Janna's POV:
Two weeks had already passed since Sophia became both the Student Council President and our Class President. I don't think I could handle all that responsibility—but with Sophia's energy and optimism, it seems effortless for her.
Because she's been so busy these past few weeks, Elaine and I haven't really spent our break time with her. She's either in the Student Council Office finishing paperwork or with Prince in the Faculty Room, dealing with the teachers' summons.
Lunch break was underway, and Elaine and I had just finished eating—without Sophia by our side. I figured she was in the Student Council Office again, probably arranging the transfer student's records. Rumor had it that today was the day the transfer student would arrive. I couldn't help feeling a little excited to meet him… though first, I had to figure out if he was a boy or a girl.
Before I could wonder any longer, the school bell rang. Sophia entered the classroom with Lance and Shakira, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"I think most of you already know about the transfer student coming today," Sophia announced.
"He'll start his classes here this afternoon, so let's all give him a warm welcome and help him feel at ease. Please welcome Mr. Burton."
The classroom went silent as all eyes turned to the door. A tall, slim figure stepped inside. I noticed the girls subtly blush at the sight.
"Introduce yourself, Mr. Burton," Sophia prompted.
"Hello everyone. I'm Bill Burton. I hope we'll get along well."
"Mr. Burton, you can sit beside Ms. Atkinson—the girl by the window."
He walked over, his presence calm but somehow intimidating, and stopped beside me. For a moment, he looked directly at me, then bowed politely, as if silently asking me to take care of him. I tried to hide my nerves. He hadn't smiled while introducing himself, and yet… there was something quietly respectful about him.
The awkward silence didn't last long. Sophia quickly jumped in.
"Okay, let's move on to today's activity. Ms. Ross is on leave—her son is in the hospital after a car accident, and she needs to be with him. She left us an activity to do instead."
A collective sigh spread through the classroom. My classmates whispered their disappointment quietly.
"Prince, can you help pass out the worksheets?" Sophia asked.
"Of course," Prince replied.
While Prince distributed the papers, Sophia explained the activity.
"Our lesson today is on 'Thesis.' According to the teacher, you'll work in pairs. And to make the pairing more effecient, it was decided that you'll be teamed up with your seatmates. You'll choose a topic, considering the following questions: Is it important to society? Will it benefit individuals? How can we address the issues involved? Decide who will do the reporting and who will handle the research. You have the remaining minutes to plan."
After explaining, Sophia sat down with Prince.
I looked at Bill, trying to figure out how to start the conversation. Should I speak first? Or… let him? Before I could decide, he gently tapped my shoulder.
"Umm… Hello. Nice to meet you, Ms. Atkinson. I think we should start the activity now, or we might run out of time."
"Oh, right. Sorry. Shall we get started?" I replied.
"Yeah."
He's… not that scary after all. I can feel it—there's a softer, considerate side beneath that serious exterior.
The activity went smoothly. In the end, we decided he would handle the reporting while I did the research. He even suggested it himself, noticing my bashfulness and wanting to save me from speaking in front of the class. He's actually… really thoughtful. And maybe even nice.
As the class ended, some students left. Sophia had no Student Council duties today, so we could all go home together. I was packing my bag when a gentle voice spoke.
"See you tomorrow, Ms. Atkinson. Good job earlier."
I froze. Bill? Talking to me again?
"Uh… y-yeah. S-see you tomorrow!" I stammered.
He smiled and nodded before walking away. My heart raced, my cheeks burned, and I realized… I just got flustered over him.
No! I don't want anyone to see me like this. Is this… what they call...
"Love?"