Riri's POV
Hello there; I am Riri Mitchica, 17 years old, a senior high student. Currently living with my aunt, my mom's sister, because my mom works abroad as an OFW to provide for us. I have one younger brother who is not around right now. Today I'm just in school, chilling with my friends while I help them with math because they're not really getting the simplest concepts. Not a big deal to me; I have it under control.
We're waiting for our teacher, who teaches Practical Research. This is the last semester in our senior year, and the closer it's getting to graduation, of course, the smaller the group gets, too. There's just that slight detail that none of us have ever been kissed or had a romantic experience yet. It's a bit awkward, but the good thing is everyone's in the same situation; hence, it is quite an achievement, right?
So, our practical research teacher just walked in, and as I continued my duty with my friends, she announced an interesting information: "Good morning, class. Today, I would be assigning each group for your research study. Team Leaders and partners will be appointed by me." I can feel my heart sink a little as I silently hope that at least one friend would be included in my group. Please, please, please.
"Okay, Group 1: Mr. Zed, Ms. Riri, Mr. Drake, Ms. Rose, and Alyana."
What the... none of them belong to my flock! Why am I always so unlucky? And who's this Mr. Zed? I don't even know him, but I notice he's a new student from STEM A who recently joined our section in STEM B. He doesn't look too bad, though. Maybe it won't be so bad after all. He looks pretty smart, so maybe I'll give him a chance.
Zed's POV
I'm sitting on my chair, thinking about the day before me, when the teacher comes and announces. Yeah, she's a new teacher because I'm the new face here. "Good morning, class. Today, I'm going to group you into teams of five for your research study. I will choose your leader and partner," she says.
As soon as she says "Ms. Riri," my heart skips a beat. Riri? That's her name? She's the girl I've been watching since yesterday, with hardly a chance to talk to her, but learning all about her—the way she holds herself, her smile, and the way she moves. Today, she sports this yellow-green top and looks absolutely stunning.
She seems smart too, which is a bonus. I've been trying to muster the confidence to approach her, but here I am, partnered with her for a research project. Now my nerves have kicked in. Am I really ready for this? She's way out of my league, but I guess this is a sign. Time to step up.