CHAPTER FOUR

1528 Words
"Me?" “Yes, Yanna. You’ve been one of the most consistent students, and I trust you’ll help Nathan get up to speed,” the professor replied with a nod, leaving no room for argument. “You two can work out the details.” She managed a polite nod, but inside, her thoughts were spinning. She glanced over at Nathan, who was watching her with a slight, unreadable smile. He seemed unbothered, even amused, as if he’d expected it. Trishia elbowed her lightly, trying to hide a grin. “Guess you’re getting a study buddy.” Yanna gave her a look but forced a smile as Nathan approached. “I guess it’s you and me, then,” she said, trying to keep her tone friendly, even though she was still processing the surprise. “Looks like it,” Nathan replied, a faint smile on his lips. “Thanks for the help, Yanna.” She nodded, still taken aback. “Um, yeah, no problem,” she managed to say, wondering how this unexpected arrangement was going to turn out. “Alright,” she said, attempting to sound as professional as possible, “just let me know when you’re available, and I can go over the past lessons with you.” Nathan didn’t hesitate. “How about today?” he suggested, his voice steady but with a hint of eagerness. “I don’t have much to catch up on this afternoon, so I’m free.” Yanna blinked, a little surprised at his immediate response. “Oh, today? I—um, sure,” she replied, quickly trying to mask her surprise. “I guess that works for me too.” He nodded, his expression calm but his gaze unwavering. “Great. Thank you, Yanna. I’d rather get caught up sooner rather than later.” She gave him a small, uncertain smile. “Alright, then. Let’s meet in the library after lunch?” “Sounds perfect.” Nathan’s lips curved slightly, as though he was pleased with the arrangement. As they parted ways, Yanna couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer than usual. She tried to brush it off, chalking it up to her nerves about helping a new student, but something about his intense focus on her left her feeling strangely flustered. Nathan, however, walked away with an almost purposeful calmness, a small satisfaction in his step as he knew he was getting just the opportunity he needed to grow closer to her. Trishia was instantly by Yanna’s side, an amused grin spreading across her face. “Ohhh, someone’s got a new study buddy,” she teased, nudging Yanna playfully. “I didn’t know the professor would just assign you a cute guy to study with. Lucky you!” Yanna rolled her eyes, trying to downplay the situation. “It’s not like that, Trish. He’s just new and needs help with class material. Besides, I didn’t ask for this.” Trishia smirked, crossing her arms. “Please, you should’ve seen his face when you agreed. I think Mr. Mysterious Hoodie is very excited to get some one-on-one time with you.” “Oh, stop it!” Yanna shot back, feeling her cheeks heat up despite herself. “He’s just focused on his studies.” “Sure,” Trishia replied, her grin widening. “Or maybe he’s focused on you. I mean, he’s brand new here, and you’re already the one he’s spending time with.” She gave Yanna a knowing look. “Just saying… wouldn’t hurt to keep an open mind.” Yanna shook her head, trying to act unaffected but feeling her stomach twist at Trishia’s words. “Let’s just go get lunch, okay?” she said, trying to change the subject, but Trishia’s smirk didn’t fade as they headed down the hallway. As Yanna and Trishia walked down the hallway toward the cafeteria, they suddenly spotted Hiro coming around the corner. Tall, athletic, and with an easy smile that had already charmed half the campus, Hiro’s presence instantly drew attention. A group of girls nearby began greeting him, and he waved back, his gaze soon settling on Yanna. Trishia nudged Yanna with a grin. “Looks like your fan club president is here.” Yanna rolled her eyes, choosing not to engage. Hiro was nice enough, and they got along well in their classes, but she didn’t feel any spark with him—and she wasn’t interested in encouraging his crush. But Hiro, undeterred, made his way over to them, flashing his usual charming smile. “Hey, Yanna,” he greeted her, his eyes warm. “Heading to the cafeteria?” “Yeah, just grabbing some lunch,” Yanna replied with a polite smile. “Perfect timing,” Hiro said, looking hopeful. “How about I join you? My treat?” Trishia’s eyebrows shot up as she nudged Yanna again, a teasing look on her face. But Yanna shook her head, staying firm. “Thanks, Hiro, but I already have plans.” Hiro’s face fell just a little, though he tried to hide it behind his smile. “Oh, well, maybe next time then.” Yanna gave him a friendly nod. “Sure, maybe,” she said, and Hiro stepped back, giving them a small wave as he headed toward the cafeteria. As they continued walking, Trishia couldn’t hold back her laughter. “You are ice-cold, Yanna. He’s literally the hottest guy on the swim team!” Yanna shrugged. “He’s nice, but I just… don’t feel that way about him.” Trishia shook her head in disbelief. “You have way more self-control than I would.” But her smirk said she wasn’t about to let the topic go anytime soon. When they finally arrived at the bustling cafeteria, Yanna and Trishia joined the line, scanning the menu above the counter as they shuffled forward. The smell of warm food filled the air, and students chatted loudly, catching up between classes. But even as she glanced over the food options, Yanna found herself looking around the crowded room. She tried to spot Nathan, half expecting to see him grabbing lunch by himself or maybe blending into the background somewhere. Yet, no matter how many times her gaze wandered over the tables and booths, there was no sign of him. Trishia nudged her with a knowing smirk. “Looking for someone?” Yanna blinked, caught off guard. “What? No, I just… thought I’d see more familiar faces in here.” Trishia raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. I saw you searching the crowd.” She grabbed a tray, placing her order as she continued, “Guess you were hoping to see a certain new student?” Yanna rolled her eyes but felt her cheeks warm. “I’m just curious, that’s all. He’s new here, and he didn’t know anyone else. Just figured he’d be here.” "Sure,” Trishia replied with a wink, ordering her food as Yanna tried to ignore her friend’s teasing. Still, as she placed her own order, she couldn’t help glancing around the cafeteria once more, wondering where Nathan had gone. Yanna and Trishia settled at a small table near the window, their trays filled with food. They chatted casually about their exam, future assignments, and a few weekend plans, enjoying the break between classes. Trishia took a sip of her drink, then leaned in with a playful smirk. "So, back to Mr. Mysterious… think he’s actually going to show up for that study session?" Yanna shrugged, twirling her fork absentmindedly. “I guess we’ll see. I’m still kind of surprised he wanted to start today. He doesn’t seem like the type to ask for help, you know?” Trishia laughed. “Yeah, but he also doesn’t seem like the type who minds attention. You did notice the way he was looking at you, right?” Yanna was about to protest when a commotion outside the cafeteria pulled their attention. Several students were gathered near the entrance, and through the window, Yanna saw a familiar group of guys—the notorious school bullies—cornering someone against the wall. “Oh no,” Yanna murmured, her heart sinking as she recognized Nathan, standing tense and surrounded. The bullies were sneering, their laughter loud enough to reach the cafeteria windows. “What’s the matter, farm boy?” one of them taunted, poking at Nathan’s shoulder. “Can’t handle the big city?” Another smirked, crossing his arms. “What, did you ride a cow to get here?” Yanna clenched her fists, feeling anger rise in her chest. Trishia noticed and grabbed her arm. “Yanna, wait—don’t get involved. You know those guys are trouble.” Yanna’s jaw tightened, but she couldn’t just sit there. “They’re picking on him because he’s new and doesn’t fit in. That’s not right.” Without waiting for Trishia’s response, Yanna stood up and headed for the cafeteria doors, her determination growing with each step. She could hear the bullies’ taunts continuing as she approached, but she called out, her voice loud and unwavering. “Hey! Leave him alone.” —
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