As Eric headed toward the school chairman's office a few days later, he collided with a familiar smile – Ashley's – by the entrance. Her eyes sparkled with recognition. "Hey, it's you!"
Eric's heart skipped a beat. They exchanged warm smiles, their excitement palpable.
Max, Grant, and Jacky, accompanying Eric, received a dismissive wave. "Go ahead, I'll catch up."
As they walked away, Ashley turned to Eric. "School's been keeping me busy. How about you?"
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, discussing everything from tricky assignments to upcoming exams.
Ashley glanced at her watch. "I'm headed to the library. Got some studying to do."
Eric's eyes lit up. "Coincidence! I was planning to go there too. Mind if I join you?"
Ashley's laughter was music to his ears. "Not at all!" she said, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Eric wondered what had triggered her amusement but didn't press the issue. Ashley simply shook her head, "Nothing, really."
As they strolled toward the library, their conversation continued, weaving a comfortable silence between them.
Max turned to Grant and Jacky, curiosity etched on his face. "Have those two always been like that?"
Grant and Jacky exchanged puzzled glances. "No idea," Grant replied, shrugging. "We've heard rumors, though."
Jacky's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "You mean the one about them sitting together during the emergency night class?"
Grant nodded. "And supposedly, they kissed or something."
The three friends shared a skeptical laugh. "Yeah, right," Max said, chuckling. "This is Eric we're talking about. No way."
Their amusement was short-lived, as they couldn't help but wonder what was really going on between Eric and Ashley.
As they settled into the library, Eric and Ashley's conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream meandering through the countryside. They both sensed an opportunity to delve deeper into each other's worlds.
Eric, though curious about Ashley's feelings toward him, found himself captivated by her sincerity. She answered his questions with a warm smile, and her eyes sparkled when she asked him about his interests. Their corresponding sense of humor created a symphony of laughter, making the hours dissolve like mist in the morning sun.
As the day wore on, Ashley produced a stack of books from her bag, arranging them neatly on the table. "I should get started before the day slips away," she said, her eyes sparkling with determination.
Eric's curiosity was piqued. "What are you studying?" he asked, his offer of help surprising even himself.
Ashley's hesitation was brief, but Eric caught the flicker of surprise in her eyes. A warm smile spread across her face as she accepted his offer. "I'm having trouble with physics," she admitted, her brow furrowing in concern.
Eric's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Let me take a look," he said, his fingers tracing the pages of her textbook. As he began to explain the concepts, Ashley's eyes widened in amazement. The complexity of physics, once a daunting mountain, began to dissolve under Eric's patient guidance.
As Eric concluded his explanation, Ashley's eyes shone with newfound understanding. "So you see, it's all about gravity," Eric said, seeking confirmation. Ashley nodded resolutely, her gaze still locked on his.
Just as Eric was about to elaborate further, their receivers vibrated in unison, signaling an impending class. The timetable system, a hallmark of Amazon Academy's technological prowess, ensured students remained on schedule as they would be notified thirty minutes prior through their receivers.
Ashley's eyes darted to her receiver. "Looks like we've got a class coming up." Eric grabbed his receiver, his expression turning serious. "It's a test. Physics, to be exact."
Ashley's eyes widened momentarily before she regained her composure. Eric suggested they head out, and Ashley agreed, her voice measured. As they packed up their belongings and left the library, the atmosphere turned somber, the weight of the impending test settling in.
As the test concluded, Ashley's calm demeanor belied her inner surprise. The questions had been surprisingly easy, like a gentle breeze on a summer day. She couldn't help but wonder if her newfound understanding of gravitational concepts, courtesy of Eric's explanation, was the reason behind her ease.
As she pondered, Matthew's triumphant shout broke the silence. "I'm done!" Mr. Daniel's indifferent voice followed, "Those who are done, please submit your answer sheets and leave the classroom."
Ashley's gaze drifted toward Eric, who was already standing up, his answer sheet in hand. She hastily finished her last question and rushed to submit her sheet. As Eric walked out the door, she followed and called out to him, "Hey, wait up!"
Eric stopped and turned around, a hint of a smile on his face. Ashley caught up to him, a mock pout on her face. "It's so rude to leave without waiting for me!"
Eric chuckled and apologized, asking how the test went. Ashley's expression transformed, and she launched into an enthusiastic account of her experience. "I was so nervous at first, but then I saw the questions, and they were all about gravity! Just like what you explained to me at the library."
Her voice softened, and she looked up at Eric with genuine gratitude. "Thank you so much, Eric. I-"
Eric's smile broadened, and he interrupted her, "It's cool, really. Explaining things to you actually helped me understand them better myself."
Ashley's confident pose, arms crossed, was accompanied by a playful smirk. "Really? If that's the case, you should be thanking me!"
Their laughter echoed as they strolled away from the classroom. As they reached the dormitory area, Ashley waved goodbye, her smile warm and genuine. Eric watched her disappear into the girls' dorm building A, feeling an inexplicable sense of joy.
As he walked toward his own dorm building, he clung to that feeling, thinking he'd finally found a friend outside of his usual circle. Nothing could ruin his mood... or so he thought.
Upon entering the dorm building, Eric's sense of unease grew. It started with a feeling of being watched, as if every pair of eyes was trained on him. The entrance door slammed shut, and suddenly, he was surrounded by a group of guys from his floor. Their faces were twisted in scowls, their eyes blazing with hostility.
Eric's mind reeled as he wondered what was happening. What had he done to provoke these guys? The air was thick with tension, and Eric's instincts screamed at him to be on guard. But against what, he had no idea.