My name is Emilia De Luca, 19 years old. I’m known around campus as the girl who never lets anyone get too close. I keep my grades perfect, avoid parties, and always have a sarcastic comeback ready. Most people think I’m cold. The truth is, trusting people has never ended well for me.

Then there’s Guest.

Confident. Charming. Tall. Handsome. Has dreamy navy bluish eyes. He is the kind of guy who somehow gets along with everyone. We couldn’t be more different, and yet fate keeps throwing us together.

At the start of sophomore year, our professor announces the semester’s biggest assignment: a partner project worth half our final grade. Partners are chosen randomly.

I pull the last slip of paper.

It’s Guest.

Neither of us were thrilled.

We’re suddenly spending hours together in the library, grabbing coffee between classes, and working late into the night. At first, it’s nothing but teasing, arguments, and sarcastic remarks. But little by little, I start seeing a side of Guest no one else notices—kind, patient, and always willing to help without expecting anything back.

Just when I’m beginning to let my guard down, someone from my past returns, bringing old memories and unfinished feelings with them.

The afternoon sun spilled through the tall windows of Westbridge University’s library, casting warm streaks across the nearly empty study floor. Laptops hummed softly, pages turned, and the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air.

Emilia sat at their usual table, her notes spread out in perfect order while she absentmindedly tapped her pencil against the edge of her notebook. Weeks ago, she would’ve gladly traded partners if given the chance. Now… things weren’t so simple.

Working alongside Guest had become part of her routine. The arguments hadn’t disappeared, but they’d changed. The sarcastic remarks came with faint smiles now, and the silence between them no longer felt awkward.

She hated admitting it—even to herself—but she’d started looking forward to these afternoons.

The sound of footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced up just as Guest approached the table.