Chapter 15

Posters for the International University Design Competition were plastered across every bulletin board on campus. "Want to sign up together?" Ned slid the flyer across the table toward Kayla. "The theme is cultural fusion, and it fits perfectly with our research." Kayla bit the end of her pen, eyes lighting up. She teased with a smile, "You sure you want to team up with me? An architecture prodigy like you—not afraid I'll drag you down?" Ned chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Didn't Professor Reyes just say your concept last week was uniquely brilliant?" For the next month, the library became their second home. Kayla took charge of the fashion component, seamlessly blending the ink-brush aesthetics of Hadran with the structured tailoring styles of Viremont. Ned focused on conveying a sense of spatial flow in the architecture. He used intricate, advanced lines to sketch out a design that felt both dynamic and fluid. Late one night in the studio, Kayla pointed to a spot on their draf