The sun was out, weak but present, casting a pale glow across the Cambradge University parking lot. Maya pulled into her usual spot with a deliberate slowness, her hands tightening slightly on the wheel as she eased into the space. She exhaled once, then killed the engine. The dent from yesterday's accident was minor—barely noticeable now—but the embarrassment still simmered under her skin.
Just as she opened her door, a familiar voice called out, "Maya!"
She looked up, shielding her eyes slightly from the morning light. Charlotte was strolling toward her, her brown curls bouncing and a wide grin on her face. Maya stepped out of the car and smiled. "Hey, Char."
Charlotte gave her a quick hug, already speaking as she pulled back. "Took your time today. I thought we'd have to drag you out of bed."
Maya chuckled. "Traffic was a mess. I needed a moment before diving into another lecture."
"Fair," Charlotte said, glancing around. "Ava's already inside. She came early to try and 'reserve' seats again. Like we don't always sit in the same row."
Maya laughed softly, adjusting the strap of her bag. "That girl and her dramatic sense of planning."
Before Charlotte could reply, another voice called out behind them.
"Maya?"
They both turned. Ethan was walking toward them, dressed in a fitted navy hoodie and dark jeans, coffee cup in hand. He looked freshly awake, but there was something relaxed in the way he carried himself.
Maya blinked.
"Hey," he said with a slight smile. "Just wanted to check—you good? After yesterday?"
Maya straightened. "Yeah. All good."
Ethan grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "That's recoverable."
Charlotte's gaze darted between them, her brow raised. "Wait—what happened yesterday? Why's he asking if you're okay? Do you two know each other?"
Maya's cheeks flushed slightly. "I'll explain later. Promise."
Charlotte crossed her arms playfully. "Mmhmm... Later"
Maya turned to Ethan. "Anyway, thanks for checking. I should head in before Charlotte starts a full interrogation."
He gave a small nod, his gaze lingering for a second longer than necessary. "See you around."
"Bye," Maya said, then nudged Charlotte. "Let's go."
As they walked toward the building, Charlotte couldn't resist.
"Girl. Up close, that guy is so hot. Now spill – what happened yesterday" she said in a sultry tone
"Let's go for lectures first. And don't say 'hot' in that tone" Maya said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"Oh, Hawt." Charlotte said again, dragging the word dramatically.
Maya rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Let it go, Charlotte."
"I will not. Not until I get the full gist."
Maya walked away and Charlotte followed her.
Inside, the corridor buzzed with students heading to classes. Maya and Charlotte made their way into the lecture hall, spotting Ava immediately. She was waving from their usual spot, her lecture note already sprawled open on the desk.
"Finally!" Ava said as they slid into seats beside her. "What took you so long?"
Charlotte leaned in conspiratorially. "Apparently, Maya has already met her prince charming."
Ava's eyes lit up. "Wait—what? Who?"
Charlotte turned dramatically in her seat, pointing subtly across the hall. "The new guy. Mr. Tall, Handsome and Hot-but-calm. Came in yesterday."
Maya sighed. "His name's Ethan. And seriously, it's not that deep."
Ava practically bounced. "Okay, spill. What happened?"
Maya opened her mouth, just as the classroom door shut with a loud click. Professor C.O. Paul strode in, straight-backed and brisk as always.
"Save it," Charlotte whispered. "But that gist? I'm collecting it at lunch."
Professor C.O. Paul dropped his bag onto the desk and looked out over the class. "Good morning. Hope you're all settled, because we're diving straight into your first assessment."
A collective groan rippled through the room.
"This project will involve group research, legal case analysis, and a formal debate presentation," the professor continued. "Groups were pre-assigned based on last semester's performance... and a bit of randomness, for good measure."
He pulled out a list and began reading names. Maya tried to focus, but her heart ticked faster. What if. What if.
"And finally, Group Six: Maya Leo, Ava George, Charlotte Oliver, Mark Singh, Charles Arthur, David T... and-who's left? Anyone without a group yet?"
"I, sir". Ethan said, standing up
"What's Your name." Professor Paul asked
"Ethan William."
"Okay Ethan William You'll be joining them. That makes six – Group Ten."
Maya's head snapped up. Her eyes searched automatically – and there he was. Ethan. Already looking at her. Calm. Unreadable. And somehow... steadying.
Her stomach flipped
"There will be no group leaders," the professor continued. "I want you all to work together and act maturely. See you next week."
Ava turned to Maya with a slow, amused grin. "Look at fate working overtime."
Charlotte leaned back, clearly delighted. "The universe ships it."
Maya covered her face with her notebook, groaning.
This project was about to be a lot more complicated than she'd planned.