Even Top Students Fail

The Softie Genius

Ten-minute break before afternoon classes. Lilith prepped her books when Jennifer called, "Lilith, bathroom?"

Typical girl thing - close friends go to the loo together. Jennifer and Lilith, compatible roommates, were inseparable. Jennifer had no clue their friendship spanned lifetimes, lasting until Lilith's rebirth.

"Sure," Lilith replied, arranging her books before leaving with Jennifer.

Noticing Lilith's gloom, Jennifer teased, "Why the long face? You aced the exam - I'd be beaming. Or is that girl bugging you again?"

Jennifer knew Candy well. Seeing Lilith's mood, she couldn't help commenting.

Though not quite Lilith's level, Jennifer was a top student. Unlike Candy, she was upbeat, partly why she looked down on her.

"It's nothing. Just tired from skipping my lunch nap," Lilith deflected. "Hey, can we swing by the campus store later? Need to grab some stuff."

Lilith no longer dwelled on Candy's antics. In her past life, she'd often vented to Jennifer. Now, she couldn't care less.

"You're too nice," Jennifer chided. "I'd have asked Ms. Lin to separate us ages ago. That girl's got a serious princess complex. You know Ms. Lin adores you - she'd probably let you sit on her desk if you asked!"

Jennifer's protective instincts flared up. She saw Lilith as too soft-hearted, always ready to defend her from Candy's antics.

Lilith was their homeroom teacher Ms. Zhao's star pupil. While top 200 students usually came from the advanced class, Lilith had clawed her way into the top 20. A major source of pride for Ms. Zhao.

If Lilith got into a prestigious university, Ms. Zhao's bonus would likely equal half a year's salary. That's why, despite her normally stern demeanor, Ms. Zhao showed Lilith special favor.

Truth be told, Candy wasn't entirely at fault. This lifetime, she hadn't done anything particularly hurtful - they just weren't close.

At the campus store, Lilith, feigning nonchalance, bought two pen refills and picked out two chocolate bars. "Want one?" she offered Jennifer.

Lilith felt conflicted. Though she'd rejected William, she couldn't stop herself from coming here. Even knowing he'd have a gorgeous girlfriend in a year, even with her mental age outstripping her physical one by 7-8 years, some things just couldn't be controlled.

"What's this for? Lose a bet? No thanks, my teeth are acting up," Jennifer declined, unfazed by Lilith's purchase.

Their mundane lives often led to small wagers on test scores, with prizes like chocolates or snacks. A harmless pastime.

Jennifer's casual remark, however, made Lilith blush furiously.

Despite reliving her life, Lilith was woefully inexperienced in matters of the heart. Her sole crush had ended in disappointment.

She was at a loss on how to handle William. Logic told her to ignore him, but her heart refused to cooperate.

Seeing Lilith's face turn lobster-red, Jennifer didn't need to ask who was responsible.

Jennifer knew William better than Lilith did. The clever boy had started using the "friend" approach, often asking Jennifer to pass along little gifts or messages to Lilith. But Jennifer always shut him down. She wasn't about to be bought off so easily.

"What are you thinking?" Jennifer probed. "William's been after you since you transferred here sophomore year. It's been over a year now - have you thought about what you want? Look, we're seniors now. You can't afford distractions. You've got a shot at Harvard! If you both like each other, what's another year? Once you're in college, date all you want."

As Lilith's roommate and best friend for over a year, Jennifer had a good read on her feelings.

Lilith had no shortage of admirers. Not only brilliant, but also pretty. Yet she'd always been laser-focused on her studies, only showing William the slightest bit of attention.

Initially, Jennifer thought Lilith's special treatment of William was out of respect for Ms. Lin. But as William's pursuit intensified, Lilith's true feelings became increasingly apparent. She seemed to genuinely have a soft spot for him.

This realization worried Jennifer. Senior year was no time for puppy love. If William were a fellow academic star, they might have pushed each other to greater heights. But he was a terrible student, only in their class thanks to Ms. Lin's influence. If they started dating, Lilith's grades would surely suffer.

Plus, Jennifer wasn't fond of William's cocky, rooster-like attitude.

Hearing Jennifer's words, Lilith forced an awkward smile.

It wasn't that she didn't want to wait. She just didn't know what to do.

She could rationalize most things, but William was her blind spot. She couldn't help wondering what might happen if she said yes.

In her past life, at Jennifer's wedding, both she and William had drunk too much. William had joked, "Lilith, why didn't you like me back then? I really did have feelings for you. If you hadn't been so cold, I wouldn't have found a girlfriend so quickly to save face."

The William of that time had lost his youthful edges, becoming even more attractive.

His words had left a bitter taste in Lilith's mouth - one she could still recall. Apart from her studies, William was her biggest regret since her rebirth.

"Class is about to start. We should head back," Lilith changed the subject, unsure how to respond to Jennifer.

It wasn't that she didn't want to talk. She truly didn't know what she wanted to do. But one thing was certain - she wouldn't let it affect her studies.

Seeing Lilith's evasion, Jennifer sighed but said nothing more. The two friends returned to class together.