Even Top Students Fail

Getting Better

The basketball game's chaos had quite an impact. Even William, a freshman, gained fame in the School of Economics and Management, though people called him "that freshman who got hugged." Campus life soon overshadowed it with new events.

A month later, something unusual happened in Room 503 - Emma got a boyfriend. A shy freshman, red-faced when treating them to dinner. Everyone wondered how such a timid boy ended up with aloof Emma. Could they really get along?

Surprisingly, they hit it off. Though bashful, he anticipated Emma's needs with just a glance. Emma's cool demeanor softened, warmth in her eyes unmistakable. A stark contrast to when she'd tossed food off her plate from a classmate, nearly ruining his evening.

Amy was dating a graduate student, leaving Alice the only single one, without even a lunch partner. Luckily, her workaholic nature kept loneliness at bay.

William jokingly called Emma's relationship "robbing the cradle," earning an eye roll from Lilith. She reminded him people said the same about them.

William felt wronged lately. Lilith seemed frustrated by attention from other girls. These days, young women were bolder than ever. William remembered when a love letter was daring. Now, they'd confess to strangers. And Angela, that persistent nuisance, kept calling.

William and Lilith had fallen out over Angela initially. He'd explained everything, even why he'd dated her. He left it to Lilith to decide, but made it clear Angela wouldn't bother him.

Angela showed backbone. After learning the truth, she ran off crying and never spoke to William again. She enrolled at Stanford, putting distance between them. Recently, she called William, deliberately saying intimate things near Lilith, worsening her mood.

"Who dares say our Lilith is robbing the cradle? She's clearly a fresh, tender little sprout. I'm the old ox," William said, trying to butter her up.

Lilith smiled at his silliness. She wouldn't get upset over unwanted admirers - she had her share too. Owen still sent holiday greetings. As for Angela, Lilith understood their history. Given Angela's pride, she probably wouldn't take William back.

Lilith felt insecure. Why did everyone think William was getting the short end? She might not be stunningly beautiful, but she was certainly attractive.

William's personality suited college life better. Lilith's demeanor, perfect for high school, seemed stiff in university. She lacked typical excitement over novelties. William drew attention wherever he went.

"Your birthday's coming up. How about celebrating at some hot springs during the New Year's break?" William suggested, thoughts turning less innocent.

"I can't," Lilith sighed regretfully. She was busy with a national college tax law debate competition. MIT was expected to perform well. They'd started training, with school selections approaching.

"You only love debating now, not your boyfriend," William pouted, acting cute.

"I'm sorry, boyfriend," Lilith said, kissing him when she saw few people around.

William asked for another, and Lilith obliged. Satisfied, he put his arm around her waist. Their relationship had become more intimate since starting school together.

"We still need to celebrate your birthday. I'll treat you and your roommates to a big meal," William said.

"Don't buy an expensive gift. You've been spending too much lately," Lilith cautioned.

"It's fine, I have money," William assured her.

"But it's from your parents, isn't it? We should be more frugal or find part-time jobs," Lilith suggested.

William smiled, telling her not to worry. He'd been experimenting with stocks, making a small profit. A recent win could cover a year's living expenses. He didn't tell Lilith, knowing she was risk-averse. William considered it a well-intentioned omission, unaware it would nearly cause their breakup.