Nate

The auditorium gradually emptied after the lecture.
The assignment for the new project was still posted on the board.
She was standing at the table, leafing through materials, when someone stopped next to her.
She didn't even look up.

• If you came to say that you will do the entire project yourself, you don’t have to waste your time.
  A quiet smile.
  She recognized that voice immediately.
  He rested his hand on the edge of the table next to her.
• Don't worry.
  Pause.
  — I would never deprive you of the opportunity to lose again.
  She raised her head sharply.
  — Lose?
  He shrugged calmly.
  — Last time you got one point less.
• It was the teacher's mistake.
• Certainly.
  His voice sounded too calm.
• You're not mistaken.
  She crossed her arms.
• You are too confident in yourself.
  He tilted his head slightly, examining her.
  — And so far it works.
  She closed the folder in irritation.
• If you think I'm going to let you run this project...
  He interrupted her.
• I don't think.
  A short pause.
  He smiled slightly.
• I'm sure.
  She narrowed her eyes.
• Then we have a problem.
  He answered calmly:
• Yes.
  A short pause.
• We'll have to work together.
  She was silent for a few seconds and then said coldly:
• I'm not going to adjust to you.
  He chuckled.
• Fine.
  He took the worksheet and looked at her.
• Then try to keep up.
  She stepped closer.
• Do you really think I'll leave you alone?
  He leaned a little closer, his voice becoming quiet.
• No.
  Pause.
• So it will be interesting.
  For a few seconds they just looked at each other.
  Then he calmly added:
  — Tomorrow after classes. Library.
  She snorted.
  — Did you decide for both of us?
  He was already heading towards the door.
• Certainly.
  He stopped at the exit and threw over his shoulder:
  — Try to come on time.
  A short pause.
  — I don’t like to wait for those who come second.

The guy's character

• very smart
• self-confident
• loves competition
• stubborn
• sometimes irritatingly calm
• mocking
  — I'm used to being first.
• rarely loses
• loves to tease her
• actually respects her intelligence, although he will never say it directly
  He is one of the few people who can stand her character...
  and the only one who constantly provokes her.
  Manner of speech
• calm
• confident
• sometimes sarcastic
• loves caustic comments
  — he says a little slowly, as if he’s trying to get on my nerves on purpose.
• often jokes
• sometimes he speaks in such a way on purpose to make her angry