The rest of the chemistry lesson passed surprisingly quickly. For the first time in his life, Aiden actually stayed awake during class. Not because he suddenly found chemistry interesting. Because Mia was sitting next to him. As soon as the bell rang, students rushed out of the classroom. Mia carefully packed her books into her bag while Aiden waited beside her.
"So," he said casually, leaning against a desk, "what's next?"
"English."
"Same."
"Do you actually have the same classes as me, or are you making this up?"
Aiden gasped dramatically.
"Mia Anderson, are you accusing me of lying?"
"Yes."
Aiden laughed.
"I actually have English."
"Hm."
"Hm?"
"You seem like the type to skip class."
Aiden placed a hand on his chest.
"You're hurting my feelings."
"You'll survive."
For some reason, Aiden found himself smiling. Most people either tried too hard to impress him or were intimidated by him. Mia did neither. She treated him like a completely normal person. And strangely, he liked that. The two walked down the hallway together. Students stared as they passed. Aiden was used to attention. Mia seemed completely unaware of it. Or maybe she simply didn't care.
When they reached English class, they found seats near the back. As the teacher began discussing a novel, Mia immediately started participating. She answered questions confidently and shared thoughtful opinions. Aiden watched in surprise. She was smart. Really smart. At one point, the teacher asked a difficult question that left the room silent. Mia raised her hand. A few moments later, the teacher smiled.
"Excellent answer, Mia."
Several students nodded in agreement.
Aiden leaned toward her.
"Show-off."
Mia turned to him.
"You literally haven't spoken once."
"Because I don't know what's happening."
"That's concerning."
"It's called confidence."
"That's not confidence."
"What is it then?"
"Laziness."
Aiden laughed.
"You're mean."
"And yet you're still talking to me."
"Good point."
By lunchtime, Aiden had spent nearly half the day following Mia around. Normally, he'd be sitting outside with his friends causing trouble. Instead, he found himself carrying one of Mia's books as they walked toward the cafeteria. Halfway there, someone suddenly called his name.
"Aiden!"
He turned around.
A girl from his grade hurried over and wrapped her arms around him.
Mia froze.
The girl smiled brightly.
"I've been texting you all morning."
"Oh."
"Who's she?" the girl asked, glancing at Mia.
Mia immediately stepped back.
"Oh, I'm just—"
"She's Mia," Aiden interrupted. "The new student."
The girl crossed her arms.
"Right."
The awkward tension was impossible to miss. After a few uncomfortable moments, the girl finally left.
Mia looked at him.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
"That girl."
Aiden rubbed the back of his neck.
"We used to date."
Mia stared at him.
"Used to?"
"Last week."
Her eyes widened.
"Last week?"
"What?"
Mia shook her head.
"I can already tell you're going to be a problem."
For a moment, Aiden expected her to laugh. Instead, she looked completely serious. And for the first time all day... Aiden wasn't sure what to say.