Nemesis (Full Version)

Chapter 4 - The Grand Finale: Love's Interruption, Exhibition and Graduation

Amidst the flurry of preparations for their final project, Monica senses a different kind of flutter in her heart whenever she's around Afox, a classmate. One afternoon, as she works on a design project, her pen slips from her hand and lands at Afox's feet. "Monica, you drop your pen," Afox says, picking it up with a smile. "Sorry you have to pick up my pen," Monica replies with a nervous laugh.

From that day on, Monica finds herself spending more time with Afox, chatting over coffee at the campus café or strolling through the grounds. Afox has a way of making her feel special with his kind words, but their budding closeness begins to distract Monica. She starts missing classes and becomes less involved in her usual activities, causing concern among her friends Sandra, Kartika, and Patricia. They know how ambitious Monica is, and they worry she might be veering off course.

One afternoon, Sandra searches the campus for Monica, intending to invite her to study together and reignite her focus. Unable to find her, Sandra messages Monica: "Where are you? Let's study, at least for our exhibition assignment." Monica's reply is curt: "Can't, I'm busy." Frowning, Sandra sends more messages and tries calling, desperate to reach her friend.

Meanwhile, Monica is at the campus café with Afox, her phone buzzing incessantly with Sandra's notifications. Irritated, Monica glances at her phone and quickly silences it. "Huh, annoying," she mutters under her breath.

Afox notices Monica's frustration and asks, "What's wrong, Mon?"

Monica sighs. "Ah, nothing. Just messages from my friend. She's all about rushing and studying. It's annoying."

Afox chuckles. "Your friend sounds too serious. She doesn't know how to have fun. Forget about her."

Monica nods in agreement. "That's what bothers me about Sandra."

The next day, as Sandra hurries to her next class, she spots Monica and rushes over before Monica can slip away. Grabbing Monica's bag, Sandra exclaims, "What's going on with you?!"

"We need to talk face to face," Sandra insists. Monica reluctantly agrees, her expression sour. "Sure, let's talk privately, but let go of my bag first," she snaps, as Sandra releases her grip.

"Mon, I don't want to upset you, but have you noticed how you've been lately?" Sandra asks patiently.

Monica brushes it off. "It's just your imagination."

Taking a deep breath, Sandra persists, "Don't deny it, Mon. I've known you since we were kids, and this isn't like you. It's because of Afox, isn't it?"

"Don't bring Afox into this," Monica shoots back. "You're always too serious, Sandra, always studying."

Sandra feels stung by Monica's words. "If you want to take it easy, at least let's finish this exhibition project first. We can't afford to mess up and repeat the semester," she urges firmly.

Monica is taken aback by Sandra's seriousness. Reluctantly, she nods. "Fine, fine," she mutters, a mix of annoyance and apprehension in her voice.

Deciding to move on, Monica says, "Okay, I'll catch you later for the next class. It's almost time." With that, she leaves, leaving Sandra shaking her head in frustration as she watches her friend go.

Despite their differences, Sandra and Monica know they have to set them aside for their final project. They are tasked with designing one model for a prestigious fashion show at the London College of Fashion. Both understand the gravity of the task ahead for their futures.

Monica and Sandra meet on campus one morning, the air thick with lingering tension. Despite the awkwardness, their dedication to the project forces them to set aside personal feelings. They spend countless days and nights on campus, immersed in their exhibition project. Initially distant, Monica keeps communication with Sandra to a minimum, acknowledging Sandra's indispensable skills in crafting their complex designs.