Almost hate, Almost love
413 Words
Chapter One
I didn’t hate him at first.
I just didn’t like the way he existed so easily.
The lecture hall was packed when I walked in late, and my heart sank immediately. I hated being late—it made me feel exposed, like everyone could see straight through me. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on the only empty seat left.
Right beside him.
I hesitated. Then I sat down, dropping my bag onto the floor a little harder than necessary. He didn’t react. He just kept writing in his notebook, calm and focused, like nothing in the world could disturb him.
That irritated me more than it should have.
“You’re taking up too much space,” I said under my breath.
He looked up slowly, like he had all the time in the world. His eyes met mine, steady and curious.
“You chose the seat,” he replied.
I scoffed and turned away, my attention shifting to the lecturer walking in. I didn’t need distractions. I didn’t need him.
Or so I thought.
Later that day, the lecturer announced group assignments. I stood with everyone else, already planning how I’d handle my part alone—until I saw the list on the board.
My name.
His name.
Together.
I froze.
“You’ve got to be joking,” I whispered.
“Trust me,” he said behind me, “I’m not celebrating either.”
I turned sharply. “Excuse me?”
He shrugged, lips curving slightly. “You look like you’d rather fail than work with me.”
I crossed my arms. “And you look like you don’t take anything seriously.”
Something flickered in his eyes, gone before I could understand it.
“I’m Noah,” he said, holding out his hand.
I stared at it for a second before shaking my head.
“I don’t need to know your name.”
He didn’t seem offended. If anything, he looked amused.
“Alright,” he said softly. “But we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”
I stepped closer, lowering my voice.
“Don’t get comfortable. This is just an assignment. Nothing more.”
Noah leaned in slightly, his voice dropping.
“Funny how the things we call nothing end up meaning everything.”
I walked away before my heart could betray me.
Because I came to college with a plan.
And falling for the boy I almost hated was not part of it.
- Writer
