Finding light in the darkest places—through love

Evelyn hated group projects.

It wasn't the work itself that bothered her—she was more than capable of handling her share. No, it was the social aspect that made her stomach twist.

The forced small talk, the awkward silence, the subtle expectation that she'd contribute verbally rather than just writing everything down.

And now, thanks to the universe's twisted sense of humor, she was stuck working with Adrian.

"You look like you'd rather be anywhere else,"

Adrian observed as he dropped into the seat beside her, placing his notebook on the table.

"That's because I would."

"Good to know where we stand."

Evelyn sighed, flipping through the assignment outline.

"Let's just get this over with."

He leaned back in his chair, watching her with amusement.

"You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy my company."

"I could," she agreed.

"But that would be lying."

Adrian chuckled.

"Fair enough."

The library was relatively empty at this hour, save for a few students scattered at different tables.

It should have been peaceful, but Evelyn found it hard to focus with Adrian sitting so close.

He was a presence—loud even when he wasn't speaking, distracting in ways she didn't want to think about.

He tapped his pen against his notebook.

"Alright, what's the plan, boss?"

She glanced at him.

"Did you even read the assignment?"

"…Define 'read.'"

Evelyn groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Adrian."

"What? I skimmed it."

"That doesn't count."

"It does in my book."

"Well, your book is wrong."

He smirked.

"Then educate me, professor."

Evelyn huffed but relented, outlining their project's key points.

As she spoke, Adrian actually listened—though he had the audacity to rest his chin in his palm and watch her like she was the most interesting thing in the room.

"You're staring,"

she muttered, not looking up from her notes.

"I'm appreciating."

Her pen paused.

"…Appreciating what?"

Adrian shrugged.

"The way you talk when you're focused. It's kinda impressive."

She didn't know how to respond to that, so she didn't. Instead, she focused harder on her notes, hoping he'd drop it.

But Adrian was Adrian. Of course, he didn't drop it.

"People probably don't tell you that enough, huh?"

She stiffened.

"Tell me what?"

"That you're impressive."

Evelyn's throat tightened. Compliments weren't something she was used to. Not sincere ones, anyway.

She busied herself with adjusting the margin of her notes.

"It's just a project."

"Sure,"

Adrian said easily.

"But you're good at things. You should hear it more often."

Evelyn swallowed, her chest inexplicably tight.

She didn't know what to do with the warmth creeping up her spine, so she did what she always did—she buried it.

"…We should focus,"

she said finally.

Adrian didn't argue. But when she risked a glance at him, he was smiling—like he knew something she didn't.

For the first time, the silence between them wasn't awkward.