Kapitel 9: I Can't Study!

Finals week was right around the corner, as Kenny sat at a table in the bustling library, surrounded by stacks of books and the soft murmur of stressed students studying. Usually he would be in the books with Michelle, but now it's a little awkward with Adam. He tried to focus on his practice problems But his attention wasn't there; it was on Michelle and Adam, sitting together at the table across the room. They were bent over their notes, heads close together in what looked like deep discussion.

His stomach churned with a mix of jealousy and excitement. Michelle looked so engrossed in conversation with Adam, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes in his ears. He couldn't help but feel envy seeing her so animated with another guy. But at the same time, there was excitement, watching her interact with someone else, someone taller and more muscular than him.

"Why did I even suggest this?" Kenny muttered to himself, tapping his pencil against his notebook. He knew he had asked Michelle to study with Adam. But now, seeing them together, he couldn't shake the feeling of insecurity gnawing at him.

He tried to focus on his own work, flipping through pages and pretending to read, but his eyes kept darting back to Michelle and Adam. They seemed so comfortable together, like they belonged in each other's company. And Kenny couldn't help but wonder if he saw Michelle's face light up like that whenever she was with him.

Adam then wrapped his muscular arm around Michelle, pulling her closer to him. His heart sank a little, but a strange mix of jealousy and admiration stirred within him. Adam's touch was gentle yet possessive, and Michelle leaned into him, smiling softly as he caressed her arm and planted a tender kiss on her head.

They continued to study together, their intimacy apparent in every gesture and glance they exchanged. He found himself liking what he saw, even though he knew deep down it wasn't right. So he sat at his desk, pretending to study while stealing glances at Michelle and Adam, feeling a strange mix of emotions he couldn't quite define. Deep down, he knew he had brought this upon himself by asking them to pretend, but now it seemed more real than ever.

Amidst the bustling library, Kenny found himself lost in his thoughts again, his gaze lingering on Michelle and Adam at the nearby table. He was so absorbed in watching them that he didn't notice the petite figure approaching him until she spoke.

"Hey," a soft voice said, pulling him out of his reverie. Kenny looked up to see a young woman with short black hair and glasses standing beside him. She had a friendly smile on her face as she extended her hand.

"I'm Emily," she introduced herself, her warm brown eyes meeting his.

Kenny blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sudden appearance. "Uh, hi," he replied, shaking her hand awkwardly. "I'm Kenny."

"I think I saw you in our Algorithms class," Emily nodded, her smile unwavering. "Are you studying for the exam too?"

Kenny nodded, trying to focus on the conversation despite the distraction of Michelle and Adam nearby. "Yeah, that's the plan."

"Plus, you're always hanging around that tall hot chick! It was pretty easy to figure out who you are!"

"Is that so?"

Emily leaned against the table, her expression sympathetic. "You look a bit stressed. Everything okay?"

Kenny hesitated, unsure how to respond. He wanted to tell her about the whirlwind of emotions he was feeling, about how seeing Michelle with Adam had thrown him off balance. But instead, he forced a smile and shrugged. "I'm fine, just a bit tired."

Emily nodded understandingly, her eyes flickering with concern. "Well, if you ever need someone to study with, let me know." she offered, her tone gentle, "Our professor is really bad at teaching after all."

Kenny felt a surge of gratitude towards this new acquaintance, helping him get his mind off things.. "T-Thanks"

As Emily returned to her own table, Kenny couldn't shake the feeling of flustered excitement that lingered within him. Despite his attempt to brush it off, the image of Michelle and Adam together continued to dance at the forefront of his mind, leaving him more distracted than ever.