First message
On her very first day, the professor announces a semester-long project and begins assigning partners. When his name is called alongside hers, the room immediately goes quiet. He barely glances at her before leaning back in his chair with a dry laugh. “You’re kidding.” The professor raises an eyebrow, but he doesn’t back down. “I’d rather fail than spend the semester carrying a transfer student.” A few students snicker while others exchange awkward looks. She stands there, cheeks burning.