Chapter 7: Group Work

The morning was calm, and the bell rang to signal the start of class. Students left their dorms, some arriving at the university gates, others already chatting in small groups. I stepped into the classroom, and the sound of wooden chairs echoed through the peaceful autumn morning atmosphere. Madame Samaeki, standing at her desk, motioned for us to group ourselves into teams of four for a group assignment. Each team would analyze a complex topic and present their conclusions in the next session. The teams would be formed randomly, but for me, this was the perfect opportunity to get closer to those who could be useful.

I stood up and scanned the classroom. Students were moving to different corners of the room, and I instinctively looked for those who could offer a strategic advantage. That's when I saw Saya Atlehi at the back of the class, surrounded by her friends. My eyes paused for a moment on Nikolas, who was deep in conversation with her, still as imposing and intimidating as ever. The other students stood back, watching those two central figures.

I hadn't yet made my choice when I noticed Isabella Cruz. She wore a long white blouse and a green mini skirt. Her caramel skin and deep brown curly hair gave her an elegant and confident look. She walked over to me with a confident smile. According to what I'd learned, her relationship with Saya was a mix of admiration and rivalry, a sort of competition that had lasted since grade school. Although I hadn't spoken to her before, I knew she possessed undeniable charisma and a striking presence.

Behind her, I saw Yumi Hayashi, a girl with long black hair and a soft, gentle style, wearing a small bear-shaped necklace. I noticed a flute case she carried—proof of her musical talent. Yumi came from a well-known musical family and planned to join a band after graduation. She approached me with a smile, extended her hand, and said:

— "Hi Jessy, would you like to join our group? We're still one person short."

I shook her hand and replied with a simple, "Hello, Yumi." Before I could even respond, a familiar voice cut in.

— "Sorry, he's joining my group."

I turned my head and saw Mia Atlehi, Saya's cousin, grabbing my left arm. She had long hair like Saya and the same confident demeanor, though with a more defiant spark in her eyes.

— "You're coming with me, Jessy," she said firmly, practically pulling me along.

I didn't have time to react when Camille Lefevre, lounging at the back of the class, yawned slightly. Her wavy brown hair fell across her face, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief. She rested her hand on her cheek, her gaze relaxed and unfocused.

— "Hmph, still kinda tired… I was drawing all night."

Next to her, Mei Zhao—with her short black bob and round glasses—gave her an amused smile before saying in a calm yet firm voice:

— "I hope you at least studied, Camille. Don't neglect your schoolwork."

Camille grinned and tousled Mei's hair, replying:

— "Don't worry, I never let my hobby get in the way of my grades."

Mei sighed but didn't argue further. The other students chuckled as they listened to their exchange.

As Madame Samaeki handed out the first project sheets, she explained the assignment:

— "Here is your first task. You will analyze a set of complex economic data. You will have access to information about major industrial groups and their financial losses. Your job is to identify the causes of their revenue drops and propose concrete solutions. Each group must produce a 200-page report using the documents provided. You have two hours."

The group was formed. Saya, ever determined, took charge of the discussion.

— "Alright, let's get organized. We need to be efficient and divide the work. Jessy, you'll handle the financial data and format the report. Mia, you'll work on the strategic analysis. Nikolas and I will take care of the companies' marketing campaigns."

I had no objection to that. I knew working with them could bring valuable information—and, in one way or another, put me in a strategic position within this group.

As we analyzed the documents, Mia turned to me with a slightly mischievous smile.

— "Hey Jessy, you seem to know what you're doing. Why don't you hang out with us more often? I think we'd make a pretty good team."

A faint, amused smile crept onto my face. Mia seemed to want to include me, but I was sure she had her own reasons for getting close. Every move, every word mattered.

The group work continued in a focused yet relaxed atmosphere. The discussions were fluid, and we steadily dug deeper into the topic. I realized that the relationships being built here, in this very room, went far beyond a simple project presentation. They could become a key part of my strategy—a crucial link between me and the revenge I sought.