I pulled my coat tighter across me as I walked to the school's entrance. It was exam week and you could feel the tension in the air. This week would separate the studiers from the slackers. I just hoped I was part of the former.

I was nearing the gate when I spotted a familiar figure not too far away. My heart practically dropped to my stomach when I realised it was Cyrus. Dressed in all black, his tall figure stood out among the sea of lighter colours. As I neared him I realised his eyes were on me.

I sighed, things that John and Tobi had said about him going through my head. Stay away from him, he's bad news. Well, I had to walk past said bad news so I couldn't exactly ignore him.

I still attempted to though, keeping my eyes directly on the school's entrance as I passed him. It wasn't effective.

"Ay, Woods!" His deep voice called out, gaining my attention and others. I turned around, approaching him.

"Long time no see Hannah. How's the double life going for you?" I greeted, trying to sound at ease and feeling anything but. His lips titled into a smirk.

"It's tough, but when you're famous it can be kinda fun." He played along and I giggled at the Hannah Montana song reference.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets, tilting my head to meet his gaze. "So, what are you doing here?"

He nodded at the entrance. "Just dropped Chinks off, and saw you so thought I'd stop for a talk."

"Okay..." I nodded. "You're friend didn't accompany you?"

"Ian? He's busy." Cyrus shrugged. His dark eyes peered into mine. "I'm more concerned about your friend though."

"Who?" I asked, attempting to act clueless. My feet shuffled uncomfortably.

He gave me a knowing look. "Allen. When was the last time you saw him?"

Uh oh. I would have answered immediately, that I hadn't seen John in ages but the look in Cyrus's eyes screamed danger.

Lie or tell the truth?

"Oh, you know very recently." I said, waving a dismissive hand. Cyrus raised an eyebrow.

"How recently? Cos we haven't been able to get a hold of him lately."

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "We hung out like a few days ago, or something."

Cyrus appraised me silently, his eyes narrowed. "When, specifically?"

"Honestly, just a couple days ago." I continued. He sighed, seemingly frustrated.

"Well, if you see him could you tell him to call either me or Ian, cos we have a lot to discuss." Cyrus said with a warning in his tone.

"What kind of things?" The question left my mouth before I could stop it.

Cyrus looked surprised for a second before his lips titled into a dark smile. "Trust me, darling, you wouldn't like to know. See you later, Forest." With that he sauntered off.

"It's Woods!" I called out after him, shaking my head. I entered the school, a shiver down my spine. What trouble had John got himself into?

I decided to call him, unsurprised when it went straight to voicemail. He'd literally disappeared off the face of the earth, nobody knew where he was.

But I couldn't focus on him, not with my first Maths exam in an hour.

*****

Two hours later I entered the cafeteria for break time with an aching bum. Those wooden chairs in the exam hall were too uncomfortable. Chatter and laughter surrounded me on all sides as I walked down the middle, looking for my friends. I smiled when I spotted Elijah, Cory and Melissa on a table.

"Hey guys..." I trailed off when I reached them, observing the scene before me. Melissa sat opposite to Cory with a helpless expression on her face. Elijah and Cory sat next to each other, Elijah with his head in his hands and Cory having a glaring contest with someone.

I followed his gaze and saw Teresa and Maya on the table opposite. Teresa was engaged with the staring contest with Cory whilst Maya was tapping away on her phone with a blank expression.

"Um, what's going on?" I asked, looking between the two tables.

"Pick a side, Chloe." Teresa told me without looking away from Cory. "And choose widely, cos its permanent."

"Pick a- are you guys serious?" I exclaimed. "So all because Elijah and Maya broke up there's a civil war happening?"

Elijah looked up at the sound of his name, but his gaze was solely on Maya. I could see the pain and heartbreak on his face so chose to change the subject.

"Why are you guys having a glaring match?" I asked Cory and Teresa.

"Cos Teresa needs to learn to stop being so stubborn and stop thinking her word is law." Cory said matter-of-factly and Teresa's eyes narrowed.

"And Cory needs to learn to form an opinion of his own instead of following his friends like a helpless puppy dog."

"Who you calling puppy dog?" Cory shouted, his posture straightening.

"You. I know you heard me fine with those big ears of yours."

