The professor's words echoed through the vast lecture hall, bouncing off the walls like an unshakable decree.
"The final year project will determine your success or failure."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the students. He let it settle before continuing.
"You can choose your project based on your interests, but it must be related to programming. You are also free to choose your partner. The submission deadline is one week before the final exam. Work hard, and good luck."
With that, the class erupted into hushed conversations, chairs scraping against the floor as students turned to their friends, already securing their partnerships. Some had made their decisions long before today, pairing up with their closest friends, ensuring a comfortable dynamic. Others, like me, weren't so lucky.
I scanned the room, my fingers tightening around my notebook. Rozé and Adam had chosen each other without hesitation, leaving me to figure things out on my own.
Typical.
"So, who's your partner?" Atlas's voice broke through my thoughts, laced with amusement.
"It's our graduation project… You better pick someone good if you want those marks."
Ledger smirked. "Oh? Then I guess I definitely shouldn't pick you."
Claudine burst into laughter, but Atlas fixed her with a knowing look. "You're laughing a little too loud," he mused. "Did you forget I still have your secret love confession letter?"
Claudine's face flushed. "I never said you could take that!"
Their bickering faded into background noise. My attention was elsewhere. Across the room, standing tall in effortless confidence, was someone I never had the courage to approach.
Did he even notice me? Was I someone worth a passing glance?
I swallowed the thought and shook my head. Focus. There were more pressing issues at hand, like the fact that I was now partnerless.
"Looks like your potential partner has been robbed."
The voice was smooth, laced with quiet amusement. I turned to find Ledger beside me, his stance casual, as if we had always stood together like this.
"Umm… I guess so," I muttered.
It felt strange,him talking to me like this, like we had known each other forever. And for some reason, I didn't feel awkward.
"You look like you could use some cheering up," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips. "How about a coffee? On me."
I hesitated, but curiosity won over. "Sure."
----
The café was warm, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with quiet conversations. Students huddled around tables, their voices a low hum of familiarity and stress.
Ledger leaned forward slightly, eyes studying me in that way that made it impossible to look away. "What research idea do you want to work on?"
I wrapped my hands around my coffee cup, the heat grounding me. "A smart system for controlling home appliances."
His brow lifted in intrigue. "Not bad. We could build a mobile app for it using C++."
I blinked, surprised. "I was thinking the same thing."
We? Just like that?
"We can discuss the details tomorrow," Ledger continued, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "We only have one lecture, so there's plenty of time to work. Want me to give you a ride home?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, I'll go with my friends. Thank you."
As I stood and walked toward the exit, I could feel his gaze following me. Outside, Rozé and Adam were waiting, oblivious to the weight of the moment lingering behind me.
Ledger remained by his car, Claudine beside him, but his eyes… they were still on me.
----
"Did you already find a partner?" Rozé asked as we walked.
Adam scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I don't know why everyone likes him. There's something off about him. I'm sure of it."
I rolled my eyes. "You guys left me behind and went off, so don't blame me now!"
They had always been inseparable. First and second year, they worked together on everything. When we were forced into groups of five in third year, I was the extra piece that somehow fit into their equation. Now, with the project assigned in pairs, the balance had shifted.
And then there was Ledger.
His gaze lingered on me from a distance, unreadable.
I had no way of knowing what lay ahead.
But whatever it was, I was about to live through it.
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Hello everyone! This story is originally created by [ seriisart ] on Webtoon, and I'm collaborating with her to bring it to you in novel format here on Webnovel. I hope you enjoy this new way of experiencing the story!🤍