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Chapter 1: The Beginning
The sun filtered through the glass walls of the university library, casting warm light over rows of books and heads bent in quiet concentration. Calvin sat at a corner table, one leg crossed over the other, a mechanical pencil spinning absently between his fingers. Calm, composed, and effortlessly handsome, he studied the assignment sheet in front of him, unaware of the girl walking toward him—eyes sharp, steps steady.
Daisy Akello didn't waste time. She didn't believe in small talk or charm—especially not from guys like him.
"You're Calvin, right?" she asked, her tone even.
He looked up, meeting her gaze. Her voice had strength in it—unapologetic, like she already knew the answer. Light-skinned and striking, she wore her intelligence like armor.
"That's me," he replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You must be Daisy."
She gave a single nod and pulled out the chair across from him, sliding into it with smooth efficiency. "I hear we've been paired for the behavioral psych project."
"Looks like it," he said, turning the paper around so she could see. "Biggest part of our grade."
Daisy leaned in, scanning the paper. "We need to observe and record emotional responses in social settings. Three case studies. Written analysis. Presentation."
Calvin raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like we'll be spending some time together."
She met his gaze, unreadable. "Let's just keep it professional."
He smiled again, not smug, just soft. "Of course."
But even as she turned her eyes back to the assignment, something flickered between them—silent, uncertain, real. A subtle tension neither of them could name yet.
And just like that, something had begun. Quietly. Unexpectedly. As most things that matter do.
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