Ciro P.O.V
The dean had left with just the professor remaining. The trivial game of picking your so-called "alpha" was continued.
With Jacob being the second to last, I patiently waited.
And just like that, he sat two seats away from me.
I wish I could have laughed, but having to keep my composure stopped me.
Since everything is so called fate, the heavens paired Jacob with Kenon's close friend, Lucian.
"Since everyone has been paired up together, we can end class earlier. Next week we will discuss everything. So in the meanwhile, you can become acquainted with your pair," the professor announced.
In a second, the once quiet room became noisy even comparable to a busy market.
Having nothing to say to the other person beside me, it was silent.
There really was nothing to say. I was already aware of who the person was beside me. I feared we had become quite acquainted this morning.
But since this project is worth fifty percent of my grade, I had to make an effort.
I thought for a second and asked, "Was your walk back to the dorm peaceful?"
Kenon, who had been looking straight ahead the entire time, turned his face only to stare at me.
As much as I hate to say it, he is quite handsome. Now interlocking eyes...
"Of course it was. I made sure to give him a treat when we got back."
"Why?"
"He just so happened to make my morning. I got to see someone I absolutely adore falling into a pond."
I was trying to be nice for a moment. Just a moment.
"Oh really?"
I had nothing else to say. I got up and left the lecture room.
—
As Ciro walked away, Kenon let out a laugh, turning to look at his friend.
"Isn't that the one you said you liked?" he asked, referring to Jacob.
"Yes, it is. And apparently, he's seeing someone already."
Kenon glanced at his disheartened friend and couldn't help but sigh. Lucian seemed to be taking it hard.
But for Kenon, the situation was different. He was paired up with someone he wasn't fond of.
Ciro, of all people.
They had known each other since childhood. Their rivalry had started long ago,a tug-of-war over the same person.
Back then, neither of them understood anything other than their deep hatred. They were just two kids constantly at odds, always bickering whenever they were at the same social gatherings.
It was ironic. The person they both liked ended up not liking either of them, but someone else entirely.
That should've ended the rivalry, but it didn't. The tension between them lingered, unspoken but ever-present.
And then, as if fate had a twisted sense of humor, Ciro had manifested as an omega.
That was a surprise, to say the least. It only complicated things for Kenon but he would never admit that out loud.
—
I was about to turn left when I heard a shout.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Stopping in my tracks, I turned back around to greet Jacob.
Letting out heavy breaths, he exclaimed, "You were going to leave me"
I replied, "Sorry. I got carried away. It was Kenon. I can't stand him."
"You can't stand anyone," Jacob said, catching up to me.
"But I can tolerate you," I replied, giving him a slight smile.
When class ended, it was time for lunch, so we both made our way to the cafeteria.
I was most definitely hungry since I unknowingly skipped breakfast.
"I was so shocked about this random project," Jacob uttered.
"Same. It was unusual and the dean said some of our parents had asked for this to be implemented."
Of course they had.
Though times have changed, it's still stuck in their heads that an omega needs an alpha.
We've advanced so much in medicine even heat and rut is nothing once the meds kick in.
They just want to continue the bloodline of traits.
"Besides, we all know the mandatory course was made for matchmaking of alpha and omega," Jacob added.
Even though the government had implemented so many rights, nothing could change a custom.
We finally made it through the lunch line. I had a tray full of food I probably wasn't going to finish, but I wasn't about to admit I was stress-eating.
Jacob was still talking about the project, but I wasn't really listening. I was more focused on finding an empty table as far as possible from certain people.
That's when I felt it.
Not a chill, just that prickling sensation on the back of my neck, like I was being watched.
I turned my head slightly.
Kenon.
Walking past with Lucian at his side, tray in hand, eyes straight ahead except for the moment his gaze locked with mine.
Just for a second.
And in that moment, that insufferable smirk appeared.
The kind where the predator stares at his prey.
Lucian nudged him and whispered something and Kenon chuckled.
I clenched my fork.
"You okay?" Jacob asked.eyes flicking between me and the other table.
"Peachy," I muttered, stabbing a cherry tomato like it owed me money.
They sat two tables across. Still within my peripheral vision. Still annoying.
"Do you think he's gonna be a pain for the whole project?" Jacob asked, sipping his juice.
"I don't think, I know."
Fifty percent of my grade.
That was the only reason I wasn't walking across the cafeteria to dump my tray on his stupidly perfect hair.
Then, as if today couldn't get worse, I heard that familiar voice approaching me.
"Didn't think you'd still be eating tomatoes, Ciro. Didn't you used to cry whenever you ate it?"
I gradually raised my head .
Kenon stood there, tray still in hand, eyes dancing with amusement.
"I grew up. Maybe you should try it sometime," I replied coldly.
Kenon tilted his head, his smirk only widening.
"Oh, I have."
"Then stop talking to me."
With a hum, he walked off.
Was it that easy?
I blinked.
"You know..." Jacob began slowly, "I think you guys would get along just fine."
"As if" I said, biting into the tomato just to prove a point.