chapter 8 - group project

Chapter 8

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"Alright, everyone, for this semester's group project, you'll need to form groups of four. The project will be a deep dive into a literary work of your choice, exploring themes, character development, and historical context. Remember, this project will make up a significant portion of your grade, so everyone needs to contribute. Don't even think of skipping," says Professor Evan.

Amy sighed, feeling too lazy to engage. She glanced at Zahn, who was sitting several rows ahead.

Amy and Zahn are in different majors but share their elective English class. Amy has kept their relationship hidden, so she hardly interacts with Zahn during class.

Her best friends haven't taken this elective, and Amy feels too lazy to show any effort in these group projects. Reluctantly, she approached Zahn's seat.

"Hey, Zahn," she whispered.

He looked up, surprised that Amy chose to talk to him during class. "Can I join your group? Please?"

"Amy, I don't want to get a bad grade," he replies bluntly.

"Hey! Believe me, I will do my best this time, okay? We will get a good grade," she promised.

He sighed, thinking, I know she won't, just like last time. In the end, I'll have to do her work as well.

"Fine, but you need to show effort then"

"Thank you, Zahn!" she said, smiling brightly.

Two more studious classmates joined their group. They were suspicious of Amy being in their group, even more surprised that Zahn, the class topper, accepted her despite her reputation for irresponsibility.

Despite their initial doubts, Amy tried to form a good bond with everyone. They had their first meeting, where they discussed their project, selected a literary work, and divided the tasks.

However, Amy soon reverted to her usual behavior. Zahn tried to get her to prepare for the project, but she is too lazy to do so. Despite his scolding, she refused to change.

Amy continues binge-watching series, driving Zahn to his wits' end. He wants to give up trying, thinking, Amy is a brat.

The following day, Zahn's frustration grows as he works on both his part of the project and Amy's. Meanwhile, Amy comes home late from partying, barging in loudly.

He opens the door, feeling annoyed. "I've been working on the project all night, and you were out partying?"

She giggles, clearly not seeing the issue.

"...."

She's not even sober. Why am I talking to her? he thinks, deciding to continue scolding her in the morning. "You need to fix your habits," he says.

"Huh? What habits?" she retorts.

"You already know! Ditching responsibilities, coming home late, drinking, not studying, and being lazy," he listed.

She rolled her eyes. "That's too many complaints. Just let me enjoy my youth, okay?"

He feels at loss for words. Amy won't listen.

On the other hand, Amy feels that Zahn is overly critical of her habits. He isn't acting like her boyfriend at all, not even a little romantic! He loves his books more than anything.

She wished he would treat her with some love, at least.

She notices Zahn working on the project late into the night, surrounded by books, notes, and his laptop. His eyes are focused and intense as he types furiously.

She walks over and wraps her arms around his neck with a grin. "Working hard?"

"Someone has to since you ditched your responsibilities," he replies, his eyes still focused on his work.

"Why so serious? Just chill, Zahn."

"Don't bother me. If you're too bored, do something else," he says, removing her arms from his neck.

"Urgh. Fine." Why can't he be affectionate towards me? she wonders.

At college, they have another check-in meeting to share their progress and discuss their tasks.

For Amy, it seems more like a time-pass. She spends the time chatting with other group members or checking her phone.

Zahn frowns, noting Amy's lack of effort and feeling his patience wearing thin. He is doing his own workload along with Amy's. She should at least show some effort.

"Amy, will you show some effort?" Zahn asked, exasperated.

"Of course, I will," she replies, her tone still unserious. "Okay, guys, I have to go. See you later."

She gets up and leaves.

One of the students remarks, "Is she even serious about the project? She seems to be avoiding responsibilities. Why did you take her in, Zahn?"

"She can work hard. She just needs motivation," Zahn defends her.

"Do you even know her well? Why will she show effort?"

"I'm saying this based on her other performances. She's good at presenting."

Despite knowing about Amy's lack of effort, zahn still wanted to keep the hope.

But others weren't satisfied, "No way. I think she will mess up and ruin our hard work."

Zahn is also at a loss now, wondering what he can do. It's not like he can just kick her out from the project like last time, he wants her to show effort.

While walking around the campus, Amy suddenly finds Elliot blocking her path, holding out a bag. "Amy! This is for you!"

"Elliot? What's this?" she asks, confused.

He smiles confidently as usual. "Look, Amy, I bought you some snacks. Last time you said you preferred them, right?"

"Well, yes..." Amy recalls the previous awkward encounter. I must have embarrassed myself then.

Amy looks at the bag, filled with various snack packets, feeling tempted. "But I already told you I'm not going to date you."

"It's okay. We can be friends," he insists.

She raises an eyebrow, doubting his intentions. "Huh? And how do I know you aren't wanting something else?"

"I'm serious...!"

"Nah, take it back. I don't believe you."

"Amy! Please listen to me!"

Amy ignores him and walks away.

Days pass, and only one day is left before the submission and presentation.

Zahn can't take it anymore and finally lets out his frustration. "Amy, I've done all the parts, including yours and mine, prepared the report, but I can't have you mess all this work up."

Oh no, I should have thought twice before joining a group with a topper...! Amy regrets her decision.

He continues, "You need to review the work and prepare for the presentation tomorrow."

"Zahn...does it really matter? It's just a simple project."

