Chapter 4 – Partners... Unfortunately

The classroom slowly emptied.

Professor Williams had barely left before Liam clapped Noah on the shoulder.

"Congratulations."

Noah frowned.

"For what?"

"You just got paired with the only girl on campus who looks ready to throw a textbook at your head."

Ethan zipped his backpack.

"I'd wear a helmet to your meetings."

Noah chuckled.

"I'll survive."

Across the room...

Mia leaned against Evelyn's desk.

"You look like someone just sentenced you to prison."

"Worse."

"You don't like him?"

"I don't even know him."

"Then why do you already look annoyed?"

Evelyn glanced toward Noah.

Because somehow...

Everything about him was irritating.

That confident smile.

That relaxed posture.

The way he looked like he already knew he'd get under her skin.

"...He's too smug."

Mia laughed.

"Oh no."

"What?"

"I think you've met your match."

"I don't have matches."

"I have opponents."

As everyone walked out into the hallway, Noah deliberately slowed his pace until he was beside Evelyn.

"So, partner."

She kept walking.

"Don't call me that."

"What should I call you?"

"Evelyn."

"Too formal."

She sighed.

"You're exhausting."

He smiled.

"And yet you haven't walked away."

"I have class."

"So do I."

They reached a fork in the hallway.

She pointed left.

"My class is this way."

He looked in the same direction.

"...Mine too."

She narrowed her eyes.

"You're joking."

"Nope."

When they entered the lecture hall...

Only two seats remained.

Side by side.

Liam covered his mouth to hide his grin.

"Someone up there loves entertainment."

Evelyn sat first.

Noah dropped into the seat beside her without asking.

"Personal space."

"I respect it."

"You clearly don't."

"I respect yours."

"You invaded it."

"I simply occupied an available chair."

She looked at him.

"You argue professionally, don't you?"

"I've had practice."

Halfway through the lecture...

The professor assigned a short in-class exercise.

"Discuss today's topic with your partner."

The room erupted into conversation.

Noah turned toward Evelyn.

"So..."

"What's your idea?"

"I'll tell you mine after you tell me yours."

She folded her arms.

"So you can steal it?"

He placed a hand over his chest dramatically.

"You wound me."

"I was aiming higher."

He laughed.

For some reason...

Talking to her was more fun than talking to anyone else.

After class, the campus buzzed with students heading toward the central lawn.

A student committee stood on a small stage.

"Attention, freshmen!"

"This Friday is the Welcome Night Party!"

Cheers erupted.

"There'll be music, games..."

"...and our famous Dare Roulette!"

Liam's eyes lit up.

"Oh, we're definitely going."

Mia clapped excitedly.

"I love parties!"

Ethan sighed.

"I already regret this."

Noah looked toward Evelyn.

"You coming?"

She shrugged.

"I'll think about it."

He smirked.

"Scared?"

She stopped walking.

Then slowly turned to face him.

There it was again.

That irritating smile.

She stepped closer until only a foot separated them.

"I'm not scared of parties."

Her voice was calm.

"I'm scared they'll let you near the microphone."

Liam burst out laughing.

Even Ethan smiled.

Noah shook his head.

"Fine."

"So you'll come?"

She held his gaze for a long second.

Then smiled—a confident, challenging smile.

"I'll come."

She took one more step past him, her shoulder lightly brushing against his as she walked by.

"But don't cry when you lose whatever game you challenge me to."

Without turning around, Noah called after her,

"I never lose."

She raised one hand in the air.

"We'll see."

As Evelyn disappeared into the crowd, Liam nudged Noah with a knowing grin.

"You've got that look."

"What look?"

"The one you get when you're interested."

Noah slipped his hands into his pockets, watching the direction she'd gone.

He smiled to himself.

"Interested?"

He let out a quiet laugh.

"No."

"I've just finally found someone who doesn't make college feel predictable."

Across the courtyard, Evelyn glanced back for the briefest moment.

She caught him looking.

Instead of looking away...

He gave her the smallest, most infuriating smirk.

She rolled her eyes.

But for reasons she refused to admit...

She didn't mind the challenge anymore.

End of Chapter 4

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