Even Top Students Fail

William Arrives

Lilith hated summer. The heat was unbearable. MIT's dorms were okay, but most academic buildings were old with poor ventilation. A few small fans barely fought the sweltering temperatures. Summer classes felt like hell on Earth. Even the library was stifling. Everyone retreated to air-conditioned dorm rooms to escape.

After passing CET-6, Lilith felt relieved. Finals ended early, but three weeks of classes remained before break. For engineering students, this meant more lab work. For virtual economics majors like Lilith, it was pointless. First-years were just learning basics, not ready for real accounting. Instead, they endured vague simulations and ERP training.

With only two or three class days weekly, it was leisurely, but they couldn't leave campus. Ironically, professors got stricter about attendance. After CET-6, Lilith and classmates faced tedious courses. Even Amy, usually out, stayed in due to heat. The four roommates were so bored they played Plants vs. Zombies, competing to finish all levels.

At lunch, no one wanted to go out. Delivery was unreliable, often arriving late. Noon became intense in Room 503, deciding who'd buy lunch for all.

Near 11, the girls decided to settle it with a game. The loser would buy lunch. Mid-battle, a neighbor knocked. "Lilith, someone's looking for you downstairs."

"Who?" Lilith asked, annoyed as zombies invaded her backyard, eliminating her.

"Don't know, but he's hot," the girl grinned.

Alice, also out, smiled, "Perfect timing. Go check, and bring our lunch. Tuna sandwich for me."

"Me too," the others added.

Lilith sighed, curious who'd come without calling. She threw on a T-shirt and shorts, tied her hair, slipped on sandals, and headed down.

William stood at the entrance, white T-shirt, jeans, backpack on. His looks drew glances. Lilith froze.

"Silly girl, what're you staring at? Come here," William said, arms open.

Lilith snapped out and flew into his embrace. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Wanted to surprise you, see if you've behaved," William grinned.

"As if I'd misbehave," Lilith retorted, remembering the Angela incident.

William sighed inwardly, realizing how long girls hold grudges. Angela would be etched in Lilith's memory forever.

He released Lilith, looked her over, frowning. "What're you wearing?" He pointed at her shorts, barely covering her thighs. Lilith's legs looked stunning, but the idea of his girlfriend dressing like this bothered him.

"Shorts. Cute, right? We all have them," Lilith said proudly. Noticing his look, she added, "Everyone dresses like this in summer. Look." She gestured to passing girls.

"You're provoking me. Change, and we'll go for lunch," William said, breathing deep.

"Okay," Lilith conceded, hurrying back to change.

"That was quick," her roommates said, surprised. Seeing empty hands, they asked, "Where's the food?"

"Sorry, can't buy lunch. Something came up," Lilith said, changing into a white knee-length dress and grabbing her purse.

"Who were you meeting?" Alice called as Lilith left.

"Must be William. She wouldn't be this flustered otherwise," Amy said, looking out the window. They caught a glimpse of the couple, William's arm around Lilith's waist.

"She's abandoning us for her boyfriend," Alice said indignantly, calling Lilith. "Tell your man he'd better treat us to dinner, or we won't approve!"

"What was that?" William asked as Lilith put away her phone.

"My roommates want dinner. You'll have to spend some money," Lilith explained.

"That's fine. It's tradition," William said. "We'll visit Fan Zeyang and others in a few days."

"How long are you staying?" Lilith asked.

"Until your break. I've submitted college applications, just waiting for acceptance letters. Unlike someone who played all summer, I want to be with my girlfriend," William teased.

"Really?" Lilith beamed. They'd barely spent time together the past year.

The couple had lunch and booked William a room at a student-friendly hotel nearby. They saw a movie, then Lilith chose a restaurant for her roommates' dinner.

At the restaurant, Alice, Amy, and Emma were stunned by William's appearance. They'd only known he was retaking exams and topped the province. Amy hadn't expected Lilith's boyfriend to be so impressive.

Amy bombarded William with questions. After dinner, she winked at Lilith suggestively as they left.

Walking out, William advised, "Spend less time with Amy. She seems like a bad influence." He'd noticed her flirtatious tone.

"Don't you think she's pretty?" Lilith asked. Amy had dated three guys their first year and was quite forward.

"She doesn't compare to my Lilith," William said, making Lilith smile. They chatted on the way back to campus. At the gates, William teased, "You're not coming with me?"

"Uh..." Lilith blushed. "Our dorm manager is strict, and... we're still young..." She wasn't ready for that step yet.

"Just kidding," William said, seeing her fluster. He walked her to the dorm, exchanged sweet words, then headed back to his hotel.

When Lilith returned, her roommates were discussing William. They agreed he was nice and good-looking. As Lilith entered, Alice smiled, "See? I told you Lilith would come back."