Epex Oneshots (short stories) /imagines

Mu- be yourself

Mu shifted nervously in his seat as he glanced over at Y/N, his new partner for the group project. She was leaning back, her booted feet kicked up on an empty chair in front of her, a bored expression on her face as the teacher explained the project's requirements. Her hair was dyed jet black with streaks of crimson, and she wore a leather jacket despite the warm weather. Rumor had it she'd been in and out of trouble for as long as anyone could remember.

Mu, on the other hand, was about as soft-spoken and gentle as they came. He was quiet, hardworking, and polite to everyone. Being paired up with Y/N was... unexpected, to say the least. He could practically hear the whispers of their classmates, wondering what someone like him was supposed to accomplish with someone like her. But he had faith that, if he just showed kindness, maybe things would go smoothly.

Once the bell rang, Mu gathered his books and glanced over at Y/N, who hadn't moved. She was scrolling through her phone, clearly uninterested in the fact that they'd need to talk about the project.

"Um... Y/N?" Mu said softly.

She didn't look up. "What?"

"I was thinking maybe we could meet in the library after school? To start planning the project?"

She looked up, finally, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. "The library?" She let out a huff. "I don't do libraries, Mu."

He swallowed, but nodded. "Okay, that's fine. We could meet somewhere else if that's easier for you."

She seemed slightly taken aback, as if she'd expected him to push back or at least be annoyed. "Fine. I'll be at the coffee shop down the street at four. Don't be late." Without waiting for his answer, she slung her bag over her shoulder and strode out of the classroom, leaving Mu standing there, wondering what he'd just agreed to.

At four o'clock sharp, Mu walked into the coffee shop. Y/N was sitting in a corner booth, sipping on an iced coffee and scrolling through her phone. She didn't look up as he approached, so he slid into the seat across from her, pulling out his notebook.

"Hey, Y/N," he said gently, offering her a small smile.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that he'd shown up exactly on time. "Wow. Thought you'd chicken out."

Mu chuckled softly. "Why would I do that? I'm excited to work with you."

Her expression shifted slightly, as if she didn't quite know how to respond to that. "Alright, let's just get this over with. I've got things to do," she said, her tone dismissive.

Mu nodded and began explaining his ideas for the project. Y/N listened, though she looked distracted, tapping her fingers on the table. Every so often, he'd ask for her opinion, and she'd shrug, giving vague answers. But he noticed that whenever he genuinely listened to her, she seemed a little less guarded.

After about an hour of planning, Mu glanced down at her notebook, which was completely blank. "Do you... not like the project?" he asked, trying to keep his tone gentle.

She let out a frustrated sigh, crossing her arms. "It's not that. I just... don't see the point."

Mu tilted his head, surprised. "You don't think school projects are important?"

Y/N shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "I don't know. It's all just... stuff they make us do. None of it really matters, not for me."

Mu looked at her thoughtfully. He could see something in her eyes, something hidden under all the bravado and indifference. "I think it could matter," he said quietly. "If you give it a chance."

She rolled her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I just think there's more to you than you let people see," he replied, his voice soft but firm. "And I think if you found something you cared about, it would matter to you."