CH.02 ( THE PARTNER CURSE )

CHAPTER 2 — “THE PARTNER CURSE”

Amina (narration):

The universe hates me.

That is the ONLY explanation.

Because right after I beat Kieran in the debate…

Professor Hale drops the bomb.

Professor Hale:

“For the semester project, you will work in pairs.”

(checks list)

“Kieran and Amina.”

Silence.

Then—

Amina:

“…No.”

Kieran:

“Absolutely not.”

Professor Hale:

“Too bad. This is final.”

We both turn to him at the same time.

Amina & Kieran:

“WE’RE NOT WORKING TOGETHER!”

Professor Hale:

“You two argue like you’re married. You’ll be fine.”

The class laughs.

Amina (narration):

I want to sink into the floor.

Kieran runs a hand through his hair, frustrated—

and I hate that the move looks… good.

No.

Focus.

We sit beside each other, arms crossed, refusing to speak.

Finally—

Amina:

“Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not doing everything alone.”

Kieran:

“And I’m not carrying your chaotic, unorganized energy.”

Amina:

“Chaotic? Excuse me—that’s called creativity.”

Kieran:

“It’s called a mess.”

Amina:

“At least I’m not a robot.”

He stares at me, annoyed.

I stare back.

Neither of us blinks.

Kieran:

“…Can we act like adults for five minutes?”

Amina:

“I am acting like an adult. You’re just allergic to compromise.”

He breathes in slowly, fighting a smile.

Kieran:

“Fine. Let’s start.”

(pulls notebook)

“We need a topic.”

Amina:

“We already have one: ‘The Psychological Effects of Competition.’”

Kieran:

“You just want to prove you were right in the debate.”

Amina:

“And you just don’t want to lose again.”

He pauses.

Looks at me.

Silent.

I can SEE the internal screaming.

Kieran:

“…Whatever. That topic works.”

Amina:

“Oh? The great Kieran agreeing with me? Someone write this down.”

Kieran:

“You’re impossible.”

Amina:

“You keep saying that like it’s new.”

He tries not to smile.

Fails.

Amina (narration):

We spend the next hour discussing methods, research angles, deadlines…

We actually work well together…

Which is terrifying.

Every time our hands accidentally brush, I pretend not to feel the electric shock.

He pretends too.

But I see the way his eyes flick down.

Suddenly—

Kieran:

“You have ink on your cheek.”

Amina:

“Oh—where?”

He reaches out before thinking.

His thumb brushes my skin.

Warm.

Gentle.

Soft.

We both freeze.

His eyes widen—like he didn’t mean to touch me.

I feel my breath catch.

Kieran (quiet):

“…There.”

My heart is doing gymnastics.

Stupid heart.

I pull back quickly.

Amina:

“Don’t touch me.”

Kieran:

“You didn’t move.”

Amina:

“I was surprised!”

Kieran:

“Mmh. Sure.”

He smirks.

I want to hit him.

Or kiss him.

Maybe both.

The professor dismisses class.

Kieran stands, gathering his things.

Kieran:

“We’ll work on the project after school. Library. 5 PM.”

Amina:

“You’re assuming I’m free.”

Kieran:

“You are free. You don’t have a social life.”

Amina:

“Excuse me—”

Kieran:

“See? Not denying it.”

I shove his arm lightly.

He looks… surprised.

Almost amused.

Amina:

“Fine. 5 PM. But don’t be late.”

Kieran:

“I’m never late.”

Amina:

“You were born late.”

Kieran:

“And you were born loud.”

We glare.

He steps back…

But before leaving, he turns his head.

Just a glance.

Quick, sharp, electric.

Kieran:

“…Good job today.”

And he’s gone.

Leaving me staring at the door like an idiot.

Amina (narration):

If Chapter 1 was war…

Chapter 2 is something much more dangerous:

The beginning of us.

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