Unknown Common Interests

4 years ago

"Hey four-eyes, looks like we're paired up for the 1000th time."

"..."

Melanie sounded cheerful but the desk owner didn't care and simply ignored her, so she chose to sit down near him. The class was buzzing with chatter everywhere as everyone was discussing ideas for their presentation topics on pre-WW3 era for Film 206: Film culture from 1950s to 2040s. The classroom was smaller compared to the auditorium sized classrooms that has 100s of students attending. Regardless, this classroom was filled with dozens of desks for the students interested in this subject.

Dean chose this class as an elective because he enjoyed learning about early 21st century culture and was even excited as the professor announced on the first day today of his 2nd year that they'll be doing a semester long research project on any topics that he listed in the syllabus from any genres to social influences.

Though Dean's happiness was short-lived as the professor also announce random partner assignments, and Dean knew who was going to be paired up with him.

Until recently, Dean's opinion of Melanie was neutral even slightly enjoying her company especially when she started acknowledging his abilities during their group activities...and his efforts in cooking club.

But that was until recently...

"So about the topics we should cover I was thinking about...", Melanie paused as she noticed Dean was ignoring her and reading a...hardcover book.

'A hardcover book? Didn't think anyone still reads physical copies in 2548.'

Her thoughts wandered off seeing the book as it was rare for anyone to still read physical copies nowadays though she was an exception as she has an entire library back home full of books she enjoyed reading. Melanie even has her private book collection in her bedroom, but sadly Mark wasn't interested in her hobby...or any hobbies she enjoyed.

'Sigh...why am I thinking about that prick? For all I care he can go frolick my former friends and I wouldn't bat an eye anymore'

It's been almost 7 months since the engagement ended and Melanie has mostly moved on. She even decided to purposely lower her academic scores to place herself in 11th place to avoid running into those backstabbers. Melanie even asked Jen to help her maintain her 11th place in the rankings by calculating the scores she needed by observing the people whom were most likely to be in the 11th place.

'Let's just focus on the now like asking four-eye's input on our project.'

"So uhh...four-eyes...I was wondering what topics you wanted to pick?"

"..."

"Four-eyes?"

"Whatever your highness wants."

The tone was colder than usual and Dean was still reading his book uncaringly.

For some reason it hurt Melanie to hear how Dean was acting towards her. They weren't friends even though they always run into each other and worse...always paired up in class assignments. They weren't even enemies until maybe after the 1st year graduation party where she said some very unsavory things to Dean there. 

Her winter break was ruined by it as she couldn't exactly focus or relax as her mind wandered off to Dean's expression during that party.

It hurt her for saying those things.

It kept her up at night since that day. 

'This is my fault. I'm in the wrong for why he's acting like this. So like Papa taught me, I need to right my wrongs.'

"Listen fou-Dean..."

Hearing his name coming out of Melanie's mouth for the very first time, Dean looked up and stared into Melanie's violet eyes.

"I-I'm sorry about the things I said to you during the graduation party last month. And even the way I treated you throughout the entire first-year. I can make any excuses for my behavior but none of that matters. So for that I, Melanie Asato-Romanoff, humbly apologize to you, Dean McLovin."

Melanie bowed her head a little which got the attention of at least half the class. 

The proud but cruel princess of House Asato-Romanoff was bowing her head to a commoner.

But Dean ignored the stares and whispers as he continued staring at Melanie, scrutinizing her every action while in thought.

'She's probably resorting to this because she has no one to trust or use. I'll just entertain her and keep my distance when possible.'

That was Dean's assessment, despite the apology, he couldn't bring himself to trust Melanie fully, not after she berated him at the graduation party. She even made fun of some of his secrets that he told before.

"..."

"..."

There was a brief moment of silence as Melanie waited for his response while maintaining eye contact with Dean.

"Do I really get a say in the topic?"

Melanie was a little sad he didn't accept the apology outright but...

'Just like Mama and Ana said, it's easier to break a man's heart than to fix it. But I can rebuild this trust....wait...this was during talks about romance between us. Does this apply with four-eyes? No...no let's just apply their teachings and we'll just be friends at best. Da'

"Ahem, yes but let's make it a little interesting by saying our favorite topic at the same time."

Dean had a confused look but just nodded along.

Melanie, on the other hand, was doing this to convince herself that they have nothing in common besides reading physical copies...and culinary cooking.

She signaled a countdown starting from 3...

'Surely he wouldn't pick the same topic'

2...

'There's more than 30 topics in the syllabus'

1...

""Sci-fi and Fantasy of 2000s to 2030s""

""Huh?""

'This has to be a coincidence. Yes a fluke. Someone with that uncaring attitude wouldn't appreciate cinema'

Melanie quickly got out of her shock and squinted her eyes a little as she decided to test Dean.

"You shall not pass."

Dean was confused by Melanie's random quoting, but seeing her expression it seems she was testing his knowledge on the topic at hand, so he decided to play along.

"Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings"

"Lisan Al Gaib"

"Dune 2"

"This is the way"

"The Manda******" 

"Do not recite the deep magic to-"

"The Chronicles of Narn*a: The Lion, The W*tch, and The Wardrobe"

"Tch..."

Melanie was frustrated by this revelation, but decided to go for a very vague line from one of her favorite science fiction movies.

"Everything sucked into a bagel"

"Everything Everywhere All At Once"

Dean pushed his glasses up while Melanie sat still with a stunned look as if her brain refuses to process her common interests with the one person she once looked down upon.

After a moment of silence.

"Alright class, time to see what everyone is going to cover. Let's start with Dean and Melanie."

Dean had a slight grin, glad that they'll be covering a topic he likes.

Melanie furrowed her brow, contemplating on the revelation of their shared interests in movies and tv series.

'This doesn't change anything. Friends can have common interests and besides he's only slightly less handsome than Mark'

.

.

.

'Wait...only slightly less?'

*********

A/N: That awkward moment when you might've discovered your soulmate from the most unlikely person hehe.

Also I didn't include any superhero IPs because that would cover an entire chapter of just their banter lol.

Anyway, I may have gotten loss in the sauce when writing this flashback but oh well. I added '*' to avoid any legal problems >.>, but the other movies should be fine...should be. 

Next chapter is present time and start of final stretch for this little arc. 

Friendly reminder: Current date of story is May 16, 2552 (A Sunday)