💔 I HATE YOU BUT I LOVE YOU

Amara hated her first day. ‎It wasn't even about the classes, she could handle the work. It was just the people. Everyone was always so loud and fake, acting like they were still in high school even though they were in a university lecture hall. Today was particularly annoying. ‎As soon as she walked in, she could hear everyone whispering. They weren't even trying to hide it. ‎"That’s him." ‎"The rich kid." ‎"I heard he almost got kicked out last term." ‎Amara looked toward the back row. Some guy was slumped in his seat with his hands in his pockets. He looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. He wasn't even doing anything, but he was the only person anyone in the room was looking at. ‎"Who’s that?" Amara asked, nudging her friend. ‎Sarah didn't even look up from her desk. She just kept staring straight ahead and muttered, That's Derek. Just stay away from him. ‎"Why? What did he do?" ‎Amara didn't get an answer because the professor finally started talking. ‎"Alright, settle down. I’ve already picked your partners for the semester project." ‎Amara went back to messing with her notebook. She didn't really care who she ended up with, as long as they actually did their share of the work. ‎Then the professor said her name. ‎"Amara. You're with Derek." ‎The room went quiet. She could feel everyone in the hall turning to look at her at the same time. ‎Amara got that gross feeling in her stomach. She looked back up at the top row and saw Derek wasn't just sitting there anymore. He was leaning forward, just staring at her. He didn't wave or anything, he just had this annoying look on his face, like he knew she was going to mess up and he was happy about it.