ACT 2 - COLLISION COURSE

Chapter 5 - Assigned together

Alexander POV

I hear my name... But I don't look up. I don't need to. The professor speaks out the names with his usual detached tone. Group projects. It is not something I hate they are just inconvenient. And the names are assigned based on the compatibility, studies and performance.

First he says my name

Then Ben's.

I notice the room growing silent, observing the reactions rather than giving them. Ben goes silent… He always does it when something is bothering him, it's something I noticed without trying.

By the time it's the end of the lecture I close my notebook. I don't rush into stuff, It will feel like I'm interested. But I don't offer that too easily. I pack my bags and I also glance towards Ben's way and notice he was also doing the same.

He turns first... And comes my way.

"So" he says, tone measured and calculated. "Looks like we are grouped together"

Not Stuck, he is actually careful with his words

"Looks like it" I replied. Voice neutral.

We step into the hallway. I'm walking three steps behind him like I'm not interested in it.

"Let's divide the work" he says straight to the business. To be honest that's something I like. Going straight into the business rather than wasting time.

"I'll take the framework, you take the methodology" I reply immediately. Voice firm. His expression stays neutral. Most of the people either agree or argue with me. But he is neither of both. He actually considers.

"That assumes I agree with your framework" He says.

There it is. I feel a slight bit of amusement. Not because he challenged me but the way he did it without posturing it.

"Then we revise it together and change it if there are any mistakes, What do you say?" I reply. He studies me for a second longer. I notice the way he eyes stay on my face a bit longer. "Fine" he says.

In the library, we sit opposite sides of the table. I outline my approach, he is listening without interrupting, his eyes looking for logic rather than flaws. When he says it's not disturbing or dismantled, rather it was precise and efficient.

At some point, I notice he's leaned forward elbow at the edge of the table and I mirror it without thinking. Our elbow is close enough to touch but distant enough.

"This works" he says "I agree" I replied immediately.

We pack hours later. The work is solid. As we get out of the library. He pauses midway in the corridor.

"Same time tomorrow?" he asks. "Yes, same time" I nod and answered immediately.

He waits as if he is expecting something. A comment, a challenge at least a reaction. I give him none. I Turn and walk away first. Furthermore, I don't look back, I don't need to.

Working with Ben isn’t a problem. It’s not even a risk... yet. He’s disciplined, sharp, and far more affected by proximity than he wants to admit.

That’s fine.

I can afford to be patient.

TO BE CONTINUED.

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