Math Is Hard, But Hiding My Crush Is Harder

Chapter 3: Group Work

The biology teacher stepped forward, holding a stack of papers:

“Today, you will draw lots to form groups of three. Follow the assignments on these papers. If you do well, I’ll give extra points.”

Han’s heart raced. She clutched her hands tightly, feeling both excited and nervous. What if she drew the same group as Khoa…? Her eyes kept flicking to him, and her heart felt like it might leap out of her chest. Every beat made her blush, and her fingers twirled her pen unconsciously.

The teacher drew a paper:

“Han, Minh Khoa – Group 3!”

Khoa smiled warmly. He turned to Han:

“Han, we’re in the same group, okay?”

Han startled, her heart racing faster. Her face flushed, her whole body felt like it was dancing, but she tried to force a shy smile:

“O… okay!”

The teacher drew the next paper:

“Class president! Also Group 3.”

The class president – quirky and strict – stepped forward. He pressed his lips together and stared, making Han feel a small wave of pressure. She felt a little scared, her heart pounding, as if every gesture of hers was being scrutinized, yet she tried to stay calm and forced a faint smile.

Linh and Nam were standing nearby, their eyes lighting up as they wanted to join the group:

Linh mumbled: “Oh… Han’s in this group too, it’s going to be fun…”

Nam (Khoa’s close friend) squinted, slightly disappointed: “Please let me join Khoa’s group, teacher!”

The teacher said sternly:

“This group already has three members. Linh and Nam must choose another group.”

Linh sighed and shrugged, and Nam nodded. Both tried to hide a hint of disappointment, then quickly walked away, leaving Han and Khoa to prepare for their work.

The group started discussing. The class president constantly checked every detail and gave strict instructions, making Han sometimes want to shrink back, anxious whenever speaking, but Khoa was always nearby. A warm glance or a gentle smile from him was enough for Han to feel calm and safe.

When Han suggested an idea, the class president interrupted:

“No, that won’t work. It needs to be revised.”

Han felt a little sad, her eyes flickering with red, and a sense of mild disappointment crept in. But when Khoa looked at her with trusting, encouraging eyes, she smiled again, her heart feeling warm and relieved.

While putting up the presentation board, Han and Khoa accidentally brushed hands. That brief moment made Han feel as if her heart might leap out, her mind went quiet, leaving only the warmth of Khoa’s hand. They looked at each other, eyes shy but full of joy, while the class president remained stern, reminding them everything had to be perfect.

The class ended, and the class president still scolded:

“Everything must be completed on time tomorrow!”

Khoa turned to Han with a mischievous yet gentle smile:

“Han, we’ll be fine, let’s do this together.”

Han blushed, her heart racing, walking out of the classroom with feelings both nervous and fluttering. Every step home made her remember today’s moments – the glance, the smile, and the subtle closeness with Khoa.