The fluorescent lights of the university library hummed, a stark contrast to the nervous fluttering in Akari's chest. Assigned to a group project for their Introduction to Literature class, she clutched her worn notebook, the pages filled with her neat, almost hesitant handwriting. She adjusted her thick-rimmed glasses, the familiar weight a small comfort. Her usual attire of slightly high-waisted, straight-legged trousers and a subtly striped button-down shirt felt particularly out of place amidst the more fashion-forward students.
Across the table, a small cluster of students had already gathered. Akari recognized a few faces from class, but one stood out immediately. Emerald green hair cascaded over the shoulders of a girl with an undeniable aura of effortless cool. This had to be Jade. Akari had heard the whispers, the rumors of her string of fleeting relationships that painted her as captivating yet unattainable. Even now, Jade was laughing, her voice a melodic sound, as she leaned close to a girl with vibrant pink hair, a playful smile gracing her lips. Akari's cheeks flushed slightly, an odd mix of admiration and apprehension swirling within her.
As Akari quietly took a seat at the remaining spot, Jade's gaze flickered towards her. A brief, almost dismissive glance before she turned back to her conversation. Akari felt a familiar pang of insecurity, but she focused on opening her notebook, pretending to review the assignment details.
"Looks like we're all here," a friendly-faced guy with tousled brown hair announced, breaking the initial awkward silence. "I'm Kenji."
Introductions rippled around the table. When it was Jade's turn, she offered a dazzling smile. "Jade," she simply stated, her eyes briefly meeting Akari's again, this time with a hint of something unreadable before moving on.
The initial discussion about the project began, a somewhat disorganized brainstorming session. Akari, usually hesitant to speak up, listened intently, her mind already formulating ideas. She noticed how easily Jade commanded attention, her suggestions delivered with a confident charm that seemed to sway the others. Akari also couldn't help but notice the subtle touches, the lingering hand on someone's arm, the intimate way she leaned in while speaking – small gestures that reinforced the rumors of her being a heartbreaker.
At one point, while Kenji was explaining his idea for the project's theme, Jade's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, a soft smile playing on her lips, and typed a quick reply, completely unfazed. Akari saw a glimpse of the notification – a string of heart emojis and a name she didn't recognize. It was a casual, almost blatant display of her active dating life, and Akari felt a strange mix of fascination and a quiet understanding. This was just who Jade was.
Later, as the group was trying to decide on specific tasks, a disagreement arose between two members. The tension in the air was palpable. Akari, despite her shyness, had a clear idea about a particular aspect of the research. Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice a little softer than usual but surprisingly steady.
"Actually," she began, adjusting her glasses, "I was thinking we could focus on the symbolism of nature in the author's early works. I've found some interesting parallels in his personal letters that could support that."
All eyes turned to her. Jade, who had been idly scrolling on her phone, looked up, her emerald eyes meeting Akari's with genuine interest for the first time. There was a moment of silence before Kenji enthusiastically agreed.
"That's a great idea, Akari! I hadn't even considered that."
The conversation shifted, focusing on Akari's suggestion. She elaborated, her initial nervousness fading as she spoke about her research, her passion for the subject evident in her tone. Jade listened, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a quiet attentiveness. Akari could feel her gaze, not in a dismissive way this time, but with a curious intensity.
As the meeting wrapped up, Jade gathered her stylish bag, a stark contrast to Akari's simple canvas tote. As she stood, she turned to Akari, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"That was a good point about the symbolism, four-eyes," she said, the nickname delivered with a teasing lilt that somehow didn't feel entirely unkind. "I hadn't thought of it that way."
Akari blinked, slightly taken aback by the nickname. A blush crept up her neck. "Ah, thank you, Senpai," she mumbled, fiddling with the strap of her bag.
Jade simply shrugged, her eyes lingering on Akari for a moment longer before she turned to leave with the pink-haired girl, their laughter echoing slightly as they walked away.
Akari watched them go, a strange warmth spreading through her chest despite the slightly teasing nickname. She knew the rumors about Jade, the way she flitted from one person to another. Yet, there was something in her direct gaze, even in the casual nickname, that felt different. It wasn't attraction, not yet, but a flicker of intrigue, a sense that beneath the dazzling surface, there might be more to Jade than the whispers suggested. And for some reason, Akari, the quiet, bookish girl with outdated clothes, found herself wanting to know more.