"Big ears-" Cory gasped, turning to me with an offended expression. "Chloe, Teresa just called my ears big!"

I turned to Teresa who looked unfazed. "Come on Teresa, there was no need for that." I said disapprovingly and she shrugged.

"He keeps defending what his friend did to Maya so I don't care." She told me.

"Oh really?" Cory started. "Well-"

He stopped when Elijah placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. "Leave it man, its not worth it."

Melissa's head snapped up. "What, you're saying your relationship with Maya isn't worth it?"

"Tell em', Mel!"

"That's not what he meant." Cory snapped, green eyes blazing. "Stop tryna instigate. Plus you're on our side, remember?"

"Yeah, through deception." Melissa grumbled, turning to me. "If I knew we were picking sides these seats I wouldn't have entered the canteen at all."

Maya sighed, and even though it was a small sound it got everyone's attention immediately. I couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked. Her hair was straightened and styled into a sleek low ponytail, her eyes were framed by false lashes and her skin was glowing. But it couldn't cover up the sadness in her eyes.

The day she broke up with Elijah, Teresa and I had comforted her while she bawled her eyes out at her house. Teresa swore a nail and hair appointment would make her feel amazing. Well, Maya certainly looked amazing but the inside was what mattered.

"You guys don't need to pick sides." She said softly, avoiding Elijah's intense gaze. "We can still sit as a group, its whatever." Maya shrugged, then plugged in her airpods and entered her own world.

Cory sighed, glancing over at Elijah who was still staring at Maya. "Let's go get some food, man." He said, standing up. Elijah shook his head.

"I'm not hungry."

He looked rough. He was decked in all black which highlighted the paleness of his usual olive skin. His curls were a mess and he had a permanent frown on his face.

Cory frowned. "I don't care. I'm getting you something. Is a sandwich cool?" Elijah shrugged and Cory sighed, sauntering off.

Maya murmured something to Teresa then stood up. She looked over at Elijah and the air seemed to still when they made eye contact. Maya was the first to break it, looking away with teary eyes and stalking off. Elijah unconsciously stood up, as if to go after her but I quickly stopped him.

"Look, Elijah." I started as I sat opposite him. "I know it hurts, but moping around won't get Maya back. She was really hurt by what you did, and even if she did blow it out of proportion, you still owe her an apology."

Elijah sighed, tracing patterns on the table. They were sad faces. "I know, I know. Every day I wish I didn't give that girl a second glance. I'm crazy about Maya; I'd never cheat on her. I just wish she'd give me a chance to prove that." He said quietly.

"Right, that's sweet and all but why wait for a chance from her? You need to prove it to her without being prompted. You're Elijah, one of the most creative guys I know. We literally broke into your teacher's office a while ago! Do something big, something that's so in her face she can't ignore it." I told him passionately. He met my eyes, shaking his head.

"I don't know, Chloe. What if she's already moved on?"

"She hasn't, trust me." I told him sincerely. "I'm sure you'll come up with something."

Elijah nodded, looking cheerier than he did a few seconds ago. "Alright, thanks Chloe."

"Good luck." I said as a departing statement. I wanted to help him but I had bigger things to deal with.

Such as how to get rid of the ache in my bum.

*****

Benjamin Silas.

Sometimes I wondered if he had superpowers, one that made you forget all your worries. I'd never felt stressed or angry around him, just happy. And that was a feeling I craved in the endless noise that was my mind.

After a studying session we were sitting in his rundown car in the empty parking lot. Light music filled the atmosphere and our hands were entwined, resting on the console between us.

"John has been avoiding me." I stated randomly. Benji turned to me, his brown eyes filled with concern.

"Avoiding you? Why?" He asked.

I tuned away from his gaze, shame filling me. "I'm not certain, but I told him about Australia a couple days ago. Haven't heard from him since, so it doesn't take a genius to figure out why."

"I'm sure that's not why. If that is the reason, then you're better off without him." Benji told me softly. I nodded, looking down.

"It just sucks. I thought I could trust him to not judge me, we were best friends." I said quietly, my eyes filling with tears.

"Not only that, I'm worried about him. He hangs around with some dangerous people, Benji. What if he's lying in a ditch somewhere?"

Benji sighed. "Hopefully not. I could drive you to his house now, if you want? See if he's there?"

