Evan Livares looked at Aviana who was sitting right opposite him.
Yes, opposite. Face to face!
Though it's their first time being in the same class, he didn't expect to end up in the same group with her on their very first group project of the academic year! Apart from them, there were also two students in their group; both males who were famous for their poor grades and attendance.
"Alright, everyone." The geography teacher, Mrs. Brown tapped her fingers on the desk to shift the attention of the students to her. "You now know your group mates and project. So, do it well and the presentation will be held on next Friday."
Though the group was fairly drawn through a draw, it was obvious that Mrs. Brown wasn't feeling that okay with Aviana being on the same team with the two who never really studied.
"Don't just rely on your group mates and everyone should take part in this as it's a group project," the teacher continued. "Then, all the best for your project."
With that said, she walked out of the classroom and school was over for the day.
Despite the teacher's advice, many students instantly rose from their seats, telling their group mates that they relied on them before leaving the classroom without much care. The two group mates of Evan and Aviana were no exception and just like that, Evan found himself being stuck in the project with Aviana Valos, alone.
Aviana was very quiet as usual but when their eyes met, she flashed a little smile at Evan. "It seems like we have to do this together, Prince Adonis," she said to him in the same tone from yesterday - friendly yet calm.
Before Evan could say anything, she suggested, "How about doing it today? It's still early anyway."
"I don't -"
"Oh! I forgot that you're in the Cadet Force. You wear your uniform today and that means we can't do it today," Aviana interjected. With a little smile, she promptly continued, "It's fine. We can do it some other day. We still have a week anyway."
By this time, everyone else had left the classroom and they were the only ones there now.
"How about tomorrow?" The suggestion escaped his lips before he even realized and once he did, Evan Livares instantly felt the pressure.
They were practically the only ones in the group and it's not like they were close yet he asked her to do it together on the weekend?!
When he saw Aviana slightly raising her brows, Evan quickly spoke up.
"I mean -"
"Fine," Aviana Valos interrupted once again and nodded. "Let's do it tomorrow. We will have more time that way and... " She paused and jokingly continued, "It will also help our grades."
Unconsciously, Evan Livares flashed a smile when he heard her, confusing Aviana whose expression turned curious.
"Why are you smiling?" she asked, snapping him out of his stupor.
Finding himself in an 'awkward' situation, Evan Livares tried to recall why he was smiling like a fool. "I just find it amusing that a top student like you talk about grades," he finally replied, honestly.
Evan wasn't sure but he felt like he saw a slight change in Aviana's expression when he responded to her.
Was he wrong?
Aviana Valos maintained her silence for a while and just when she was about to speak up, someone entered the classroom. She and Evan both darted their eyes to the door and saw someone familiar.
Hannah Green was standing there, wearing her Cadet Force Uniform. She was staring at the two and slightly raised her brows.
At the sight of his close friend from the Cadet Force, Evan promptly spoke up. "What's the matter, Hannah?"
"It's almost time for the meeting," Hannah Green informed Evan. "Everyone is there now."
Evan Livares glanced at his wristwatch and raised a brow. Shifting his attention back to his friend, he said, "I'll be there soon."
With that, Hannah nodded and left the two alone.
"Seems like you're out of time," Aviana pointed out and took out her phone. Then she offered it to Evan who appeared quite confused. "If we are to meet tomorrow, you have to give me your number so that we can discuss the details later," she clarified.
Evan Livares blankly stared at the phone as if he wasn't sure of what to do. Maybe he found the situation too good to be real!
"You'll be late," Aviana prodded; snapping him back to reality once again.
Flashing a smile that came off as a bit awkward, Evan took Aviana's phone and typed his number. Then he handed it back to Aviana who took it with a smile.
"I will text you at night," Aviana Valos muttered as she saved Evan's number. Then she took her bag and rose from her seat. "See you tomorrow."
With that said, she walked out of the classroom with Evan staring at her until she was out of his sight. Then finally, Evan Livares took his bag and left for the room of the School's Cadet Force.
Aviana was friendly again just like yesterday but... he still found her strange. Maybe because the closer he was to her, the more fake she appeared.....