Eliana didn't expect to see Mae again—at least not like this.
She had walked into her "Business Communication" class feeling unusually light. Derrick had dropped her off that morning with her favorite snacks and a cheesy note that said: "You're brilliant. The world just needs to catch up." Her day was going fine… until the lecturer dropped the bombshell.
"For your semester project, you'll work in assigned pairs. No changes."
Eliana flipped through the printed list. Her heart skipped.
Mae Carter – Eliana Rivers
She blinked. No. It had to be a mistake. Out of over seventy students?
Her stomach tightened as Mae casually strolled into the classroom just ten minutes later, in his usual crisp white shirt, black joggers, and that air of effortless control. His eyes scanned the room—and landed right on her.
He smirked.
She quickly looked away, but her fingers had already grown clammy.
After class, he found her by the hallway. Leaning one shoulder against the wall, arms crossed, his tone low.
"So… this is how fast you move on?"
Eliana blinked. "What?"
"You disappear. Leave me hanging. No explanation after one text. And suddenly, you're cozy with another guy?" His eyes didn't rise, but his voice cut sharper than usual.
"I… I tried explaining," she stammered. "You didn't reply, and I didn't want to keep bothering you—"
Mae chuckled darkly. "You gave up. Just like that."
Eliana took a breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I thought you were angry. And honestly, I didn't know what to say."
They stared at each other for a moment—his expression unreadable, hers caught between guilt and confusion.
Then, in a softer voice, he said, "You could've at least called me. But I guess I don't matter that much."
Her throat tightened. "That's not fair…"
He tilted his head. "Isn't it?"
Silence hung between them until he shifted and added lightly, "Well, we've got a project to do. Might as well enjoy it."
Before she could reply, he winked and walked off.
Later that day, they met at a quiet café off-campus to discuss the project. It was supposed to be a quick planning session. But somehow, they ended up back at that milkshake spot—their milkshake spot—sipping vanilla and chocolate blends while talking about everything except school.
Mae was… warmer. Still confident, but more attentive this time.
He asked about her classes, teased her about her obsession with coconut biscuits, even leaned in to brush a stray curl from her face.
At one point, he leaned closer, whispering in that deep, husky voice, "You know, it's dangerous for you to look at me like that… I might forget we're just study partners."
Eliana's heart fluttered.
She blushed, biting her straw, unable to meet his eyes. "Stop."
He smirked, "I haven't even started."
The tension between them felt familiar, intoxicating, and dangerously comforting.
By the time he dropped her off at her junction, she was a mess of emotions. Confused. Giddy. And guilty.
Derrick's thoughtful texts still sat unread on her phone. Yet here she was—smiling at her screen, remembering the way Mae's lips brushed her ear when he teased her.
Mae Carter was trouble.
But she was starting to wonder if she wanted that trouble again.