As I headed for school with my bag over one shoulder, a lollipop in my mouth and earphones on my head, I couldn't stop thinking. About what you ask? Everything from my best friend's break up with her boyfriend of 18 MONTHS over text to the party that's going down at the end of the month. I personally don't like attending such get togethers, especially if it's hosted by none other than Daniel Kampai. His last name literally means cheers in Japanese! I'm not going to risk my v-card by going and no one's going to change my mind. At least that's what I thought... Let's just say that I'm a good friend and I'm not good with crying people. I've been duped.


As I near the school gates, the first thing I see is a hooded figure leaning on the wall with a cigarette in hand. Normally I would just turn around, go home and fall asleep (really don't want to get kidnapped) but I knew that hoodie. "Kyle!" I shout. The boy tilts his head up and smiles. He lazily waves at me as he kicks himself off the wall and proceeds to put the cigarette, which I'm pretty sure is candy, into his mouth. The boy's a real sweet tooth so I don't think cigarettes are his thing.

"Why're you so early?" I ask as I hug him. "Why're you?"

"I have work that's due today and we can only reference from the library." I say as we walk towards the library.

"Well I woke up early and decided I should go jogging so I found myself here."
"Hey. You were planning on coming to school right?"
"I guess so."
"KYLE!"
"OK OK. I was. Besides. I don't think I could make it through the day without seeing your face."
"You're such a flirt."
"Only for you babe." I sigh.
"What happened to the shy boy I met in the woods?"
"Do you like him better?"
"Yes."
"Ouch."

Kyle came to school every day for about a year. Then he started skipping classes. He's a genius so even if he skips a whole month he'll still pass. He also knows when we have our surprise quizzes so him being at school makes me and my classmates really worried.

When we're finally at the library I open my bag and take out the list of books "recommended" by my economics teacher. He really is a sadist. What kind of teacher gives you eight books to read for an assignment that's due in three days?
"Whoa. Are you really gonna read all of that?" Kyle asks from the table he sat at as he fidgets with his phone.
"I don't have a choice." I say as I plop the books on the table and settle down. Let's get this over with.