"Tomorrow will be our first laboratory activity," the professor announced.
A murmur of excitement rippled through the room as the students stifled yawns, their interest piqued.
"This will be a two-person project," she continued. "Choose your partner wisely and make sure to plan your theme today."
A renewed wave of chatter filled the classroom. Friends and even some couples began discussing potential ideas, their voices mixing with the hum of eager anticipation. For many students, the chance to collaborate in pairs or groups was the highlight of the semester—an opportunity to practice teamwork and share responsibility. It was one of the professor's signature teaching methods.
For Ice, the news was a welcome development. He had been counting on it. With an odd number of students in the class, someone would inevitably be left without a partner—and Ice was more than happy to volunteer for the role. After all, he preferred working alone, where he could focus entirely on his own ideas.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed across the room, followed by the distinct sound of something slamming against glass. The class froze, startled.
Turning toward the source of the noise, Ice saw the new transfer student—Fire—standing awkwardly near the glass door. She had somehow collided with it, her entrance more memorable for its clumsiness than anything else.
Ice couldn't help but smirk. How did she not see that coming?
Rubbing her head, Fire hurried inside, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Good—good morning, Miss. I apologize for being late." She bowed toward the professor, still cradling her head.
Typically, the professor would have reprimanded anyone for being tardy, but today she seemed more concerned. "Are you alright, Miss Asfault?"
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine!" Fire smiled awkwardly, her voice tinged with uncertainty, before she made her way to an empty seat.
A few minutes later, the professor began collecting students' proposed project themes. Ice was preparing to stand and submit his solo proposal when his worst fear came true.
Fire raised her hand. "Excuse me, Miss. I don't have a partner yet."
The professor glanced at her laptop, scanning the list of students. "You're number 22 in this class, which means you should have a partner by now..." Her eyes narrowed as she searched for the solution.
Oh great, Ice thought, a sarcastic edge to his inner voice.
"Mr. Atlas," the professor called, her gaze already fixed on him. "Do you have a partner yet?"
Ice knew she wasn't asking out of curiosity—she was confirming something she already suspected.
"No, not yet."
"Perfect," the professor concluded quickly, closing her laptop. "Miss Asfault, your partner will be Mr. Atlas." She dismissed the class with a finality that left no room for protest.
With thirty minutes of free time before the next subject, the students began brainstorming for the project. They had ample time to discuss their ideas and plan for the next day.
Ice couldn't shake the disbelief that weighed on his mind. How is this person my partner? He glanced at Fire, still baffled. She should be a first-year student—how is she already in the second year of this course? And how did a fashion design student end up here, without even knowing the basics of the curriculum? He felt a sense of unfairness settle in his gut. I've known this material for years—I've been cooking since I was a child. But this girl? I doubt it. She must have some connections. Maybe she's a "nepo baby."
Lost in his thoughts, Ice didn't notice Fire's gaze until she spoke.
"Hey, are you even listening to me?" Fire asked, leaning in just inches from his face, her voice laced with curiosity.
Startled, Ice snapped out of his thoughts. What is she doing so close?
He blinked, a flurry of emotions rising in him. For a brief moment, he felt his irritation shift into something entirely different.
Fire stared at his startled face for a moment, her expression one of confusion, as if searching for an answer that never came. But instead of responding, Ice stormed out of the room, striding straight for the door. This time, it was she who was left shaken by the unexpected turn of events.
The door slammed behind him, but the sound didn't seem to faze anyone. Perhaps it was because the class was in full swing, each student absorbed in their work. Ice, however, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief—at least no one would see the embarrassment painted on his face. How childish, he thought bitterly, the fiery emotion still simmering inside him. The burning sensation wasn't just in his face—it gnawed at his chest too. But in that moment, he couldn't bring himself to care.
What bothered him most wasn't his own discomfort. It was the fact that Fire was so innocent, so utterly naïve. She reminded him of his younger sister, Keace.
Kea was five years younger than him, and she had been studying abroad for the past year. They had always been close—he was the overprotective older brother, always looking out for her. Kea was kind to a fault, trusting everyone with an open heart. What if she's as gullible as Fire? The thought made Ice's stomach twist with unease. What if someone takes advantage of her innocence like that?
As his mind spiraled with worry, Ice walked toward the student council office, hoping the cool air would help settle his thoughts. Yet, despite his attempts to shake it off, the image of Fire's face kept flashing before his eyes. This girl really has a way of making me overthink everything, he muttered under his breath. With a frustrated sigh, he quickened his pace.
The bell rang loudly, signaling that it was 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Most of the class was already heading out, eager for the end of the school day. Fire rubbed her forehead gently, the injury from this morning starting to throb. Maybe I should visit the clinic later, she thought.
She hated being late, but she still hadn't quite adjusted to the time zone, which had caused her to panic and rush this morning.
"Hey, Fire!" Oriel's cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. She waved energetically, heading toward Fire as the rest of the class streamed out of the room.
"Hey, Oriel!" Fire waved back, her tone light despite the dull ache in her head. "Who's your partner for the lab tomorrow? Have you decided on a theme?"
Oriel beamed and looked behind her, signaling for someone to step forward. "Yes, I have! I'd like you to meet Dhylan Jazh. He's my best friend," she said proudly, pointing at the guy beside her.
"Oh, I thought you two were a couple," Fire remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Oriel shook her head, her cheeks coloring slightly. "No way," she muttered, embarrassed.
"I told you, Ori. We look perfect together," Dhylan teased, flashing a playful grin. Oriel shot him a glare that made Fire pause for a moment. For the first time, she saw Oriel's normally soft expression twist into something fierce, but it was clear from the playful glint in her eyes that it was all in good fun.
Before things could get too awkward, Dhylan quickly shifted the conversation, extending his hand toward Fire. "Hello, Miss Fire. Ori's told me a lot of good things about you. Nice to meet you!" He paused, about to add more, but was quickly interrupted when Oriel jabbed him lightly in the stomach. The silent message was clear: Shut up.
"Sorry about that," Oriel said, her glare directed at Dhylan softening as she turned an apologetic smile toward Fire.
Fire couldn't help but envy the easygoing friendship between the two of them. She smiled, shaking her head. "No worries. It's okay."