Few days passed by and the thought of taking the same boring lectures was itself tiring. Taking them with open eyes was becoming a never-ending challenge that one has to go through without signing up for it.

I walked towards the university with no zeal to attend the lectures. But what's important must be taken care of. So I had to push my sluggish self to enter the classroom.

The professor was already there and had begun with her lecture. Shit! For once I was late not because I woke up late. Cool.

"I'm extremely sorry, I'm late I know but I was stuck--" I tried to explain my situation which I tried to make on the spot but the professor just nodded and asked me to be seated.

All the desks were occupied except the last benches. One of which was occupied by Vian as a matter of fact.

"So, as I was saying, today's lecture is about some myths, well particularly some myths about swans. It is a saying that swans sing a beautiful song just before their death as they are silent for the life they lived. It may have happened once but it has been said by many people that it's all a myth and swans do make noises when they are alive," the professor explained.

A sudden urge to think erupted in me as the broken pieces made sense to make it more difficult for me to think.

Swan singing a song? I have heard that, not once but twice. But in reality?
I got a strange feeling about it as I remembered the day when it was raining and suddenly everything stopped and I heard a swan singing. Also, I heard that in my weird dream in which there was...Vian Marshall too.

I turned my head to look in his direction to find something in his acts or behavior towards what the professor just said which could lead me somewhere. But as usual, he had this blank expression on his face, making it harder for me to analyze anything.

I wondered if he was playing a poker face or he had this expressionless face for real!

Don't judge, bitch!

Yeah, sorry.

"Professor, I have a question." One of the students sitting on the front bench raised his hand.

"Go on, please," the professor seemed happy that students were taking an interest in the topic. I was surprised too that I was intrigued to a very deep end.

"Well, I have heard that if a swan's partner dies, that swan could die of heartbreak. Is it true?" He asked.

"Hmm, I can say yes. If a swan dies, his/her partner can die of heartbreak. Sometimes, they don't if they find any other partner, of course," she replied.

"And how do we know that they are happy? Because sometimes they might get defensive," he further asked.

"See if they bow towards you when you greet them and they make some sought of little sound, you will get to know on your own."

After some more enticing discussion on the topic, the lecture was about to end.

The professor remembered something and asked us all to be seated for the announcement she was about to make.

"I would like you all to form a pair of two for your assessment grades. Each pair will have to write a novella about the topic they are interested in. I want the names by tomorrow. The class is dismissed," she tried to sound exciting but nobody seemed to care.

But my anxiety wanted to interrupt.

Project in pair! That would be a scrap, you can never socialize with people easily.

But I have to decide and besides writing a book is the best part. We wouldn't have to socialize, just write our thoughts, right?

As if that's easy for you to have the same thoughts with someone, the quirky picky person you are!

Woah there! Leave it.
I hardly knew anyone and a long-term project in pair was disturbing.

➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶

The next day.

As soon as I entered the class, I realized I still had to choose a partner for the project.

You can pair up with Vian.

What? No! Besides, did I ask for your help?

He's calm and composed and will easily handle your bullshit. Don't you think?

Are you appreciating him or insulting me?

I think you know that already. I don't need to explain myself here.

Just go away and hide from where you came from.

I was about to take my seat when I saw Chloe already seated on one of the last desks. Well, what did I do now to see her face this morning? This can't be good for me.

Vian entered the class with utter silence not affected by anyone's presence and was about to take his seat when Chloe decided to commence her act.

"Hey! I was thinking if we could pair up, you know what I mean right?" She said darting her long nails towards his chest and looking at him with a smirk plastered on her face.

She is making me sick. I feel like throwing up, do something, look away!!

I moved my gaze to somewhere else but I was curious to know his answer.
He waited for a minute or so to answer and said," I am fine, thanks!"

Oops.

A gush of relief washed over my face when I heard his words. Not that I cared, but I didn't want him to be one of Chloe's "friends".

The professor came and gave her lecture as usual and it was time to fill up the list.
The classroom was getting emptier with every pair dropping off their names and leaving for their next lecture.

It was Vian's turn.

"Professor, if you don't mind, can I make this project on my own? That would be much comfortable for me," he requested the professor in his low voice.

"I am afraid, I have to deny your request Vian, as the whole idea of forming pairs is beneficial for you only. You can share your thoughts with your partner and you can work together while gaining more knowledge," she said.

"Besides a blend of two minds might make a fantastic story and you have to come out of your comfort zone someday and work on things even if you feel uncomfortable in," she continued seeing a frown on his face.

Finally, he gave in and nodded his head in affirmation. She asked if anyone was left with forming their pairs. Some students including me raised their hands.

Before the professor could ask any of us, Vian interrupted. "Can I work with Miss Campbelle?"

The professor looked at me looking for an answer. I tried to look anywhere except him and said yes which by the way came out like a fish slapped its body into the water. Oh my God, just try not to explain, you are terrible at explaining things. Bahaha

The professor noted my name and with that, he left. Well, now I have to work with Mr. Water guy-- Vian. Period.

Well, now I have to work with MR. WATER GUY whom I just met.

─•❉᯽❉•─

A/N

Hey 🦋,
First of all, I want to say that all the names are completely fictional. If anyone's name is the same as the character in this novel, then it is a pure coincidence.

Ques: what do you guys think, Vian is strange, or is he hiding something?