The lunch bell echoed through the halls, its shrill ring a stark contrast to the heavy silence that hung between Jennie and Lisa as they walked toward the cafeteria. Their groups exchanged knowing glances, whispers of "good luck" and "don't kill each other" following them like unwelcome shadows.
The cafeteria was a cacophony of noise, chatter bubbling up from every corner.
Jennie found herself drawn towards a secluded table tucked away in a far corner, its relative quiet a stark contrast to the main hall.
Lisa, however, headed straight for the usual boisterous table where her friends resided.
"Lunch with the enemy?" Irene raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. Jennie gritted her teeth, the memory of Lisa's accusation still stinging.
"Guidance counselor's orders," Jennie mumbled, her voice devoid of enthusiasm. Wendy patted the empty seat beside her.
"Well, at least it won't be boring," she said, her eyes twinkling.
Just then, Lisa appeared, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on Jennie's table. A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face before she squared her shoulders and approached.
"So," Lisa began, her voice surprisingly neutral, "here we are."
Jennie nodded curtly, feeling the awkwardness settle in her stomach like a lump of lead. They sat down, the plastic chairs groaning under their weight. The silence was deafening, broken only by the clatter of distant tables and the clinking of silverware.
"Do we have to do this whole 'silent treatment' thing?" Lisa finally asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. Jennie shook her head, unsure where to begin.
"Look, Lisa," she started, taking a deep breath, "I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. Okay, maybe never." Lisa scoffed, but Jennie pressed on.
"But what you said today, about me flirting with Kai, it wasn't true. We were just talking."
Lisa's gaze softened slightly. "Isn't he kinda cute though?" she admitted, a hint of playfulness returning to her tone.
"Maybe," she conceded,
"but that doesn't mean anything."
maybe
maybe..
maybe...
oh.
so he thinks?
ouch. Lisa thought
"So," Lisa dodge the conversation finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
"How's your thesis coming along?"
Jennie raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before settling back into a neutral expression.
"It's... going. How about yours?"
"Mine's a complete mess," I admitted with a sigh.
"Been stuck on this one chapter for weeks."
YOU ARE READING
"Scholarly Hearts" When academic rivals found love
Romance"Scholarly Hearts: When Academic Rivals Found Love" In the prestigious Phd literature Academy, Jennie Ruby Jane Kim and Lalisa Manoban were the undisputed queens of the academic scene. Both were top students, always vying for the top spot on the hon...
