Scene 1: The Football Field
The sun was shining brightly over Harvard’s sprawling campus, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. The football field buzzed with energy as Chiquita led her team through drills, her authoritative voice carrying across the turf.
“Come on, guys! Push harder! We’re not just here to play; we’re here to win!” Chiquita shouted, her voice tinged with that familiar mix of determination and encouragement. Her eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the field as her team ran through the plays she had meticulously planned.
Rora, Chiquita’s best friend and the team's goalie, jogged over during a break, wiping sweat from her brow. “You’re on fire today, Chiq. What’s got you so pumped?”
Chiquita grinned, her boyish charm on full display. “Just the usual. Gotta keep the team in shape, you know?” She tossed a football in the air and caught it effortlessly, but Rora wasn’t buying the nonchalant act.
“Sure, sure. Or maybe it’s got something to do with a certain someone?” Rora teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Chiquita rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept up her neck. “Rora, drop it.”
“Ahyeon’s in your Lit class this semester, right? How’s that going?” Rora pressed, enjoying the rare moment of seeing her usually confident friend squirm.
Chiquita’s mind briefly flashed to the icy stare she’d received from Ahyeon just yesterday. “It’s going… fine.”
“Fine, huh?” Rora smirked. “Well, if you need a wingwoman, Asa and I are just a call away. Speaking of which, we’re having a small party tonight at our place. You should come.”
Chiquita nodded, grateful for the change in topic. “I’ll be there.”
Scene 2: Literature Class
Later that afternoon, Chiquita walked into her Literature class, her nerves tingling with anticipation. She spotted Ahyeon sitting by the window, her face framed by the soft light filtering through the glass. Ahyeon’s long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her expression was, as usual, unreadable.
Chiquita’s heart skipped a beat as she walked past, her presence unnoticed by Ahyeon, who was engrossed in her book. Taking a deep breath, Chiquita slid into a seat a few rows behind her, trying her best to focus on the lecture.
Professor Collins, a middle-aged man with a penchant for dramatic pauses, was in the middle of explaining the intricacies of Romantic poetry. Chiquita usually enjoyed his classes, but today, her thoughts were elsewhere.
“Alright, class,” Professor Collins announced, breaking Chiquita’s reverie. “For your next project, I’ll be pairing you up. The list is on the board. Find your partner and start discussing the assignment.”
Chiquita’s stomach dropped as she watched the list appear on the screen. Her eyes quickly scanned for her name, and there it was, right next to—
“Ahyeon Jung.”
Chiquita’s breath caught in her throat as she glanced at Ahyeon, who was now staring at the board with a look of utter disbelief. Their eyes met for a brief, electric moment before Ahyeon quickly looked away, her expression hardening.
