Chapter 21: The Unexpected Study Group

March continued its relentless attack on my sanity.

History was still a nightmare. Biology was an even bigger disaster. Chemistry and Physics were my only saving grace. But the worst part? Everyone was starting to form study groups.

Now, I wasn't against study groups. I just didn't like the idea of sitting in a circle, pretending to study while everyone else gossiped about school drama.

But then Rina had an idea that changed everything.

---

The Setup

"Mana, you need help," Rina announced one evening during prep.

I frowned. "Excuse me?"

"With History and Biology."

I groaned. "I'm trying, okay?"

Rina smirked. "I know. That's why I arranged a study group for you."

I stared at her. "You what?"

Azri snickered. "Bro, she set you up."

I ignored him. "Who's in this study group?"

Rina grinned. "Me, Azri… and Nad."

I nearly choked. "What?"

Azri smirked. "Ohhh, this just got interesting."

Rina shrugged. "She's great at Bio. You need help with Bio. It makes sense."

I glared at her. "You did this on purpose."

She smiled innocently. "No idea what you're talking about."

Azri patted my back. "Good luck, bro."

I sighed. This was not how I imagined my evening prep going.

---

The Study Session

Later that night, I found myself sitting at a table in the library with Nad right across from me.

Rina was flipping through her History notes, and Azri was already half-asleep, but me? I was internally panicking.

"Alright," Nad said, setting her Biology textbook down. "Mana, what exactly do you not understand?"

"…Everything?"

She chuckled. "Be specific."

I sighed. "Photosynthesis. Mitochondria. Cell division. Basically all of it."

She smiled. "Okay, let's start with photosynthesis."

And then she launched into a full explanation—breaking it down into simple steps, drawing diagrams, even making jokes to help me remember.

And… I had to admit… she was really good at teaching.

After about twenty minutes, something incredible happened.

I actually understood.

I blinked. "Wait. That… actually makes sense."

Nad grinned. "See? It's not that bad."

Azri snorted. "Wow. You actually taught him something. That's a miracle."

I glared at him. "Shut up."

Rina smirked. "This is cute."

I groaned. "We're studying, not filming a romance drama."

Nad chuckled but didn't say anything.

For the first time in my life, I didn't completely hate Biology.

---

The Unexpected Problem

Just when I thought the night was going smoothly, Faiz walked into the library.

And of course, he spotted Nad immediately.

I watched as he made his way toward us, looking completely unbothered.

"Hey," he greeted casually, nodding at Nad. "Did you get the notes from today?"

Nad smiled. "Yeah, thanks! I'll return them tomorrow."

"No rush." He glanced at our table. "You guys studying?"

Rina smirked. "More like saving Mana's Biology grade."

Faiz chuckled. "Ah. That makes sense."

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He grinned. "Nothing."

I hated that answer.

Nad, oblivious to the tension, just smiled. "Anyway, we should probably focus. Mana still needs help with cell division."

Faiz nodded. "Good luck, then."

And just like that, he walked off.

Azri nudged me. "Bro, you okay?"

I sighed. "Yeah, yeah."

Rina smirked. "You're so obvious."

Nad looked confused. "Obvious about what?"

I shot Rina a warning look.

She just smiled.

---

The Aftermath

By the time the study session ended, I had actually learned something.

I packed up my books, stretching my arms. "Thanks, Nad. That actually helped a lot."

She smiled. "No problem. If you need more help, just ask."

I hesitated. "You, uh… won't mind?"

She tilted her head. "Why would I?"

I opened my mouth—then closed it.

Nope. Not gonna say anything dumb.

Azri smirked. "Anyway, good luck on your quiz tomorrow, bro."

I sighed. "I'll need it."

As we left the library, Rina whispered, "See? That wasn't so bad."

I muttered, "I hate you."

She just laughed.

March was turning out to be way more eventful than I expected.

—Mana, March 2017