I stood outside the classroom, scanning the list of group project partners. My eyes landed on the last name I wanted to see: Ryder Thompson. Of course, we'd been paired together. Why would fate be kind to me?
Ryder was the embodiment of everything I disliked about high school. His rebellious attitude, his constant tardiness, and his blatant disregard for authority made him the perfect candidate for academic probation. And yet, he was somehow passing.
I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Ryder was already seated at a table, his eyes fixed on his phone. He didn't even glance up as I approached.
"Hey," I said curtly, dropping my bag onto the floor.
Ryder raised an eyebrow, finally looking up. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the perfect Aubrey."
I rolled my eyes. "Let's just get this over with, okay?"
Ryder smirked. "I'm all about making this project... memorable."
I shot him a warning glance. "Let's keep the personal comments to a minimum, shall we?"
Ryder chuckled, and I felt a spark of annoyance. This was going to be a long project.
As we began discussing our project, I couldn't help but notice how different we were. Ryder was laid-back, almost dismissive, while I was Type-A, detail-oriented. We clashed on every aspect, from the topic to the presentation style.
"Come on, Aubrey, lighten up," Ryder said, his voice laced with amusement. "It's just a project."
"It's not just a project," I countered, my frustration growing. "It's a significant portion of our grade."
Ryder shrugged. "I'll get it done."
I doubted that. Ryder's lack of effort was legendary. But I wasn't about to let him drag me down. I'd make sure the project got done, even if I had to do it myself.
As we continued to bicker, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ryder. His messy brown hair fell across his forehead, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through me. For a moment, I felt a flutter in my chest, but I quickly suppressed it. Ryder Thompson was the last person I'd ever consider dating.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Ryder stood up, stretching his lean frame. "I'll catch you later, Aubrey."
I nodded curtly, already planning our next meeting. This project would be a challenge, but I was determined to make it work.
As I packed up my things, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ryder and I were oil and water. We just didn't mix. But maybe, just maybe, we could create something remarkable despite our differences.
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. We had a project to complete, and I was determined to ace it.
The walk home was uneventful, my mind preoccupied with the project. I couldn't wait to dive in and get started. But a part of me wondered what lay beneath Ryder's tough exterior. Was there more to him than met the eye?
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the road ahead. I had a project to complete, and Ryder Thompson was just a means to an end.
Or so I told myself.