I shook my head. "Nah, I've already called him plenty and he hasn't responded. And I don't want to have a run in with his mum; she's not my biggest fan."

Benji nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. Well, let's take your mind of the situation then, I don't like seeing you upset."

I nodded, clearing my throat and getting comfortable.

"Hmm, let's talk about types." Benji said, turning to me with a mischievous expression that made me stomach coil.

"Types?" I echoed and he nodded, brown curls bouncing.

"Yep. What's your type?"

How should I play this? This was the perfect chance for me to shoot my shot.

"Well..." I drawled, looking ahead. If I looked into his eyes I'd surely lose my confidence. "I kind of have a specific type."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. Appearance wise, tall guys with curly brown hair, brown eyes and dimples. Personality wise, someone who's funny and playful but a great listener and kind."

I inhaled sharply when Benji squeezed my hand. Why wasn't he saying anything in response? I'd literally described him.

"How about you?" I practically whispered, still staring at my lap.

Benji cleared his throat and started nervously.

"Something about blondes draws me in. And blue eyes, it's a classic combination. If she has the same humour as me, that's a bonus. In terms of personality, someone who's outgoing but can be serious when you need them to be. Someone with ambitions and goals for the future. And someone who's selfless."

I dared to look at him to see him watching me with a tender, apprehensive expression.

What now?

Benji seemed to answer that for me by leaning in. This time I was more than ready. Third time lucky?

My phone decided not, by ringing so loudly both of us jumped.

Benji groaned in frustration, hitting the car with so much force I felt it shake. I quietly left the car, standing outside and picking the call.

"Hey, mum." I sighed. Out of all times she could have called...

"Hey, honey. Just checking if you're on your way home?"

"Yeah, a friend is dropping me off now."

"Who?" She asked curiously.

"Um, Benjamin."

"Benjamin, huh?" She started with a suggestive tone. "The same guy Amber said you were raving on about."

My eyes narrowed. The traitor.

"Um, sure. Anyway, I'll see you at home, bye!" I quickly hung up. I took a second to compose myself and shake off the nerves.

It's just Benji. And you guys just almost kissed again. Nothing too big.

I entered the car, sitting down and buckling my seatbelt. "Sorry, that was my mum."

Benji simply nodded and started the car, reversing out of the space. I sighed, great, the atmosphere was awkward. Thank God it was just a ten minute drive.

I tapped away on my phone to try and minimise my discomfort. After a minute Benji turned on the radio and I relaxed, having something to focus on.

He parked outside of my house and I turned to him to say thank you, but was thrown off by the determined expression he wore.

"I'll walk you to your door." He told me and I couldn't do anything but nod, following him out of the car. I shoved my hands in my pockets to hide their shaking. The effect he had on me was terrifying yet thrilling.

We stopped outside my door and I turned to him. The light of the streetlamp illuminated his curls, making them appear golden, mimicking a halo.

"Well, thanks for the drive home..." I said awkwardly after a moment of us staring at each other.

"Your welcome, Chloe." Benji responded, the hesitated. He peeked at me shyly. "I would do more than just drive you home..."

I let out a nervous laugh, my eyes wide. "Come again?"

Benji stepped back, running a hands through his hair. "Sorry, that came out wrong." He stressed. "I was trying to say I would do anything for you, without it sounding that dramatic."

"Oh. Um, thanks?" I wasn't sure where he was going with it.

"In this little amount of time I've got to you know..." He took a deep breath. "I've come to like you. A lot."

My eyes widened. This isn't a false alarm, people! It's really happening!

"You," I started. "Like me?"

Benji rolled his eyes and flicked my nose. "Isn't that what I just said?"

"Okay..." I laughed. "Tone down the attitude, first of all. You're meant to be laying on the charm if you want a kiss from me."

Benji's eyebrows rose teasingly. "Who mentioned anything about a kiss?"

"I just did," I responded boldly, moving closer to him.

"Well, I guess it would be rude of me to deny your request..." Benji whispered, his eyes flickering to my lips. He closed the distance between us.

Later on I lay in my bed with a wide smile and fluttery stomach. I felt like I could run a marathon.

All because of one kiss. From one boy.

His name floated around in my head until I finally fell asleep. And I didn't mind one bit.

*****

❤️