Mrs. Walsh deftly allocated the students to their designated groups, orchestrating the process with precision.
I, momentarily hesitant, surveyed the room with searching eyes, seeking out an unclaimed spot. Destiny appeared to intervene, guiding me towards the lone vacant seat, conveniently situated directly opposite Nathan. With a hint of reluctance, I settled into my place.

As the group discourse commenced, the chamber resonated with the lively exchange of ideas, fostering an atmosphere charged with the electricity of creativity. Each participant eagerly contributed to the communal brainstorming endeavor, infusing the air with a palpable sense of collaborative energy.

- Okay, so we need to figure out who's doing what. Any ideas? - Liam, one of the group members, started the conversation.

- I'm good at research. - Suggested Victoria, her tone confident and assured.

- I can handle the design part. - I proposed, my words imbued with a sense of assurance and determination.

- Victoria and I can work on gathering data. - Declared Liam with a noble air, his voice resonating with purpose and commitment.

All eyes then gravitated towards Nathan, who had remained reticent up to that point.

- What about you, Nathan? - Liam asked, his tone casual yet inquisitive.

Nathan glanced at me briefly before responding. - I'll focus on organizing the information and creating the presentation.

It wasn't long before the topic of me helping Nathan surfaced.

- In that case... Sarah, you and Nathan should work together. - suggested Victoria, her voice carrying a hint of encouragement.

- Well, I think- I started to object but Nathan interrupted with a calm,

- Okay.

I was momentarily stunned, and surprised that he agreed when I thought he had been ignoring me.

- Great! So it's settled then. Sarah and Nathan, you can coordinate and make sure everything comes together smoothly. - Victoria concluded, oblivious to my hesitation.

As the group continued their planning, I found it challenging to focus on the project. My mind kept drifting back to yesterday when I had witnessed Nathan kissing his ex-girlfriend. The memory lingered, making it difficult for me to concentrate on the task at hand.
Abruptly, Nathan's snapping fingers jolted me from my reverie, forcibly reorienting my attention to the present moment.

- Focus.

Amidst the planning, Nathan tried to suggest ideas on how they could collaborate effectively.
- I think we should divide the research tasks and then-

- Just do your part; I'll do mine. - I replied curtly, interrupting him with a short response.

As we worked in silence, the bell rang, signaling the end of the session. I decided to head to the library to continue working on the project, seeking a distraction from the brewing tension. Nathan followed me to the library, hoping to mend the strained situation. Once inside, he attempted to initiate a conversation, acknowledging the need to collaborate on the project. However, I responded with one-word answers, avoiding eye contact and visibly upset.

- I understand our current state, but for the success of this project, communication is imperative. - Nathan articulated, discerning my palpable frustration.

- Why? - I retorted tersely, my tone betraying my simmering anger. Sensing my genuine displeasure, Nathan resolved to address the underlying issue head-on.

- Sarah, what's wrong with you? - Nathan inquired, a tinge of irritation coloring his tone.

- What's wrong with me? - I snapped, my pent-up frustration bubbling forth, unable to contain my emotions any longer. - What's wrong with you, Nathan? I saw you kissing a girl right after you told me you like me, how am I suppose to feel after seeing that?

Nathan sighed, a mix of confusion and regret on his face. - Sarah, it's not what you think. It's a misunderstanding.

- Misunderstanding? Right. I've heard enough. - Enveloped by my emotions, I failed to grant him the opportunity to elucidate his perspective.

Nathan, a bit defensive, shot back - Why do you care now? You made it clear you didn't want anything with me. Now that you saw me with someone else, you suddenly care? Or maybe, even love me?

My eyes flashed with frustration.
- You don't get it, Nathan. I didn't want to be with you because I'm with Adam and then I got confused and after seeing you with someone else, it..it hurts..

Nathan, still puzzled, asked. - Why does it hurt now? You told me you don't love me. You pushed me away, Sarah.

- Well, maybe I was wrong! - I exclaimed. - Maybe I do care about you, and it hurts to see you with someone else, especially after everything you said.

Nathan sighed once more, a gesture underscored by a weary hand sweeping through his tousled hair.

- I don't understand you, Sarah. You said you didn't love me. And now you do. I can't keep up with what you want.

- Nathan, please wait... - I implored, my voice trailing after him as he moved to depart.

Consumed by frustration and a profound sense of being misunderstood, Nathan retreated, leaving me standing alone, grappling with the tumultuous emotions stirred by our altercation. Tears cascaded down my cheeks in the solitude of the school corridor, a torrent of anguish and heartache unleashed by the encounter with Nathan. In desperate need of solace, I hastened to the sanctuary of the bathroom.

Within the confines of the restroom, my distressed state did not go unnoticed by my concerned friends, who swiftly converged upon me, intuitively recognizing my need for comfort and support.

- Sarah? What's going on? - Emily asked noticing me placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

- What happened? Why are you crying? - Ava inquired, her voice laced with concern.

Taking a shaky breath, I endeavored to articulate the labyrinth of emotions entwined within me.

- It's Nathan. I saw him with his ex, kissing, he said it's a misunderstanding but- My words trailed off, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

Olivia chimed in - A misunderstanding? What does he mean?

- He tried to explain, but I didn't let him. I was just so upset - I admitted, my hand trembling as I brushed away the tears that stained my cheeks.

Ava, her concern palpable, interjected, - Perhaps you should consider speaking with him, Sarah. Listen to his perspective.

- I don't know. I'm just so confused and hurt. - I replied, my voice quivering with uncertainty. - I don't know what to do anymore.

- Do you like him? - Emily.

- I think I do... - Sarah

- Then you should break up with Adam - Ava.

- But- Sarah

- Sarah, I think Ava is right. When was the last time you were so happy to see Adam? - Emily.

- Or the last time he made YOU happy. - Olivia.

- You don't love him anymore, Sarah. And it's alright, you are also human after all you know? - Ava.

Comforted by the presence of my friends, I wiped away the tears, conveying gratitude for their steadfast support. Summoning my resolve, I made the decision to confront the lingering tensions with Adam. With newfound determination, I exited the bathroom, my companions trailing in my wake.

Emerging into the corridor, I was met with the sight of Adam, arms folded and visage reflecting evident disapproval.

- I think we need to talk, Sarah.