The Unexpected Partner

As the sun began to set, signaling the end of a long day at the university, Nathan found himself immersed in workshops and lectures, struggling to maintain focus. With a pen in hand and his trusty MacBook open to a Word document, he sat at the back of the classroom. Today, however, his mind refused to cooperate. Motivation seemed to elude him, and information entered one ear and promptly escaped the other. His thoughts drifted towards the upcoming writing class, which held excitement and nervousness in equal measure.

The anticipation danced with his jangling nerves, creating a tumultuous blend of emotions within Nathan. Though he felt a surge of happiness, an unwelcome companion accompanied it—his anxiety. Would he be able to handle the class? What if there were boisterous or popular individuals? Would he stand out among the crowd?

Taking a deep breath, Nathan focused on the story he had been crafting. He reassured himself that everything would be fine, that there was no cause for excessive worry. Yet, his fictional character's journey mirrored his battle with anxiety a little too closely, a realization that troubled him. Perhaps his apprehensions were getting the better of him. He hoped, fervently, that it wasn't the case.

Running a hand through his tousled brown hair, he glanced at the clock on the classroom wall. Ten minutes remained—a brief window to gather his composure and steel himself for what lay ahead. Reminding himself that it was just a writing class undertaken for the sheer joy of it, he tried to dismiss thoughts of earning extra credit or facing any consequences for failure. The sole purpose was to delve deeper into the craft of writing and, for once, have a compelling reason to complete a full-fledged novel.

With only five minutes left, a knot formed in the pit of Nathan's stomach, twisting and turning with each passing second. Cold beads of sweat trickled down his neck and spine, adding to the discomfort. Doubts began to assail him. Had he made the right decision? Was this venture genuinely worth his time and effort?

Lost in his swirling thoughts, Nathan remained seated while the rest of the class began to pack their bags. The room filled with a medley of voices, tired sighs, and audible groans—a symphony of weariness signaling the end of a taxing day. Some students formed small groups, discussing unwinding plans over drinks and food. But not Nathan. Reluctantly, he gathered his belongings, checking if he had forgotten anything.

With a muttered acknowledgment of his commitment, he hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders and exited the classroom. Making his way to the adjacent building, he briefly searched until he located the designated classroom. Approximately thirty students had already assembled, a mix of familiar faces from his courses and strangers he had never seen. A group of boisterous men caught his attention as they sat together, engrossed in loud conversations and laughter. These were the people Nathan dreaded working with—why he disliked being present. Their athletic builds and lean figures stood in stark contrast to his own.

With a deep sigh, he maneuvered past the group, seeking solace in a quieter corner at the back of the room. Once settled, he swiftly retrieved his Macbook and notebook, finding comfort in the protective embrace of his oversized, comforting hoodie. The weight of their gazes bore down upon him, an invisible weight he could sense. Of course, they looked at him. Nathan appeared as the perfect target for bullies—fragile, nerdy, reserved, and lacking social skills. Determinedly, he averted his gaze, focusing on his Macbook, desperate to shut out the outside world and immerse himself in the story he was cultivating. How could he intensify the romance? What challenges could he throw at his characters to make their journey both wholesome and realistic?

"Goodness, class, I truly appreciate your presence here, especially at such a late hour. I can sense the weariness in your bones, but I implore you to muster up a little more energy. Welcome, dear students, to the enchanting realm of creative writing!" The young woman's voice brimmed with enthusiasm as she stood before the class, her smile radiant. With a subtle glance towards the men huddled in the corner, she conveyed a silent message, urging them to take their seats and be quiet.

The men in the corner were initially poised to interject, but as their eyes met hers, they caught a glimpse of something more profound. Her lips curved upward, but her eyes failed to mirror the same joy. One of the men hesitated, his mouth poised to speak before retreating into silence.

"Now that we're prepared to embark on this journey let me unveil the task that awaits you over the next three months. In pairs, you shall weave a captivating novella, an ode to romance from the perspective of a male protagonist. Your story must be nestled within the immersive realms of either an Isekai with RPG elements or the grand tapestry of High Fantasy. For those unacquainted with the term, Isekai refers to a concept where a character finds themselves transported to another world—be it through death, an unfortunate encounter with a vehicle, or even an intricate summoning spell. Pairings have already been assigned randomly, sparing me with the arduous task of allocating them myself. Please consult the course's online page to discover the identity of your writing companion. That will be all."

With a resounding clap of her hands, the woman startled the students, causing them to jump and scramble to inspect their pairings. Nathan bit his lip, a sense of unease enveloping him. The prompt and genre hinted at the excitement, but the prospect of working alongside a stranger for three long months gnawed at him. Stuck in this arrangement, his heart sank. Could this day possibly worsen?

"Nathan? Is there a Nathan present?" A vibrant, joyous voice reverberated through the classroom, its owner fervently searching for his partner.

Nathan raised his left hand without a second thought, still engrossed in scribbling ideas with a pen gripped tightly in his right. New pages in his notebook welcomed his musings—initial thoughts on the genre, plausible reasons for the character's transition to the new world, and delicate ways to depict romance within such a setting.

"Nathan?"

Now reduced to a gentle whisper, the once-vibrant voice brushed against Nathan's ear. Its warm breath tickled his senses, triggering a shiver down his spine. The mingled scent of fabric softener and cologne invaded his nostrils. Startled and flushed, he swiveled his head to meet the source of the voice.

"You're Nathan, right? I'm Johnathan, or John if you prefer brevity," a tall, athletic figure beamed at him, commanding attention effortlessly. Johnathan stood in stark contrast to Nathan's petite frame and introverted demeanor. Nathan favored oversized hoodies and hid behind large glasses that concealed his eyes, while Johnathan exuded a polished and well-groomed aura. His short, elegantly styled blonde hair framed his face precisely, accentuating his chiseled features. His inviting green eyes emanated a warmth and charisma that illuminated any room. In contrast to Nathan's introspective disposition, Johnathan carried himself with confidence, his stride exuding an effortless charm that drew others towards him. The stark disparity in their appearances only enhanced Johnathan's captivating presence.

"Y-yes, that's me. I... I'm Nate," Nathan stammered, his words tumbling out as he nervously bit his tongue.

A warm smile, reminiscent of a ray of sunshine, graced Johnathan's lips as he quickly pulled up a chair to sit next to Nathan, their shoulders almost touching. Nathan's breath quickened, his anxiety intensifying. Why did he have to be paired with someone who seemed like the epitome of kindness, a jock masquerading as Mother Teresa?

"Thank you for having me as your partner. Honestly, I just signed up on a whim. I'm committed to this assignment, though, and I promise to give it my all," Johnathan's hands moved animatedly as he spoke, betraying a mix of excitement and a hint of nervousness he hadn't anticipated.

"Oh, uh... no. Thank you for having me. I... I'll do my best," Nathan replied with a slight nod, unsure what to say or how to engage with this affable man. His mind raced, searching for conversation topics, but all he could do was focus on breathing, desperately trying to steady himself amidst his insecurities.