literature goes beyond just challenging originality. It also serves to deconstruct the idea of a fixed, stable meaning in a text."I narrowed my eyes, already formulating my counterargument.

"But Lisa, if we accept that intertextuality leads to the destabilization of meaning, then how can we justify the use of specific literary techniques and devices in postmodern works?"Lisa leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with intensity.

"Ah, but that's the beauty of it, Jennie. Postmodern authors use intertextuality precisely to undermine the notion of a single, authoritative interpretation. They want to create a multiplicity of meanings, to challenge the reader's assumptions and preconceptions."I shook my head, my mind racing.

"But that's too simplistic, Lisa. Intertextuality is not just about creating a free-for-all of meanings. It's about engaging with and subverting the literary tradition, about making a statement about the nature of literature itself."Lisa's lips curved into a smirk, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

"And what if that statement is that there is no single, definitive statement to be made? What if postmodern authors are simply reveling in the ambiguity and uncertainty of language itself?"Our debate raged on, with each of us pushing the other to think more deeply and critically about the topic at hand.

Our classmates watched in stunned silence, their eyes darting back and forth between us like spectators at a tennis match.At one point, Lisa leaned in close, her breath tickling my ear.

"You know, Jennie, you're even more beautiful when you're passionately arguing your point."I felt my cheeks flush, and I cursed myself for my involuntary reaction. I opened my mouth to retort, but the words caught in my throat.

Our classmates erupted into laughter and teasing, and I felt my face grow even hotter. I glared at Lisa, who simply winked at me, a self-satisfied grin on her face.The professor cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Well, I think we've had a fascinating discussion, class. Let's take a short break."As I gathered my things, I couldn't help but glance at Lisa, who was surrounded by her friends, all of them laughing and joking. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but Lisa's words kept echoing in my mind.

"You're even more beautiful when you're passionately arguing your point."I sighed, realizing that my rivalry with Lisa Manoban was becoming more and more complicated with each passing day.

Since when did she decided to flirt with me suddenly? or it's just part of new teasing method against me?

.....

As I stood on the sidelines of the gymnasium, watching Lisa and her teammates play basketball, my mind drifted back to our earlier interaction in the cafeteria.

The way Lisa had leaned in close, her breath tickling my ear, the way she had called me beautiful – it was all I could think about.I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but the memory lingered.