Mr. Peterson, their homeroom teacher, signaled them out at the start of the semester.
I wonder what could have cause Mr. Peterson's frown today.
Anything could make him complain, whether a student answered or didn't answer his questions. Whether they're exceptional or the laziest, Mr. Peterson would grumble away.
Surely, the stress hasn't faded in these past years. Collette thought to herself.
Her head pulsed. This morning she attended her swimming practice. It was a steady torture throughout the week. Getting up at 4am to get to the pool; At 5am to 6am she swam; Then headed to the school grounds at 7:30am. Her routine kept a silent pressure, emerging every so often as headaches.
Her gaze swept to the boy in front of her.
He's definitely an athlete.
At that time, she didn't know who he was, rather she didn't seem to care much of her desk companion. Even so, she would often guess the sport that brought out those wide shoulders of his. She would also wonder how it would feel to pat that soft, brown, wavy hair.
A few strands stuck out like an antenna, they swayed with his movements despite the pull of gravity.
If I pull them out, would new one's sprout?
RING RING!
Her daydreams snapped at the bell's last ring of the day. Just as Mr. Peterson asked, Collette stayed behind.
He's also here, don't tell me…
Collette's desk mate sat there waiting for the rest of the class to disperse.
"Alright you two, I came to discuss a special program, an opportunity, that will boost your curriculum as students."
Mr. Peterson pushed up his glasses.
"This year we decided to launch the Let's Collab Program to commemorate the unity and diligence our students build in their years at this school. You'll be the first generation for this program, and you'll have many benefits as you act as representatives of this class."
His stern eyes briefly scanned them.
"Um, excuse me, why did we get selected?" She held her hand up to catch Mr. Peterson's attention.
"Well, you have the best and your classmate has the worst grades in the class. I believe both of you are fit to achieve great things. Together. Academically."
His eyes averted by the time he mentioned "together" leaving a bad taste in the atmosphere.
You can't be serious…
"So Teach, what're the benefits for participation? I've got a lot to handle so not sure if I could take up on your offer."
Wow he's brave.
Collette felt her head weigh heavier. Her hand rose to touch the burning vessels that begged to explode.
"You do realize your position is not looking the best right?"
"Teach, I know I'm a lost cause. I won't make it far, for sure. No worries though, I'm ready to face my destiny."
Mr. Peterson glared at Jun's flick of hands and shrug of shoulders.
Both Collette and Mr. Peterson wished to pour ice inside Jun's wicked mind.
"Haaah…Look, students will receive a full ride scholarship for any college they're accepted in. Meaning that you two have the opportunity to attend college for free. That is, if you go through with this program for the next few years you're here."
Usually, Mr. Peterson would utter complaints, yet he withheld them all. His eyebrows furrowed with each statement and his patience kept teasing to reek out.
Someone must've forced him onto this task.
"Teach…How could I've been so blind? Who knew you thought of my circumstances?"
Tears gush out from Jun's eyelids. His hands wrapped Mr. Peterson's hand as he held them tenderly.
"You truly care for me."
"Get off me or you'll be out of this program."
"Of course, I respect everyone's boundaries."
He uttered.
He turned to Collette and grabbed her hands.
"Ms. Collette! We shall venture through trial and error and strive for a better education!"
What about respecting boundaries?!
Still such a program is being launched! This is nuts, there's no way this could be that good!
"Tsk…Anyways, I need to know, are you both up to the task?"
This program smelled sweet like honey, but it nagged Collette's heart the wrong way. Perhaps She should ask for more information.
Just as she opened her mouth, her hand was squashed!
!!!