𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑 | 𝙷𝚊𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚎𝚎𝚜𝚎

The air in Professor Miller's classroom is filled with nervous energy. The final project for our Sociology class was due in two weeks, and the pressure was mounting. I sat at my desk, my textbook open before me, but my mind was a million miles away. My thoughts kept drifting back to the party, to Navan's annoying grin, and the whole interaction with Ethan.

"Alright, class," Professor Miller announced, he sounded kind of sick this time, probably because he found out about his wife cheating, poor him. "For this project, you will be working in pairs. I have assigned each of you a partner based on your individual strengths and interests."

He began to read out the pairings, "Smiths and Moore," his voice a monotonous tone as he listed names and project topics.

"Vaughn," he said, his voice pausing for a moment. "You will be working with Hugh on the topic of social inequality in the digital age."

My heart sank. Navan? Really? Of all the people in this class, I had to be paired with him?

I glanced across the room, catching his eye. He smirked, a glint of mischief in his gaze. I just know this project is going to take forever.

"See you later, Loly," he teased, his voice barely audible over the murmur of the class.

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I couldn't help but feel a strange flutter of anticipation. It had been two days since the party, two days since I had exchanged numbers with Ethan. But Navan's presence still lingered, is it because he was the one who helped me out instead of Ethan?

"Alright, class," Professor Miller said, his voice regaining its authority. "I expect to see you all working diligently on your projects. And remember, this project is worth 30% of your final grade."

As the class dismissed, I stayed at my desk, gathering my things. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a trap. Navan was charming, undeniably so, but he was also arrogant and manipulative. I knew I had to be careful.

"Loly," Navan said, his voice husky, and soft beside me. "Ready to get started on our project?"

I nodded, my voice monotone. "Yeah, sure."

"Great," he said, his smile widening. "I'm thinking we could meet at my place later today. My roommate's out of town, so we'll have the place to ourselves."

"My place is fine," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not comfortable going to your room." Never in my life would I allow myself to get in his room.

There was this one time during 5th grade when he offered to do the assignment in his room. He never invites anyone in his room, even his parents, and I thought it was strange but I brushed it off only to get locked inside with all the haunted looking Teletubbies dolls. He said it way payback for accidentally breaking his window the night before that.

Navan's smile faltered for a moment, then he shrugged. "Okay, whatever you say," he replied with a hint of annoyance. "How about tomorrow then?"

"We can meet at the library," I said, my voice unwavering. "It's a neutral ground."

Navan's eyes narrowed for a moment, then he nodded. "Fine," he said, his voice clipped. "The library it is."

He turned and walked away, leaving me feeling a mixture of relief and guilt. I knew I was being overly cautious, but I couldn't help but feel uneasy around him.

The next day, I arrived at the library early, hoping to get a head start on the project. I found a quiet corner, spread out my books and notes, and began to read.

"Hey, Loly," Navan said, his voice interrupting my train of thought. He stood beside me; he decided to wear his glasses today, he only takes them off during practice. That damn cute glasses.