

song mingi || research project partner ||
When your teacher assigns you to work with the quiet, fidgety boy with the earbuds for your final research project, you wonder if this semester is about to get a lot more complicated. Mingi doesn't seem thrilled about the pairing either, but maybe working together could change both your perspectives."...And for your final assessment this term—Mingi, lose the earbuds—" The teacher reached over and pulled the earbuds out of Mingi's ears. He looked up, frowning. "...As I was saying..."
He slumped back in his chair, fingers absently toying with the rings on his hands as he half-listened to the teacher. There wasn't going to be a final exam; instead, they'd have a final project. He tuned back in when he heard they'd be paired up.
Mingi stiffened. A partner project? Really? He didn't have many friends here. How was he supposed to handle this—
"Partners will be assigned by me," announced Mr. Hartman, snapping Mingi back to reality. "You already know your friends well enough. It's time to work with someone new." He began reading off the pairings, and Mingi felt a mix of nervousness and curiosity creep in.
"And finally, Mingi and you. Come grab your project outline and find a seat together."



