Internship?

Ring!

The school bell rang loud and clear, echoing through the corridors.

"Good morning, class! Today, I have some exciting news for you all!" Ms. Marian announced with a bright smile.

A collective gasp spread through the room as we all leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity.

"Can anyone guess?" Ms. Marian teased.

"New students?" someone shouted.

"No homework?" another added hopefully.

"No exams?!" came a third, even more desperate voice.

Ms. Marian couldn't help but laugh. "Nice guesses, but nope! The good news is... 

this year, three big companies have invited our best students for internships!"

A loud "Ohhh!" rippled through the class, excitement buzzing in the air.

She clapped her hands. "The selected classes are A5, D15, and G14. But! There's a catch the companies are only accepting female interns this time."

The room exploded with whispers and dramatic sighs from the boys. Ms. Marian raised her hand to quiet us down.

"So! Starting today, we'll hold a mini competition. Female students must design a stunning dress to impress the companies. We'll form six groups the designer must be a girl, and the boys will help as your support team. The best design will win the internship spot!"

She pulled out her phone. "Register your groups with me, and I'll send you your assigned theme and color palette. The theme is Couple Style. You have three days to complete it. Tomorrow's the weekend use it wisely. Good luck, everyone!"

Class ended. I was practically vibrating with excitement. Yes! This is my time to shine! I turned to Zera, eyes sparkling. I have to win this so I can finally get away from Lucas and follow my dream!

Zera looked at me with slight concern. "You know you need a partner, right?"

"Oh. Right." My eyes flicked over to Lucas.

"Ha! He's surrounded by girls," I muttered with relief. Good! Maybe he won't have a chance to bother me.

Then, with dramatic flair, I melted onto my desk, cheek squished against the cool wood.

"ZERA! Why couldn't you have been a boy?!" I wailed dramatically.

Zera poked my shoulder. "Why don't you ever ask yourself why you're not a boy?" she deadpanned.

I groaned. "Fair point. But seriously, who am I supposed to pair up with now?!"

Right on cue, Lucas appeared in front of my desk, leaning in way too close as always.

"Psst. I'll help you become the best designer ever."

I shoved his face away with my hand. "Go away, Lucas. I don't need your help to shine."

Lucas just smirked. "Then who are you gonna pair up with? Look around, genius."

I slowly lifted my head and scanned the room my eyes widened in horror.

"W-WHAT?! Everyone's already partnered up?!"

Zera proudly waved the registration form in my face. "Look! I'm all set!"

I squinted at the name next to hers. "Wait. Larry? WHO IS LARRY?!"

Zera giggled innocently. "I'll introduce you guys later. Ciao!" She waved and dashed away.

"UGH! That traitor!" I muttered under my breath.

I turned and glared at Lucas, my face suddenly serious. "I really want to win this."

Lucas's teasing grin softened. He cupped my face gently. "You will. You're so talented, Rose."

For a second, my face turned bright red.

"Eek!" I jumped up, flustered, but the rush made me lose balance.

"Whoa—!"

Lucas caught me just before I hit the floor.

"Hey, be careful!" he scolded, his eyes filled with worry.

"I-I—" I let out a nervous giggle, then squirmed out of his hold and dashed off. "Bathroom! Gotta go!"

I ran out of the classroom in a storm of frustration, only to slam straight into someone's chest.

BAM! "Woah easy there."

I stumbled back, clutching my phone, eyes wide as I looked up.

Tall. Sharp golden eyes. Neatly styled brown hair. Smart black suit not a hint of a school uniform.

Oh my... who is he? A new guy? No way. Is he a teacher? A model? A prince?!

I shook my head frantically, cheeks red.

"Um... are you alright?" the stranger asked, voice calm and deep.

"I-I-I'm good! Sorry!" I squeaked, bowing so fast. Without another word, I bolted down the hallway like my life depended on it.

He watched me go, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. "Hmm. What was that about?"

He turned and noticed another presence leaning against the classroom doorframe.

Lucas.

Lucas arms resting on a door frame, eyes narrowing, watching him with that trademark suspicious stare.

He raised an eyebrow, then stepped closer, offering his hand politely. 

"Vincent LeClair. And you are?"

Lucas didn't take the handshake. Instead, his voice dripped with jealousy. 

"Why are you here?"

Vincent let out a soft chuckle. "Relax. I'm looking for Ms. Marian."

Lucas's expression didn't budge. "She's probably in her office."

Vincent smiled wider, teasing. "Look, I'm not here to steal your girls. Chill out, kid."

He turned on his heel and strolled away down the hall perfectly composed.

Behind him, Lucas glared at his retreating back, fingers clenching the door frame tight enough to creak.

"Ugh..." he muttered under his breath, annoyance burning in his chest.

In the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, staring at my reflection.

Focus, Rose, focus! You're the best designer ever. You can do this!

Then, slowly, a mischievous grin curled on my lips.

Hmm... maybe I can use that devil for my own gain. I'll make him think I like him, so he'll do whatever I want. Then once I win... I let out a tiny evil laugh. I'll leave him here all alone.

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm the blush Lucas left behind.

Focus, Rose... you can do this...

But before I could walk out, the door swung open and in came Sienna and her little sidekick, Enca. And Toche.

Sienna leaned against the sink, a smug grin curling her lips.

"Well, well, look what we have here..."

I turned, drying my hands. "What?"

Sienna pushed off the counter and circled me like a vulture.

"So... you're pairing up with Lucas, huh?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. So?"

Sienna clicked her tongue, stepping closer.

"You know Lucas is mine, right?"

I met her gaze head-on, completely unbothered.

"Oh? Then take him if you can. I don't want him."

I shoved past Sienna's shoulder, striding out like a queen.

Enca gasped dramatically behind me.

"Ohhh, Rose did NOT just say that—!"

Later, I found Lucas sitting on a bench in the school park, waited for me.

"Hey," Lucas called. "How about tomorrow we go to the mall? You might find some inspiration there."

Honestly... not a bad idea. I nodded. "Fine. See you tomorrow!"

Yup. This is just for inspiration. It's NOT a date. Got it, Rose.

"Welcome back, Rose!" my mom called from the kitchen as I walked through the door.

"Thank you, Mom."

The aroma from the pot made my stomach rumble. "Mom, what are you cooking?"

She peeked out, grinning. "Looks like someone's in a good mood today. No Lucas bothering you?"

I puffed out my chest proudly and showed her the registration form.

"Oh my! Rose, you're so lucky! Tell me everything!"

So I did spilling all the details while we ate. My mom and dad cheered me on, and my little sister burst into tears mid-bite.

"No! I don't want them to take my sister away!" she sobbed, hugging my waist.

I patted her head. "Hey, no one's taking me away. If I get this internship, I'll take over the company and become the boss myself! Then I'll buy you all the cookies in the world!"

"YAY!!" my sister squealed. Laughter and warmth filled the room.

That night, I sat at my desk, sketching, searching for ideas, studying fabric samples, and practicing designs until my eyes fluttered shut right there at my desk.

Quietly, my mom tiptoed in, draped a blanket over my shoulders, and whispered,

"Goodnight, my little princess. Good luck with your dreams."

She switched off the light.