Chapter 2

After their productive session in the library, Lily and Emma walked out, ready for their next class. As they chatted and laughed about James's antics, Lily felt a sense of contentment. It was only her first day, yet she was already making friends and finding her place in this new world. Meanwhile, James couldn't wait to find his best friends, Theodore and Felix, to tell them about Lily. As he walked toward the courtyard, he spotted Theodore and Felix already talking to Lily. A pang of jealousy hit him unexpectedly. He hurried over, determined to join the conversation.

Lily, on the other hand, was thrilled to be meeting new people. Theodore and Felix made her feel even more at ease. She couldn't help but smile as they chatted, feeling a warmth that eased her initial anxieties about fitting in.

Theodore, who was usually reserved, found himself captivated by Lily's charm and intelligence. Though he tried to keep his feelings subtle, there was a noticeable glint of admiration in his eyes. He smiled a lot more than usual, almost like an idiot, making Felix raise an amused eyebrow.

Just as Theodore was about to say something, James appeared, his presence almost palpable. He smoothly inserted himself beside Lily, subtly signaling his friends to back off. Theodore, recognizing the look in James's eyes, stepped aside with a hint of reluctance.

"Hey, Lily," James said, his tone casual but his eyes conveying something more. "Ready for the next class?"

Before Lily could respond, their strict chemistry teacher, Professor Harris, walked by, his expression stern. "Mr. Hamilton, Miss Thompson, is there a reason you're not in your seats?"

James, never one to miss a beat, flashed a charming grin. "Just making sure Lily knows where to go, Professor."

Professor Harris narrowed his eyes, unimpressed. "Get to class, both of you. And stop loitering in the hallways."

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As they walked to class, James leaned closer to Lily and whispered, "He really needs to lighten up."

Lily stifled a giggle, and they hurried to their seats. The rest of the class passed uneventfully until Professor Harris made an announcement. "Tomorrow, we will be conducting an experiment in the chemistry lab. You'll need to pair up with a partner."

James didn't hesitate. "Lily and I will be partners," he declared loudly, just before Theodore could speak up. Theodore's face fell slightly, but he masked his disappointment with a forced smile. Felix noticed and patted his shoulder in a gesture of solidarity.

The next day, Lily and James arrived at the chemistry lab, eager to begin their experiment. The room buzzed with excitement as students paired up and gathered their materials. Lily was focused, ready to dive into the work, while James seemed more interested in making her laugh rather than the experiment.

As they started their experiment, a mishap occurred. James accidentally mixed the wrong chemicals, causing a small, harmless explosion that sent a puff of colorful smoke into the air. The entire class burst into laughter, and even Professor Harris couldn't suppress a smirk.

"Mr. Hamilton, I suggest you pay more attention," Professor Harris said, his tone strict but his eyes twinkling with amusement.

James shrugged sheepishly. "I'll try, Professor. But I think I need a better tutor."

Lily rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "Just follow my lead, James Hamilton."

As they continued their work, the bond between Lily and James grew stronger. Their banter was lighthearted, but there was an underlying sense of mutual respect and understanding. James admired Lily's dedication and intelligence, while Lily began to see beyond James's carefree facade to the potential he had yet to realize.

By the end of the day, Lily felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. She had managed to balance her studies, her newfound friendships, and the unexpected complexities of her relationship with James. As she lay in bed that night, her mind wandered to the events of the day. She shook her head, reminding herself that it was too soon to think of anything more. Yet, she couldn't deny that James had a way of getting under her skin. For now, she was content with the friendships she was forming and the new experiences she was embracing at Hamilton University.

And somewhere in the back of her mind, she acknowledged the small but growing curiosity about James, a curiosity that promised to keep her days interesting here.

That night, James found himself unable to sleep, his mind filled with anticipation for the days ahead with Lily. Sometime past midnight, his mother, wandering the house in search of a glass, noticed the light streaming from under his bedroom door. She entered quietly and called his name, but lost in his thoughts, James didn't hear her until she called a third time. Startled, he quickly turned off the light. Sensing her sharp intuition, his mother glanced at him, her expression unreadable, before silently leaving the room.