The Missing Page.

Chapter 2: Forced Partnership

A day after

I trudged to class, my feet heavy with dread. Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced the air.

"Hey fag**t!" Clifford taunted.

I spun around, my eyes narrowing. "What do you want, Clifford?"

His smirk widened. "Just saying hi."

"I don't have time for your games, Clifford. Leave me alone."

He chuckled, pulling me back. "Hey, no fun! Come on, talk with us."

I shrugged off his grip. "Go fuck yourself. I'm not in the mood."

Fast forward to class.

Professor Lee glared at Clifford. "Mr. Sinco, late again? Do you own this campus?"

Clifford flashed a charming smile. "Sorry, Prof."

Our professor sighed. "Get to your seat. Detention after class."

He announced the project pairs, and my heart sank.

"Ms. Mendez and Mr. Howard... Mr. Sinco and Mr. Yiego."

My eyes widened in horror. "What?! Why him?"

Clifford smirked. "Hey, rude much? I'm not that bad."

I shot back, "Yeah, yeah, not bad, just lazy."

Professor Lee intervened, "Enough, Mr. Yiego. Class dismissed."

Clifford approached me. "Hey, fag**t, do the project for me. I've got a date."

My eyes flashed. "Heck no! I'm not your slave."

As we worked on the project, I noticed Clifford's striking features. Why did he have to be an asshole?

"Hey, if you keep staring, I might melt," he teased, smiling.

My cheeks flushed. "Wh-what? I wasn't staring!"

We divided tasks, and Clifford's smile made my heart skip a beat. Was I smiling? No, impossible. He's an asshole.

Three weeks passed, and our project progressed. Clifford's kindness surprised me. Why did he hide behind his jerk facade?

At the cafeteria, Hanna raised an eyebrow. "No arguments with Clifford lately? What's up?"

I shrugged. "Just focusing on the project."

Hanna's sly grin made me wonder: Have I fallen for Clifford?

To be continued...