"Scholarly Hearts" When academic rivals found love

Chapter 6: paired up

Days after the incident, things seemed to return to normal in the classroom, at least on the surface.

Lisa resumed her usual competitive banter with Jennie, treating her like the academic rival she had always been.

Their PhD professor entered the room, distributing test papers with a proud smile. "Congratulations, Lisa! You’ve aced the exam once again!"

The class erupted in applause, and Lisa basked in the attention. Then the professor turned to Jennie, her brow furrowing slightly. "Jennie, I noticed you had eight incorrect answers today. That’s unusual for you. What happened?"

Before Jennie could respond, Lisa chimed in with a smirk, "Maybe because she’s busy flirting with her boyfriend Kai and preparing for their date. That’s why she didn’t have time to review."

Laughter erupted around the classroom, and Jennie's face flushed with anger. It was true that she hadn’t reviewed properly, but not because of Kai- she couldn’t stop thinking about Lisa and their complicated relationship.

"Enough!" the professor scolded, trying to regain control of the class.

"Focus on your studies!"

Jennie felt a mix of frustration and confusion as she processed Lisa’s words. Why had she reverted to this cold treatment? Just days ago, they had reconciled, and now it felt like they were back at square one.

As Lisa laughed with her friends, Jennie stood there, feeling lost and hurt. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that Lisa's arrogance was a defense mechanism—one that pushed Jennie further away when all she wanted was to understand what was happening between them.

With a heavy sigh, Jennie glanced at her test paper again, trying to focus but finding it impossible amidst the chaos of her thoughts and emotions.

As the professor stood at the front of the classroom, he cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention.

"Since we have two candidates running for president of the school committee, I’ve decided to pair you both up for a project this week," he announced, looking directly at Jennie and Lisa.

The class buzzed with murmurs, and Lisa’s circle of friends erupted into laughter, fully aware that fate seemed to be pushing Jennie and Lisa back together.

Lisa frowned, crossing her arms. "This isn’t fair! We won’t get along at all. We always have different opinions on everything!"

The professor raised an eyebrow. "That’s exactly why I think it’s a good idea. You both bring unique perspectives."

The class chimed in, almost in unison, shouting their agreement. "Pair them up! Pair them up!"

Lisa sighed dramatically, glancing at Jennie, who was trying to offer her a supportive smile. But Lisa just rolled her eyes in response.

"Alright then," the professor said, smiling at the enthusiasm.

"You two will be the leaders of this club and will need to brainstorm ideas before presenting them to your classmates and to me"

As the laughter subsided, Lisa shot Jennie a look filled with exasperation.

"This is going to be a disaster," she muttered under her breath.

Jennie felt a mix of frustration and determination. She knew they had their differences, but perhaps this could be an opportunity to bridge the gap between them.

Yet, as she looked at Lisa's annoyed expression, she couldn't shake off the feeling that this was going to be more challenging than she anticipated.

With the class buzzing around them, Jennie took a deep breath.