I ONLY HAVE TRICKS TO DEFEAT MY ENEMIES

In the early hours of the day, the classroom was a hive of activity. Groups of students huddled together, their voices creating a soft cacophony of discussions and laughter. Professor Williams, an esteemed figure from the Department of Anatomy, stood at the front, his deep voice resonating through the room as he lectured passionately.

Olivia sat quietly amidst the bustling environment, her mind wandering far from the lecture. Thoughts of home and the long - awaited reunion with her family after a grueling semester filled her heart with warmth. A serene smile painted her face, a stark contrast to the focused expressions of her classmates.

As the lecture continued, Professor Williams noticed Olivia’s distant smile from his vantage point. He paused, curiosity piqued, and addressed her directly, "Hello, young lady, are you here with us?" His voice cut through the ambient noise, drawing the eyes of the entire class to Olivia.

Still lost in her daydreams, Olivia was unaware of the sudden shift in attention. Her close friend and roommate, Li, who sat beside her, nudged her gently with her shoulder, jolting her back to reality. Startled, Olivia turned to Li, her brows furrowing in confusion as she tried to grasp what was happening.

On her other side, Rachel, another close friend, leaned in closer and whispered, "I think Professor Williams is talking to you." Olivia’s eyes widened in shock as she looked towards the front of the class. Her gaze met the professor’s, and her heart skipped a beat, her anxiety about public attention rising swiftly.

"Young lady, I’m talking to you," Professor Williams pressed, his tone firm.

Olivia’s heart pounded in her chest as she stammered, "Come again, sir, I didn’t catch you the first time." The weight of the classroom’s silent attention bore down on her, making her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"I asked if you're here with us in class, because it seems your mind is elsewhere," Professor Williams reiterated, his eyes searching hers for understanding.

Desperately trying to mask her distraction, Olivia nodded quickly, "Yes, sir, I’m here with you, sir."

Professor Williams, sensing her nervousness but needing to make a point, turned to the class, "Correct me if I’m wrong, but did I say anything particularly amusing today?" The class responded in unison, "No, sir!"

Turning back to Olivia, he asked pointedly, "So, what’s so funny that you’re smiling and giggling over there?"

Olivia shook her head vigorously, "Nothing, sir. I wasn’t aware I was smiling."

The professor sighed, choosing to believe her, "I'll choose to believe you, miss?"

"Olivia, sir," she responded, her voice steadying.

"Alright, Miss Olivia. Please ensure your attention is here. This is a crucial part of the course," Professor Williams emphasized.

Olivia nodded, her face still flushed, "Alright, sir." As the minutes ticked by and the lecture continued, Li leaned toward Olivia, placing her hand playfully on Olivia's. A teasing smile danced on her lips as she whispered, "Well, it looks like you've successfully placed yourself on Professor Williams' radar now."

Olivia, her expression a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, gently pulled her hand away from Li's. "I hope not," she murmured.

Li shrugged and shifted her attention. She glanced over at Rachel, who sat on the other side of Olivia. Rachel had been unusually quiet since the class began, her eyes downcast and her demeanor withdrawn. Li's brow furrowed with concern. "What's wrong with her? She's been awkwardly quiet since we got to class. Do you know what's up with her?"

Olivia sighed, casting a quick look at Rachel before answering, "Boyfriend problems."

Li rolled her eyes, familiar with the recurring issues between Rachel and her boyfriend, Adam. "What did Adam do this time?"

Not wanting to overstep, Olivia replied, "Ask her. She's right here."

Li, puzzled by Olivia's reluctance, pressed further, "Is it that serious? Tell me what happened."

Olivia shook her head slightly, lowering her voice. "I don't think it's in my place to tell you. You know how sensitive Rachel gets about matters involving Adam."

Li, growing more impatient and curious, suggested, "Let's swap seats. I want to talk with her. Since don't want to tell me what happened."

Eavesdropping on Olivia and Li’s conversation, Rachel finally looked up and tapped Olivia on the arm. Her nod was firm, but her voice was soft, "It's fine. I'm over it already. You can tell her."