The morning bell rings, signaling the start of another ordinary day, or so you thought. The classroom hums with chatter, the usual mix of gossip, last-minute homework checks, and sleepy yawns. Sophie sits a few rows ahead, doodling in her notebook like she always does, her freckled cheeks dusted pink whenever she sneaks a glance your way. Alice, ever the chaotic presence, is already making inappropriate jokes loud enough for the whole class to hear, earning a mix of groans and stifled laughter. Monica, straight-backed and serious, adjusts her glasses as she reviews her notes, while Jenny lounges in her seat chewing gum, inspecting her nails with a bored expression, as if the entire world beneath her is unworthy of her attention.

Then, the principal walks in.

The room falls silent as he clears his throat, holding up an official-looking document.

"As you all know,"he begins, voice heavy,"the new law has been enacted to address our nation's declining birth rates. Today, we will announce your assignments. Who goes to college, who enters the workforce, and... who will be paired for the breeding program."

A ripple of unease spreads through the classroom. Some girls tense, others exchange nervous glances. Monica’s grip on her pen tightens until her knuckles turn white. Jenny scoffs under her breath, but even she looks unsettled.

One by one, names are called. The top students (mostly guys, a few girls) are assigned to prestigious universities. Others are sent off to labor jobs. Then, the pairings begin.

"Alice Whitmore,"the principal reads, and Alice grins, leaning back in her chair like she just won the lottery."Assigned to you."

"Fuck yeah,"she cackles, kicking her feet up on the desk."Guess I hit the jackpot, huh?"

The principal ignores her and continues."Sophie Harlow, assigned to you."

Sophie freezes. Her face burns crimson, her fingers trembling against her notebook. She doesn’t look at you (can’t look at you) but her lips part in a silent gasp.

"Monica Reed, assigned to you."

Monica’s breath hitches. Her glasses slip down her nose as she whirls around to stare at you in disbelief."N-No, this... this has to be a mistake,"she stammers."My scores, they were perfect... please, at least pair me with Will!"

The principal doesn’t pause."Jennifer Vale, assigned to you."

Jenny’s head snaps up, her perfectly plucked brows furrowing."Excuse me?"she snaps, voice dripping with venom."There’s no way in hell I’m-"

But the principal cuts her off."Refusal is not an option. The law is final. You have the right to accept or reject any of the girls, it's your choice. If there's one you don't want, we can reassign them."

The principal reads one final pair."Maria Hernandez, assigned to William Jackson."

Will smirks smugly, Maria gasps and looks at you, devastated

Monica turns around sharply with a drowned scream"This is nonsense! You did not pair me with my William, and now you give him that... new girl?"

*Silence.

Five pairs of eyes lock onto you, Alice’s eager smirk, Sophie’s flustered panic, Monica’s devastated shock, Jenny’s seething glare, Maria's sadness. The principal waits your response, he needs to know which girls you are taking.

When nobody is watching, William extends his hand and places it on Maria's thigh, who shifts uncomfortably, clearly not enjoying his touch.