The Boy I Couldn't Stand

Chapter 1 — My Worst Nightmare

There are some people you simply cannot get along with.

For me, that person was Adrian Vale.

I knew it was going to be a terrible Monday the moment I saw him standing beside my usual seat.

He was leaning against the desk, casually scrolling through his phone as if he owned the classroom.

I stopped in front of him.

“Move.”

He looked up.

A slow smile appeared on his face.

“Good morning to you too, Carter.”

“I'm not in the mood.”

“You're never in the mood when I'm around.”

“Maybe because you're annoying.”

He laughed and finally moved away from my chair.

I placed my bag on the desk and sat down.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

“I wasn't thanking you.”

“I know.”

I rolled my eyes.

This was exactly why I couldn't stand him.

Adrian had a talent for making every conversation feel like a competition. He always had something to say, and somehow, he always had to have the last word.

I opened my notebook and tried to ignore him.

Unfortunately, our professor entered the classroom before I could enjoy even five minutes of peace.

“Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Professor.”

Our professor placed a stack of papers on the desk.

“As I mentioned last week, you'll be working on a major project this semester. This project will be done in pairs.”

A few students immediately started looking around for their friends.

I wasn't worried.

I already knew who I wanted as my partner—my best friend, Lily.

But then our professor continued.

“And I've already assigned your partners.”

My heart sank.

Please don't be Adrian.

Please don't be Adrian.

I silently repeated the words in my head.

Our professor started calling names.

“Lily Anderson and Mark Reyes.”

Lily turned around and gave me a worried look.

I frowned.

That wasn't a good sign.

Then our professor said it.

“Mia Carter and Adrian Vale.”

I froze.

For a moment, I thought I had heard wrong.

I looked at Lily.

She covered her mouth, clearly trying not to laugh.

I slowly turned toward Adrian.

He was staring at me.

And, of course, he was smiling.

“No,” I whispered.

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

“Looks like we're partners.”

“I'll talk to Professor.”

“You think that'll change anything?”

“I'm willing to try.”

He leaned closer.

“You're scared of working with me?”

I looked directly into his eyes.

“I'm scared of failing because of you.”

He placed a hand over his chest dramatically.

“That hurts.”

“I'll survive.”

He laughed.

Our professor continued explaining the project, but I couldn't focus anymore.

How was I supposed to work with Adrian?

We couldn't even agree on where to sit without arguing.

After class, everyone began leaving.

I stayed behind and approached our professor.

“Professor, can I request a different partner?”

Before our professor could answer, Adrian appeared beside me.

“Professor, I think Mia is just nervous.”

I turned toward him.

“I'm not nervous.”

“Then what's the problem?”

“You.”

He smiled.

“Perfect. Then this should be interesting.”

I glared at him.

He picked up his bag and walked toward the door.

“Oh, Carter?”

“What?”

“Don't be late tomorrow.”

“For what?”

“Our first meeting.”

I blinked.

“We haven't even discussed that.”

He smiled over his shoulder.

“Exactly. So don't be late.”

Then he walked away.

I stood there, staring after him.

I hated him.

I absolutely hated him.

And somehow, I had a feeling this project was going to make everything worse.