The next few days flew by faster than I expected. I was already getting used to my new school, and people seemed to like me more than I thought they would. I had a mini fan club of friends now—Mona, Caroline, and even a few boys who tried way too hard to impress me. But no matter how many people were around me, I couldn't stop noticing him. James.
He was still quiet, always sitting by the window, lost in books or deep thoughts. But now, whenever I caught him glancing at me, he didn't look away so quickly. It was subtle, like a tiny crack in the icy wall around him.
During English class, the teacher announced, "We'll be starting a group project this week. Choose your partners wisely."
Mona immediately turned to me. "You and me, right?"
I was about to nod when the teacher added, "Except this time, I'll assign the pairs."
Mona groaned, and I knew what was coming.
"…Laura and James."
I swear I heard the entire class gasp just a little. I looked over at James, and for once, he looked surprised too. His eyes met mine and he didn't look away.
Later, I walked over to him after class. "Guess we're partners now. Again."
He nodded. "Looks like fate is annoying."
I smirked. "You're not getting rid of me anytime soon, huh?"
---
We met up after school at the library for our project. I thought it would be awkward, but James was… different. Still quiet, yes, but he actually talked more.
"Why did you transfer here?" he asked, his voice low but curious.
"My parents moved for work. New city, new school, new people... including grumpy top students," I teased.
He gave a small chuckle. "Fair."
I paused. "Why are you always alone, James?"
He didn't answer right away. Then he said, "People talk too much. They ask questions but don't really care about the answers."
I looked at him, quietly. "Well, I'm asking… and I do care."
He looked at me like he wasn't sure if I was real. "You're weird," he muttered.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I smiled.
As we worked on the project, I noticed how smart he was. Like, really smart. But there was something else. A sadness in his eyes when he thought no one was watching. And I couldn't help it—I wanted to know more.
When we finished for the day and packed our things, he said something I didn't expect.
"You're not bad to be around."
I blinked. "Wow. Is that a compliment from the Ice Prince himself?"
He rolled his eyes but smirked. "Don't let it go to your head."
As we walked to the bus stop together, I felt something change. Something small, but real.
Maybe, just maybe...
The Ice Prince was starting to melt.