Lily was having a good day.
She had finished her math quiz early.
She found a new song she loved.
And she hadn't seen Ethan Walker once.
Until English class.
Ms. Thompson stood at the front of the room with a stack of papers.
"Alright everyone, listen up. You'll be working on a two-week literature project. Groups of two."
Lily smiled to herself. Finally, something peaceful.
"Let's see…" the teacher said, scanning the list.
"Lily Carter and Ethan Walker."
The room went quiet.
Lily's smile disappeared.
Ethan slowly turned in his seat.
"No," they said at the same time.
Ms. Thompson raised an eyebrow. "Problem?"
"Yes," Lily said.
"Yes," Ethan echoed.
"You'll survive," the teacher replied. "Sit together."
Ethan dragged his chair next to Lily's desk.
"This is a nightmare," Lily muttered.
He leaned back. "Relax, window girl. I'm a great partner."
"You literally dropped a soccer ball in my locker."
"It was friendly."
"That's not what friendly means."
He laughed. "You're dramatic."
She glared at him. "You're impossible."
Ms. Thompson cleared her throat loudly.
They both straightened up.
After class, they met in the library.
Lily opened her notebook. "Let's just get this done and never speak again."
"Wow," Ethan said. "Straight to the heartbreak."
She ignored him. "We need to analyze a novel and present it."
"Okay, bossy," he said. "What book?"
She slid one toward him. "This one."
He picked it up. "You know I hate reading."
She looked up sharply. "Then why are you in English honors?"
He shrugged. "I'm good at talking."
She sighed. "Of course you are."
They sat in silence for a moment.
Then Ethan spoke softly.
"You always act like you hate me."
She paused. "You started it."
He smiled slightly. "Maybe. But you're fun to annoy."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not fun. I'm focused."
He studied her for a second.
"You're interesting."
Her heart skipped.
She closed her notebook quickly.
"Meet here tomorrow after school."
"Yes, ma'am."
She stood up and walked away — but she could feel his eyes on her back.
And for the first time, she wondered…
What if Ethan Walker wasn't as awful as she thought?