Enchanted pen

ARIS

Okay, this was a lot to take in. But you know what? I’m Aris Laurent. I will power through this. It may be a success, or my system may go in another direction, but I need to finish this for my own peace.

The inner me was freaking out.

What if it deviates?
What if there’s a change?
What if the theory turns out to be true?

I tried to write my final clause for the system.

— a disruptive variable.
Deletes.

— a persuasive influence.
Deletes.

I couldn’t finish it.

I stared at it.

I couldn’t believe it.

This was an internal twist. Usually that kind of shift is heartbreak, but I saw it as something else — an identity shift.

In my language, it wasn’t acceptable, because the system was not supporting me anymore.

It was asking me to change.

And that change would change everything.

My mind flashed over the past few days. Somehow, instead of the system, I kept thinking of those hazel eyes.

The closeness.
Him accidentally pointing toward us.
And that line —

Prediction that isn’t flexible turns into authoritarianism.

I shut the laptop before I could overthink it.

I shook it off, convinced myself everything was going to be okay, and went to sleep.

KABIR

It was the next morning after our argument.

Today was the announcement of the Innovation Grant.

Even though I had no idea who was going to be shortlisted, my father suddenly took an interest and decided he wanted to be involved. He believes the future of technology lies with students, so he wanted to make sure the right ones were chosen.

Whoever got the grant would be working with me.

It’s an amazing opportunity for them.

I just hope it isn’t the person I almost surrendered to last evening.

Because now I’ve decided to stop trying.

We’ll just see how it goes.

All the students were excited to meet my father. He gave a good, funny pep talk.

While he was answering questions from the students, my gaze fell on Aris.

She wore formals today — a navy shirt with brown pants. Soft makeup, a hint of blush just enough to enhance her cheeks, a sparkling smile on pink lips, and perfect beach waves.

Somehow she looked perfect in everything.

I snapped out of it when Dad called my name.

“I never expected my son to run a program so unique with such brilliant minds,” he said. “And because of all your support, this project has become huge. So I would like to announce a program where everyone gets a chance to interview with high-end companies for exposure.”

The crowd was thrilled.

Even before the main announcement, the event already felt like a success.

“Now,” he continued, “I would be honored to announce the contestant for this grant. And mind you, I took two days to finalize this and kept it a secret from everyone — including my son.”

Pause.

“The Interdisciplinary Innovation Grant shortlist has been finalized.”

Another pause.

“Aris Laurent and Kabir Mehta — joint proposal required.”

My face turned pale.

A forced smile spread through the audience.

The class reacted.

Aris and I stared at each other.

I could see her spiraling — even though she looked perfectly composed.

After a few moments, everyone began leaving.

Including her.

I kept looking for her but couldn’t find her.

I had to speak with her.

ARIS

Mr. Mehta’s words kept replaying in my mind.

“Aris Laurent and Kabir Mehta — joint proposal required.”

Joint proposal.

Required.

Not optional.

Required.

“Michela, what am I going to do? I’m freaking out. You know how things have been — there are already rumors. And on top of that, my system is practically giving up on me.”

MICHELA

“Aris, you need to get a hold of yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to calm down for a moment and process what actually happened.”

ARIS

“Michela, you don’t understand. I—”

“Can I speak with you for a moment?”

The voice came from behind us.

Michela and I looked at each other.

We both knew who it was.

MICHELA

“Good evening, Mr. Mehta.”

KABIR

“Good evening, Miss Michela. Could I borrow your friend for a moment?”

MICHELA

“Certainly.”

She left.

I started walking because I wasn’t ready for this conversation.

KABIR

“Aris, please let me explain. I did not know this was going to happen. You heard my father — he kept it a secret from the entire team. Please don’t start spiraling in your head.”

ARIS

“Mr. Mehta, I do not spiral for every situation. And I understand that he didn’t tell you. But I need time to think, and I believe that is allowed.”

I paused.

“Not every assumption of yours can be correct. Do you think I’m scared of working with you?”

He closed the distance between us.

KABIR

“No, ma’am. I just thought you were taken by surprise. I also thought yesterday’s conversation might have made this… uncomfortable.”

He tilted his head slightly.

“I mean, given our chemistry.”

ARIS

“Chemistry?”

I almost laughed.

“What chemistry do you think we have? Our ideas are completely opposite. I think we discovered that over the past few days.”

KABIR

“But ma’am… don’t opposites attract?”

He smiled slightly.

“Given your technical approach, isn’t that a fact?”

A pause.

“And don’t you think what happened yesterday was chemistry?”

We held each other’s gaze.

My stupid mind kept wondering how someone could read me so quickly just from a facial expression.

KABIR

“Besides,” he said softly, “since you’re not bothered by working together, it should be fun.”

He stepped closer.

“After all, we don’t have chemistry.”

A small pause.

“So there should be no distractions.”

Then he leaned closer and murmured,

“At least this project lets me observe you more.”

He stepped back.

“Take all the time you need. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

A small smile.

“Because the great Aris Laurent doesn’t back out from a challenge.”

He turned and walked away.

My heart was racing.

And just from that closeness, my inner self admitted something.

The heat between us was… real.

Kabir’s Log Entry (Cute Version)

KABIR – PERSONAL OBSERVATION LOG

Subject: Aris Laurent
Status: Still pretending she’s not affected.

Observation 1:
System failure detected on her end.
Confidence level — entertaining.

Observation 2:
She claims there is no chemistry.

Data suggests otherwise.

Observation 3:
When confronted, the subject maintains composure.
However — pupil dilation and pulse shift indicate instability.

Conclusion:
Aris Laurent is the only variable I cannot predict.

Revision Note:
Continue observation.

Preferably at close range.