A message...

Ashley: "How did you...?"

Director: "Oh, I happened to review some footage of a recent conflict between students, and your boyfriend here was mentioned."

Ashley's heart skipped a beat as she wasn't expecting him to actually review the footage by himself, anxiety creeping.

Director: "Apparently, the boys involved in the conflict referred to him as 'the new girl's' boyfriend."

Ashley breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that their cover story that veronica came up with actually was on point .she soon focused on the tasks ahead. As they continued their conversation with the director. They discussed their research findings, and Ashley felt a sense of pride in what ever she did till now. After updating the director, they left his office feeling confident and relaxed.

As they left the director's office, Ashley, Veronica, Amara, and Jae walked together towards their rooms. Despite the sense of relief that their secret remained intact, Jae couldn't shake off the what he felt about Veronica referring to him as Ashley's boyfriend.

Jae: "Hey, uh, Ashley... Did I hear Veronica correctly back there?"

Ashley: "Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. It was just a cover story we came up with on the spot."

Jae: "Right, I understand. It just caught me off guard."

Veronica: "Sorry if it made you uncomfortable, Jae. We didn't have much time to think of something else."

Amara: "Yeah, we were just trying to avoid any suspicion from the director."

Jae: "No, it's okay. I get it. It's just... weird, you know?"

Ashley: "I know, Jae. But we had to think on our feet. Hopefully, it won't happen again."

Veronica: "Agreed. Let's just focus on our research and try to stay under the radar but yea.. it felt like the best option to be safe"

As they reached their room, the tension from their encounter with the director slowly left. Despite the unexpected turn of events, they continued their work and keep their secret safe.

THE NEXT DAY

Ashley receives a message from the director, she reads the message but confused 

Ashley: "Guys, look at this. The director wants to give Jae and me a separate room."

Veronica and Amara looked at each other , trying to process the unexpected.

Veronica: "Separate rooms? But why?"

Amara :"Oh, I think I know why. Remember yesterday when you told the director that Jae is her boyfriend?"

Jae's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he realized.

Jae: "Wait, he thinks we're a couple because she told?"

Ashley:" Argh.....! i should've known also yea in this year things like relationships are common and people started to be open minded about stuff regarding that."

Veronica nodded.

Veronica: "Seems like it. Look, it's better to just go along with it. We don't want any unnecessary suspicion."

Ashley:" of course; i know but do i have to pack now? i'm super lazy"

Jae unconsciously smiles at her being lazy but soon hides it when he realized.

Amara : "Yeah, it's just to keep things low-key. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

Reluctantly, Jae and Ashley accept, as they know it was the best thing to do to avoid drawing attention. Together, they packed their belongings and made their way to their new room.

Ashley's heart raced as she stood in front of the door to their new room, she couldn't handle the mix of emotions. she dropped her things in her hand on the floor and went straight back to the girls.

Ashley: "Um, guys? Why is there only one bed in here?"

Amara and Veronica soon realized

Amara: "Well, you see, the director probably assumed..."

Veronica :"Yeah, he must have thought since you and Jae are... you know, he thought it'd be more convenient?"

Ashley's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she processed their words, feeling a rage of frustration.

Ashley: "Convenient? This is so embarrassing. and with a guy like him?"

Veronica: "what do you mean "a guy like him"?"

Ashley:" he's a prince, you know what they do and hoe much experience they have"

Amara: "Yeah we aren't sure about that but rejecting director's offer-? i think it'd be suspicious let's focus on our research and not let this distract us."

Though still flustered, Ashley reluctantly nodded, she realizing hat she had no choice but to make the best of the situation. With a deep breath, she tried to be calm and composed.

As Ashley returned to the room, she found Jae carefully arranging the items she had dropped, his movements deliberate as he tried to make the space feel more welcoming.

Ashley: "Jae, you didn't have to do that."

Jae looked up

Jae: "oh! I just thought it would be nice to make the room feel a bit more like home."

Ashley couldn't help but smile at his efforts, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her.

Ashley: "Thank you. That's really thoughtful of you."

Jae shrugged, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Jae: "It's no problem."

Together, they continued to tidy up the room. As they worked side by side, Ashley couldn't help but feel reassured knowing that Jae was there with her and always helped her with what ever she needed.