Ciro P.O.V
In life, sacrifices must be made, and today, I was willing to sacrifice my pride. A decision that didn't come easily.
I stood in the cafeteria line, waiting in front of Jacob. I had made up my mind that I would try my "best" to get along with Kenon.
I have done some research and even spoke to the professor. I was given some guidance and I planned to try it.I needed to maintain my grades for this semester, and aiming for valedictorian meant sacrifices were required.
Scanning the room, it didn't take long to spot him. His presence was unmistakable. Maybe it was because he's an alpha, or maybe because after all these years, I could sense where his annoying self was.
I walked toward his table, feeling a bit nervous. This was completely out of character for me.
Thankfully, there was room on the table. As I made my way toward him, Kenon was quick to notice. His gaze flicked over me with that usual, scrutinizing look.
He raised an eyebrow. "I knew something was off when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up."
"Oh, how funny," I replied, setting my tray down on the table.
Jacob followed behind me, setting his own tray down. "Hey, everyone!" He quickly settled and began chatting with Lucian.
To be like him. Every time I try to be nice, it feels like I'm waging war.
It was a little awkward, yes. Was I nervous? Definitely. But I had to remind myself that this was for my grades.
"So, what made the wicked witch from the West decide to dine with us?" Kenon teased.
"The wicked witch from the West? I'm from the East" I corrected him quickly.
I paused, then added, "Also, the professor suggested I try to get along with you."
Kenon's eyes narrowed, and a mocking smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm starting to feel sick."
I shot back, "Want a middle finger to go with that?" I said raising my middle finger "This should help."
The lunch wasn't half bad, just minus Kenon's presence, and it would have been perfect.
I made my way to the library. My grades weren't going to improve without me putting in the work. I had to stay in the top 5, and I was currently in second place, but first place would be mine soon.
I found the quietest section in the library and sat down, pulling out all the necessary stationery.
I had been deep in thought for a minute, figuring out how I was going to finish the semester without losing my sanity in the process.
All my grades for my other courses were looking fine, but I was skeptical about this course. Maybe it's because it involved working with Kenon that made it seem ten times harder. To graduate as valedictorian, I had to maintain an 80% average in all my courses. So, I needed to excel in everything
I could put aside all my differences for one semester and attempt to get along. But how? I had never been in a relationship with anyone, because I was too focused on my grades and being at the top.
Romantic relationships had never worked for me, so I did what I always did best: research.
I spent the next two hours combing through books I thought might help.
I was halfway through scribbling notes when I sensed a shift in the air. You know the kind where you don't hear anything, but you feel someone behind you?
I looked up, and just by luck, he was standing there.
Why is he everywhere?
Kenon Soren. The bane of my semester and the reason I might actually lose my mind before finals.
But as the book said, positive thoughts and feelings.
He cocked his head slightly, amused. "Didn't know the library stocked relationship manuals."
I stared at the book in front of me: How to Connect with Difficult Personalities.
"I was trying to gain understanding of a difficult, simple-minded man," I replied, closing the book slowly. "But I didn't know the library allowed idiots in."
No, I shouldn't have said that.
Kenon laughed. "Well, if you're here, I'm sure there's room for me."
He began to walk off, but before he could leave, I whisper-shouted.
"Hey, wait!"
He stopped in his tracks. I offered him to sit down in front of me. This was a great opportunity to spend time together unless Kenon didn't talk.He had a way of talking even before he uttered a word my blood would already be boiling.
In life, it's always about democracy.
He actually sat down, If only he could continue to be so obedient.
But I began to feel a little nervous.
"I know, and everybody knows we don't exactly get along," I started, fingers fiddling with my pen. "But... we should, at least temporarily. For the sake of our grades."
Kenon raised an eyebrow like he didn't believe what he had just heard. He looked around, leaned back slightly.
He hummed, then added, "Considering I'm running for Valedictorian, I need fifty percent."
He casually informed me .
He stared at me for a second longer than he needed to. I forced myself not to squirm under his gaze.
"Oh really?" I asked, trying to mask my frustration.
Of course, you are. If I'm going up for president, you're going up for president. If I join the swimming team, you join the swimming team. He even joined the crocheting club. His reason? It was "calming."
Flipping open his own notebook, he said, "We could continue to meet up in the library?"
This was plausible. We barely needed to talk anyway because we needed to be quiet, which left no time for us to bicker.
"Sure," I said, returning to my studying.
It unintentionally became a joint study session. I was glad we somehow managed to come to an agreement, even if it meant meeting up only in the library.
It was quiet between us. Tension lingered, not heavy,just sharp around the edges. I focused on my notes, stealing glances when I thought he wouldn't notice.
He noticed.
I attempted to focus on the book.
"Is there something behind me?" he asked without looking up.
I blinked. "What?"
He scribbled something casually. It's like you're trying to look into my soul."
"I'm just focusing" I muttered, trying to sound confident.
"Focused is one thing," he said, glancing up. "Are you nervous?"
My heart sank a bit. How did he know? Were my pheromones leaking out? I doubted it;I had already taken my medicine for the month.
I rolled my eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be studying?"
"I should, but someone keeps giving off the vibe that they want to kill me."
Actually, it's worse.
But no—positive thoughts.
"Well, I guess I need to get in contact with that someone. Would love to know there's someone who shares mutual feelings," I said, smiling.
But then he added, "You know, it was peaceful when your mouth was shut."
I was about to reply but once again positive thoughts.