The Boy I Swore to Hate

Ava's POV I sat at the corner table of the Silvercrest University library, my eyes glued to the illuminated screen of my laptop. The low hum of the air conditioner and the quiet rustle of turning pages were the only sounds filling the massive space. It was just before 6:00 AM and most students were still fast asleep in their dorm rooms, but I had already been up for two hours, meticulously reviewing my lecture notes for the new semester. Junior year second semester. ​This was it. The absolute peak of my academic journey. ​I adjusted my glasses, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I updated my color coded study schedule. Every single hour of my week was accounted for, classes, study groups, research hours, revision sessions, bathroom breaks and exactly six hours of sleep every night. ​There was absolutely no room for error. ​My target was clear: maintain my current CGPA of 4.89. I needed to graduate with First Class Honors in Economics, secure a spot for my Master's and PhD programs, and ultimately land a position at the ultimate dream firm, Blackstone Global. ​Blackstone Global was the gold standard. The top financial and economic consulting firm in the region, known for taking only the absolute best of the best. Working there wasn't just a career choice for me; it was the ultimate validation of every late night, every missed party, and every sacrifice I had made since setting foot on this campus. ​"Ava, please tell me you didn't sleep here again.” ​I looked up from my laptop to see my best friend and roommate Emily Brooks, dropping her heavy tote bag onto the chair across from me. She held two steaming paper cups of coffee pushing one toward me with a raised eyebrow. ​"I didn't sleep here," I said defensively Taking the cup and letting the warm caffeine clear the fog from my brain. "I got back to the room at midnight and came back at 5:30” Emily let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head as she took a seat. "Ava, you're a junior year Economics major with a 4.89 CGPA. You are literally the highest ranking student in our department. You can afford to take a little break" ​"No, I really can't," I replied firmly Turning my laptop so she could see the glowing spreadsheet on its screen. "The second semester is always the hardest. Professors grade tougher, the coursework doubles, and if my CGPA drops even by 0.01, it could cost me my rank. You know how competitive the Blackstone pipeline is.” ​"I know, I know," Emily said Her tone softening with genuine concern “I just don't want you burning out before midterms even start. You're nineteen, Ava. You're allowed to have a little fun.” ​"Fun doesn't build a resume Em," I reminded her with a small smile. ​"Maybe not, but it keeps you sane," she countered, taking a sip of her coffee. "Speaking of fun did you hear about the Welcome Back bash that the athletic department is throwing tonight at the student center?” ​"I don't really do campus parties” ​"I knew you were going to say that," Emily laughed. "But literally everyone is going and Noah Cole is hosting it.” ​I paused, my fingers hovering over the keys. "Who?” ​Emily gasped, placing a dramatic hand over her chest as if I had just committed academic treason. "Did you seriously just ask who Noah Cole is? As in THE Noah Cole? Ava, do you live under an actual rock?” ​"I live in the library," I corrected flatly, "Which is significantly better” “Noah Cole," Emily repeated leaning in as if sharing a top-secret government classified file. "Senior year, Business Admin, Star athlete, total campus favorite, ridiculously charming, six-foot-two, dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes..." ​"Sounds like a massive walking distraction," I cut in, returning my focus to my screen "And a classic waste of time.” ​"He's not just a distraction, he's the distraction," Emily corrected with a grin "Half the girls on this campus are practically lined up just to get a smile from him. He’s at every event, friends with everyone, and honestly, the guy just breathes charm." ​"Good for him" I said, completely unbothered. "He can keep his charm, his sports, and his fan club. I have a 4.89 GPA to protect, and I intend to keep it that way.” ​"You are hopeless Ava Thompson" Emily giggled, shaking her head. ​​"I'm not hopeless, Em I'm focused.” ​I pulled my notebook closer, shutting out the talk of campus royalty, parties, and popular senior athletes. In my world, there were no shortcuts, no easy passes, and definitely no time for guys who lived for applause and social status. ​My life was calculated, structured, and entirely under my control. There was nothing that was going to disrupt my plan. ​Or so I thought.