Ciro P.O.V
The week passed faster than I would've liked, and before I knew it, we were back in class for what was apparently a pheromone compatibility test.
Professor Daniel clapped his hands to get our attention.
"I hope by now you've all at least spoken to each other," he began. "Today, we're doing a pheromone compatibility test. At the end of the semester, you'll take another one, and by then, your compatibility should have risen to at least 75%."
A few murmurs spread through the room.
A student raised their hand. "What happens if a pair already has 75% compatibility?"
The professor smiled. "Well, that's just fate. But don't worry, we already confirmed that none of you have a relationship with your partner."
Silence followed.
"Alright. I need a volunteer pair."
No one moved or even attempted to.
Professor Daniel sighed. "No one? Then I'll have to pick."
Figuring I'd rather get this over with than be called out, I raised my hand.
"Oh, our class president, Ciro," the professor said. "Very well."
I got up, making my way down. Kenon was already walking over too, looking like he had nowhere better to be. His usual lazy expression didn't change, not excited, not annoyed. Just... there.
"Alright," the professor continued, pulling out a small kit with a pin and a sleek device.
"This machine will analyze your pheromone compatibility. I'll take a small blood sample from each of you, and in about twenty seconds, we'll have the results."
I offered my hand first. A quick prick, a drop of blood collected. The professor moved on to Kenon, who barely reacted, just shoving his hands in his pockets right after.
The machine whirred softly. The room went quiet.
Then—
BEEP.
A red light.
Professor Daniel frowned at the screen, looking almost... confused.
"Well," he said, double-checking, "your compatibility is zero point one"
A few people chuckled under their breath.
"As expected," someone whispered.
The professor exhaled. "That's the lowest I've ever recorded."
I blinked. Zero point one?
That's equivalent to water and oil.
Kenon let out a low whistle. "Guess we broke a record."
The professor, still shocked, cleared his throat. "Let me explain how compatibility increases. For alphas and omegas,with low percentages, prolonged exposure and pheromone mixing naturally raise compatibility over time."
Kenon raised an eyebrow. "So, what you're saying is, we just exist near each other and the number goes up?"
"More or less," the professor replied. "But it also depends on your interaction and feelings toward each other."
He tapped the device. "Well we are all aware that your pores absorb pheromones. The ones already in your system gradually mix with the ones you're exposed to, which influences compatibility."
Kenon hummed, rocking back on his heels. "Guess we'll see how that goes."
I exhaled slowly.
This class project is 50% of my grade for this course. And right now? I was stuck with him at zero point one compatibility test. Passing this seems nearly impossible
Great.
—
Class continued as other pairs took their tests. Some had average results, others were already above 40%, and one unfortunate pair ended up with 5% compatibility, making us look slightly less pitiful.
When Jacob went up, I watched curiously as his results came in.
45%.
I turned to him with an exaggerated look of shock. "Wow, Jacob, you sure you don't have something going on?"
Jacob scoffed, shaking his head. "Higher than expected, that's all."
I grinned. "Higher than expected? Sounds suspicious."
"Shut up, I already have someone.This is just a class project"
By the time class ended, we packed up our things, blending into the crowded hallway.
"So, what's next?" Jacob asked.
"Lunch," I muttered.
As we neared the cafeteria, I felt a presence before I even saw him.
Kenon strolled past us, hands in his pockets, taking his time like he had all the patience in the world. And, as always, Lucian was right next to him, talking about something I couldn't hear.
Our eyes met for a split second.
"You're not running away already, are you?" Kenon said, voice laced with amusement.
I clenched my jaw.
"Why would I run away Kenon?"
"I don't know you looked scared just now"
Me? Scared?
"Are you scared that you will fail the class"
"As long as I am paired with you of course I am"I said to him.