Annoyed by her behavior, he replies coldly, "It doesn't matter to you, but it does to me. You shouldn't have taken part if you didn't want to, but now, Amy, you will have to take responsibility. I know you're just being lazy, but you can do this."

"Ugh..." Amy feels a pang of guilt, knowing how hard Zahn and the other members have worked. She realizes if she doesn't put in the effort, Zahn won't forgive her. "Fine...I won't disappoint you. I promise," she declares.

Amy starts reviewing her work and preparing her lines, staying up late to make up for her earlier laziness. She often completed assignments at the last moment or didn't take projects seriously, resulting in bad grades. But now, she can't afford to break her promise to Zahn.

Zahn watches her through the room, noticing her efforts and feeling proud.

Finally, it's the day of the presentation. The group practices their lines together, with the other members still skeptical about Amy, but Zahn trusts that she won't mess up.

It's their group's turn to present their analysis of "Never Let Me Go."

Amy stands confidently in front of the class, her charm and speaking skills evident. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we'll be presenting our analysis of 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro."

She delivers her part of the presentation smoothly, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material Zahn prepared.

Zahn watches, feeling a mix of pride and relief.

The professor nods as the group finishes their presentation. "Good work. Your analysis was well-presented and insightful. It was engaging and clear."

Zahn nods, feeling pleased.

After class, Zahn approaches Amy discreetly, still feeling a mix of emotions. He waits until most of the other students have left before speaking to her.

"I knew you could do it, Amy," he says, a hint of pride in his voice.

"I had to, I can't disappoint you," she responds with a grin.

He laughs, a bit more relaxed now. "Oh, you can't? How about you start behaving better? Study daily, wake up on time, and stop being picky about food."

She laughs. "Hey! Don't expect too much."

He shakes his head, amused. "As expected. Well, I guess I'll reward you since you worked hard for me."

Her eyes light up. "Oh really? How about fast food?"

He thinks it over. "Fine. For today."

She grins, "Great! Let's go "

(At burger place)

Zahn and Amy sit down with trays of burgers, fries, and cold drinks. The aroma fills the air.

Amy takes a bite of the burger with delight. "Mmm, there's nothing better than this!"

Zahn takes a more cautious bite, chewing thoughtfully. "It's okay, but I don't get what's so great about it."

Amy laughs, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're kidding, right? It's amazing!"

He shakes his head, smiling slightly. "Fine. Just don't eat it that often."

Something comes to his mind, and his tone becomes serious. "By the way, Amy, I'm glad you worked hard for the presentation, but you shouldn't have ditched your responsibilities. It would be better if you took on more."

Amy's expression softens, a hint of guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry, okay? I know I ended up burdening you."

Zahn sighed , "Will you take on responsibilities from now on?"

"Yeah, yeah...fine," she replies, but Zahn could see she's not entirely serious.

Suddenly, a voice calls out, "Amy!"

Amy's face almost turns blue when she sees who it is. The lively chatter of the burger place seems to fade into the background as Elliot approaches.

"Elliot...what are you doing here?" she asks, feeling a mix of shock and anxiety.

Elliot, surprised as well, walks over to their table and sits down without invitation. "Wait...that's Zahn, right? Why are you both eating together?"

Amy quickly responds, trying to keep their relationship under wraps. "We were in a group for a class presentation. We're just having a mini celebration."

Zahn feels a twinge of irritation.

Elliot looks at them skeptically. "Just the two of you? What about the others? Are you sure you aren't hiding something? You aren't dating or anything, right?"

Amy's eyes widen in shock. "What? How did you know?"

"I was just guessing...wait, what? You both are actually dating?" He is equally shocked.

Amy grabs his collar, her eyes fierce. "You better keep this a secret! You're dead if you try to spread that!"

Elliot smirks, undeterred. "Amy, I can't believe you rejected me for Zahn! What's so good about him besides his grades? He doesn't seem like your type. I could give you everything you want!"

Amy, exasperated, replies, "Excuse me?! That has nothing to do with you! And I thought you wanted to be my friend!"

his smirk widening. "But why do you need to hide it, Amy? Are you ashamed or what? You aren't serious about him?"

Amy feels her anger boiling. "Hey, shut up! It's not like that!"

As they argue, the situation becomes chaotic. Zahn watches quietly, disappointment visible on his face. Without another word, he stands up abruptly, grabs his bag, and leaves.

"Wait, Zahn! Why are you leaving?" Amy calls after him.

Zahn ignores her and walks out of the burger place, the door swinging shut behind him with a finality that makes Amy's heart sink.

Amy glares at Elliot angrily. "Why did you have to ruin our moment?!"

Zahn was finally impressed by me...this guy ruined everything!

Elliot leans back, looking unaffected. "What did I do? I was just curious."

"Urgh!" Amy exclaims in frustration.

Amy catches up with Zahn outside the burger place, her heart racing. "Zahn, don't mind whatever he said. He's just trying to annoy--"

"It's okay, Amy. You don't need to explain anything to me," he responds coldly, his voice cutting through her excuses.

"Zahn.. please listen to me" she pleads

Zahn stands still for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I'm going home, Amy. You can come back later if you want."

Without another word, he turns and walks away, his footsteps echoing with finality. Amy watches him leave, her heart sinking.

Amy stands there, feeling a crushing sense of loss. Her good moment had been shattered by Elliot's intrusion....