Cleopatra didn't notice the new transfer student at first.
She was too busy arguing with her locker.
"Open," she whispered angrily, twisting the lock. "I fed you yesterday. Why are you like this?"
Phillip stood beside her, waiting patiently.
"You can turn it the other way," he said gently.
She froze.
"…Oh."
The locker clicked open instantly.
Cleopatra stared at it, betrayed. "It listens to you."
Phillip smiled. "I'll apologize to it later."
Her heart skipped.
Again.
---
The transfer student made his entrance during first period.
Tall. Confident. Perfect posture. That kind of smile teachers trusted immediately.
"Class, this is Adrian Cole," the teacher announced. "He'll be joining us from today."
Adrian's eyes scanned the room—then stopped on Cleopatra.
He smiled.
Cleopatra smiled back out of politeness.
Phillip noticed.
And didn't like it.
---
Grace leaned back in her chair, whispering, "Uh-oh."
Benno followed her gaze and grinned. "Ah yes. The jealousy arc."
Phillip shot him a look. "There is no jealousy."
Benno nodded. "Classic denial phase."
---
During group discussion, Adrian walked straight over.
"Mind if I sit here?" Adrian asked Cleopatra.
She hesitated. "Um—"
Phillip spoke before he could stop himself. "We're working together."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Ah. Sorry."
Cleopatra blinked, surprised.
Phillip was rarely… assertive.
Adrian smiled politely and walked away.
Grace leaned forward. "Phillip," she whispered, impressed. "That was hot."
Phillip's ears turned red.
---
By lunch, Adrian had found Cleopatra again.
"So," Adrian said easily, sitting across from her, "you're the girl everyone's talking about."
Cleopatra nearly choked. "They are?"
Grace kicked her under the table.
"Yes," Grace said smoothly. "She's unforgettable."
Phillip arrived a moment later, tray in hand.
He stopped when he saw Adrian.
Adrian smiled. "You must be Phillip."
Phillip nodded. "You must be… interested."
The table went silent.
Benno dropped his fork. "Oh we're doing this now?"
Cleopatra stared between them. "Can someone explain what's happening?"
Grace whispered, "Territorial behavior."
Phillip frowned. "That's not—"
Adrian laughed. "Relax. I'm just making friends."
Cleopatra smiled awkwardly. "Friends are good."
Phillip didn't smile.
---
Later that afternoon, Cleopatra found Phillip alone by the window.
"You okay?" she asked.
He hesitated. "You seem… popular."
She laughed. "I spilled juice on you. That's my legacy."
He looked at her, serious. "Still."
Her laughter faded.
"…Does it bother you?" she asked softly.
Phillip didn't answer immediately.
"Yes," he admitted.
Her heart stuttered.
"Oh."
The air between them shifted—thicker, heavier.
Grace ruined the moment by sliding between them.
"CONFIRMED," she announced. "He's jealous."
Phillip groaned. "Grace."
Benno appeared instantly. "I missed it. Say it again."
Cleopatra laughed, warmth spreading through her chest.
Jealousy, she realized, wasn't ugly.
Sometimes…
It was kind of cute.