Main Characters:
Lai Ferrer is a bright and ambitious student with a keen focus on her studies. She has long, dark hair that she often wears in a practical braid, and her expressive brown eyes reflect her determination and occasional exasperation. Standing at an average height, Lai has a slender build, often dressing in comfortable yet stylish clothes that balance her serious demeanor with a hint of personality. She prefers soft colors and simple designs, favoring practicality over trends. Despite her serious nature, Lai has a subtle sense of humor that emerges during her interactions with friends. She tends to keep her feelings close to her chest, but beneath her calm exterior lies a deep well of emotion and a longing for connection.
Rajein Franco Rodriguez is the life of the party, known for his infectious sense of humor and playful personality. He has tousled black hair that frames his face and bright, mischievous hazel eyes that sparkle with mischief. With a rounder, chubby build, Raj stands a bit taller than average, giving him an approachable presence that draws people in. Raj's charisma makes him a favorite among his peers, and he has a knack for making others laugh, even in serious situations. Underneath his lighthearted exterior, he is observant and thoughtful, often using his humor to navigate social situations and build connections with those around him.
👾
The sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the floor as the teacher's voice droned on about their next big assignment—group research. Lai Ferrer sat in her usual seat near the back, half-listening while doodling in the margins of her notebook. She liked working alone, but knowing their teacher, it was only a matter of time before they were put into groups.
"And now for your research partners," the teacher announced, confirming Lai's suspicions. "This project will require collaboration, so I expect everyone to work together."
Teacher Dan said. Lai sighed quietly, pushing her pencil aside as the names were called.
"Group four: Lai Ferrer, Rajein Franco Rodriguez, Yeli Cruz, and Ric Javier."
Lai straightened up, looking around the room. She recognized Yeli and Ric, but Raj was a mystery. She'd heard his name in passing but hadn't really spoken to him. He was always surrounded by friends, a bit of a class clown, from what she had seen.
As the group started to gather at the teacher's desk, Lai caught sight of Raj for the first time up close. He strolled over with an easy confidence, hands stuffed in his pockets, his lips pulled into a lopsided grin. Yeli and Ric were already there, chatting about random things, but Raj's arrival shifted the mood.
"So, this is the dream team?" Raj quipped, flashing that playful smile.
Lai rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Sure. If by dream team, you mean a group of random people thrown together to survive a research project."
Raj laughed, a sound that was surprisingly warm. "Well, I think we'll do more than survive. Right, Ferrer?"
Lai raised an eyebrow at him but didn't respond. He was already starting with the jokes, and she wasn't sure if she had the patience for it. Yeli and Ric, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind.
The teacher handed them their research topic, and Lai glanced at the paper. *Social media and its effects on students*. It wasn't the most exciting topic, but at least it wasn't something too difficult.
Raj leaned over her shoulder, reading the paper as well. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us," he said, his voice low but still carrying that teasing edge. "Guess we'll be spending a lot of time together, Ferrer."
Lai shot him a sideways glance. "Lucky me."
He grinned wider. "You'll learn to love it."
Yeli and Ric exchanged glances, amused by the banter, while Lai simply shook her head. This was going to be a long project.
👾
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as students streamed out of their classrooms, eager to head home. Lai found herself at the waiting area near the school gates, sitting alone on a bench, waiting for her ride. She pulled out her phone, scrolling mindlessly through her feed, lost in her own thoughts.
The sound of footsteps approaching snapped her out of her trance. Without looking up, she figured it was just another student passing by. But then, someone dropped into the seat next to her.
"Waiting for someone, Ferrer?" Raj's familiar voice broke the silence.
Lai glanced up, mildly surprised but not showing it. Raj had that same easy smile on his face, as if it was completely natural for him to be there beside her.
"Just my ride," she replied, her tone neutral as she went back to her phone. "What about you?"
Raj leaned back, his arms stretching across the back of the bench. "Figured I'd wait with you. You know, group bonding or whatever."
Lai raised an eyebrow, not entirely buying his excuse. "Group bonding, huh? Or you just didn't feel like going home yet?"
He laughed, a light sound that felt oddly contagious. "Maybe both. But mostly, I wanted to see if you're always this serious."
Lai glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "And what makes you think I'm serious?"
"Well, you've barely smiled since we got paired up. You should loosen up. Research is way more fun when you're not frowning all the time."
Lai bit back a smile, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "I don't frown *all* the time. Just when I'm stuck with annoying groupmates."
"Ouch." Raj clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me, Ferrer. But don't worry, I'll grow on you."
Lai rolled her eyes, but the small smile she tried to suppress tugged at the corners of her lips. "Keep dreaming, Rodriguez."
He shifted, leaning in slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "You'll see. By the end of this project, we'll be best friends. You won't be able to get rid of me."
Lai shook her head, still not quite sure what to make of him. He was persistent, that much was clear. But there was something about his lightheartedness, his humor, that made her feel strangely at ease—even if she'd never admit it.
As she prepared to respond, Raj suddenly stretched his arms overhead, cracking his neck to the side. "Anyway, I've got to hit the gym in a bit. Can't slack off."
Lai raised an eyebrow. "Gym? I didn't take you for the fitness type."
Raj smirked, flexing his arm slightly. "What, you thought I just naturally looked this good?" he teased, giving her a playful wink. "Nah, I've been putting in the work. You should come sometime—if you can keep up."
Lai laughed softly, shaking her head. "I'm good, thanks. But I'll keep that in mind if I ever need a new hobby."
"Just saying," Raj said, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You might like it. But, until then, I'll catch you tomorrow, Ferrer. Don't miss me too much."
Lai rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Yeah, yeah. See you tomorrow."
As Raj walked off, heading toward the gym, Lai watched him for a moment, wondering if his carefree attitude was something she might need more of.
*Maybe,* she thought, *there's more to him than meets the eye.*
