The sociology classroom buzzed with conversation a few days after the tense study group meeting. Students shuffled papers and chatted quietly, waiting for class to start.
Ara sat beside Giselle, flipping through her notebook, while Chenle leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen between his fingers. Ningning half-listened to Danny, who was once again shamelessly flirting, barely hiding her boredom. Across the room, Karina scrolled through her phone, looking completely uninterested.
The door swung open, and a substitute teacher, a middle-aged woman with glasses, walked in and set a briefcase on the desk. The room quieted slightly as she cleared her throat.
"Good morning, everyone. I know you were expecting Mr. Suh today, but unfortunately, he's had to take an extended leave for family reasons. I'll be covering for him until further notice."
A murmur spread across the classroom.
She continued, "I understand that you all had a major project underway. However, the sociology department has decided to cancel the project."
The reaction was instant.
"Finally, some good news!" Chenle exclaimed, throwing his arms up dramatically.
From the back, Jisung slumped in his chair, looking relieved. "No more research? No more presentations? Thank you, universe."
Jaemin laughed and reached over to high-five Chenle. "This is the best thing that's happened all semester."
Ara and Giselle exchanged uncertain glances, while Ningning smirked, enjoying their reactions.
Giselle flipped through her planner, frowning. "Wait... all that effort for nothing?"
Ningning nudged her lightly. "Relax, Miss Perfectionist. At least now you don't have to deal with Karina every five minutes."
Danny, never missing a chance, leaned toward Ningning with a smirk. "So now that we're free, how about a 'we don't have to work together anymore' dinner? Just you and me."
Ningning gave him a fake smile and shoved his hand away. "Danny, the day I spend more time with you is the day cows fly."
Chenle snickered as Danny clutched his heart dramatically and pouted.
Across the room, Karina and Danny exchanged knowing looks. Danny leaned back lazily.
Karina scoffed quietly. "Great. Now we don't even have to pretend to work with them."
Danny smirked. "Honestly, this just saved me from doing any actual work."
Karina leaned back, arms crossed, though there was a subtle flicker in her expression, like she had wanted the project to continue... just a little longer... to mess with Ara and the others.
The substitute raised her hand to get everyone's attention.
"Now, before you get too excited, another major school event is coming up. It will require student participation."
A few groans filled the room.
"It's an opportunity to gain extra credit and actually apply your sociology knowledge. Details will be announced at tomorrow's assembly."
Ara perked up at this, while Ningning and Giselle exchanged intrigued looks. Chenle sighed dramatically.
"Why do I feel like we just dodged one bullet only to walk straight into another?" he muttered.
Jisung, as deadpan as ever, didn't even look up. "Because that's exactly what's happening."
