Violet couldn't understand why everyone was making such a fuss about Ivan at school. "He isn't that exciting," she thought to herself. "Just another pretty face, and that means more drama for everyone else. Ugh, I can't believe it." Meanwhile, Sophia leaned forward with sparkling eyes, practically bursting with enthusiasm.
"Violet, aren't you excited? He's so handsome! This is going to bring so much drama!" Sophia gushed, her voice practically bubbling over with anticipation.
Violet rolled her eyes and sighed. "Soph, I hate to break it to you, but with looks like his, I don't think anyone stands a chance with him—unless they're celebrities."
"Do you really think so?" Sophia replied, a hint of doubt creeping into her voice.
Violet raised an eyebrow, contemplating the attention the guy was receiving. Sure, he had the charm and good looks that turned heads, but if people looked beyond the surface, they'd see that there's more to a person than just appearance. "What is everyone making such a fuss about, anyway? It's just a waste of their time," she muttered, shaking her head.
As they walked to their next class, Academic Writing, Violet felt a rush of relief wash over her. Academic Writing was one of her favorite subjects, a space where she could express herself through words, and her impressive GPA of 4.0 reflected her hard work and dedication. Achieving such a grade wasn't surprising for someone as intelligent as her, yet she often wondered why others were drawn to superficial distractions instead of focusing on what truly mattered. Violet preferred the solace of her books and the challenge of eloquent essays to the relentless drama unfolding around her.
Arriving at the Academic Writing class was a breeze, despite Sophia whispering incessantly about how Violet and Ivan would be a perfect match her ears for the next twenty minutes. Until the professor's voice finally cut through the noise. "Okay, students, we have an exciting announcement: there will be a new competition among all the students enrolled in academic writing. This contest is centered around the Geek Partnership Society Writing Contest, and since Ivan is one of the exceptional students we need to support, I'll be pairing him with one of the best in the class. Give me a few moments to decide who will be partnered with you."
As she glanced around the room, she felt a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. This was not just any competition; it was an opportunity to showcase our skills and creativity.
In the world of academics, Violet was determined to excel, constantly striving to be at the top of her class. For Sophia, however, school was a different story altogether.
As Sophia scrolled through her phone, she finally looked up to engage Violet in conversation. "Hey, Violet, don't you think you'll end up partnered with Ivan?"
Sophia's tone was serious, but to Violet, it wasn't a concern worth worrying about.
"Even if I am paired with him, it's no big deal. It's just Ivan, after all. And why should I fret? There are plenty of other bright students," Violet replied, brushing off the suggestion.
Sophia smirked, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "I'm just saying, you might be partnered with your future, so who knows? It could be interesting."
As Sophia continued scrolling, violet momentarily lost herself in thought, her gaze drifting around the room. For a brief moment, he locked eyes with Violet, holding her stare for longer than needed . When Violet finally realized the intensity of their eye contact, her face flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze, her shyness getting the best of her.
"Violet, could you please meet me after class?" The professor's voice cut through the murmur of students packing their bags.
Startled, Violet snapped her focus back to him. "Yes, sure, no problem," she replied, her curiosity piqued about what he could possibly want to discuss.
Once the lecture concluded, she couldn't shake her intrigue. "Hey, Soph, why don't you wait outside for me? I'll be just a minute," she said to her friend, who nodded and stepped out of the classroom.
As Violet approached the professor's desk, she caught sight of Ivan sitting in an empty seat nearby. A wave of apprehension washed over her.
"Yes, Professor?" she asked, her heart racing slightly.
The professor looked up, adjusting his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. "Do you remember when I mentioned I would be choosing someone to partner with Ivan since he could use some extra assistance?"
Violet felt a knot tighten in her stomach. This was not the news she had hoped for; she wanted nothing more than to escape the situation. "Yes, I heard you say that," she replied cautiously.
Leaning back against his desk, the professor continued, "Well, you will be his partner. You're one of a kind as a student, after all. So, Ivan, this is Violet. And Violet, I assume you're already acquainted with Ivan. Now, partner up!"
Violet stood frozen for a moment, staring at Ivan—the new student who could very well become a significant part of her story.