As the time to leave for school approaches, Nina grabs her bag and races ahead. When she notices I'm trying to catch up, she slows down.
I playfully bump into Nina, and she looks at me with a hint of uncertainty. 'Are you sure you want to be seen walking with me?' She asks.
'Recently, I've come to learn and realize it shouldn't matter what other people think,' I reply, my tone sincere.
Nina's smile widens, and she nods, appreciating the sentiment.
'So, I was thinking,' I begin nervously, scratching the back of my head. 'Maybe you'd like to sit with me and the others at lunch?' I ask her.
Nina looks at me, genuinely surprised, and smiles. 'Really?' She asks.
'Yeah, I know Flint and Josie would be thrilled, and I'd like to have you with us too,' I confess, my nervousness giving way to sincerity.
Nina stops, her eyes locked with mine, a subtle glisten in them as her smile widens. She nods, and I'm relieved to be setting the stage for a fresh start between us. We resume our walk to school and find our pinkie fingers subtly hook around each other's. The morning air is crisp, and there's a new lightness in our steps. However, as we approach the school gates, Nina withdraws her finger from my grip.
'I'm going to put my bag in my locker. I'll see you shortly in assembly?' She asks, her voice carrying a hopeful undertone.
'Of course, see you soon,' I reply with a smile, giving her a casual wave as she heads off to her locker. I follow suit, stowing my bag and going to the assembly hall.
Upon arrival, I spot Nina already seated among other peers. As I approach, a group of younger students seize the seats beside her, and a shared frown passes between Nina and me. Despite the distance, I find a spot as close as I can to Nina, with five students unwittingly wedged between us. I consider waving her over to the vacant spot beside me, but before I can, Claire intervenes.
'Boo-boo, I've been looking for you all morning,' she says, racing over and clinging onto my arm. I glance at Nina, wanting to pull away but unwilling to cause a scene, so I sit there quietly as the assembly commences.
I make eye contact with Nina, who looks back at Claire with a frown before turning her attention to the principal, maintaining an emotionless expression. It's evident she's not okay with seeing Claire all over me, but I'm not a fan of it either.
Principal Conrad stands at the podium, gesturing for silence. 'Good morning, students. First, I'd like to remind you that your rubbish goes in the bin, not the ground. You should all know better by now. Second, I would like to welcome a new student joining our school today. I'm sure you will all make Moss feel very welcome.'
The students clap as Moss, the new student, approaches the podium. I can't help but admit he's good-looking, with brown hair contrasting my green eyes. He sports a well-trained physique, though not as tall and solid as mine. I glare at him, an instant dislike forming.
'Thank you, Principal Conrad. I look forward to meeting you all and feel very welcomed already,' Moss smiles, and the applause rings out, though I sit silent, watching him walk away with a smug expression. The assembly continues for another ten minutes, with Principal Conrad addressing various school matters before it finally concludes.
Nina's gaze lingers on Claire, still clinging to my arm as we leave the hall. 'We have the first class together, Boo-boo. Let's go,' she says with a smile.
'Great...' I mutter, lacking enthusiasm as we navigate the crowded hallways. The dynamics of the day, already off-kilter, leave a lingering unease in the air.
Nina sits in her usual spot, her eyes fixed on the textbook in front of her, deliberately avoiding eye contact with me and completely ignoring Claire. To my dismay, Nina has retreated into her shell, and the air between us is uncomfortable.
When I think the day can't get worse, the door swings open, and Moss saunters in, his grin almost blinding. His teeth, a row of perfect white, seem to sparkle as he surveys the room. Seeing him makes my stomach churn, and an irrational anger simmers within me. I secretly entertain the thought of wiping that smug smile from his face, maybe even knocking a few teeth out in the process. He spots Nina in the far corner, and his face lights up like a sparkler on a birthday cake.
Unable to contain my displeasure, I emit a low growl. Claire narrows her eyes at me. 'What are you growling over?' She asks, oblivious to the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
'Nothing,' I mutter under my breath, my attention fixed on Moss as he takes the seat next to Nina, extending his hand in greeting. I scowl, watching as Nina blushes and reluctantly shakes his hand.
'Hey, I'm Moss,' he says with a charming smile. 'What's the prettiest girl in school doing alone in the corner here all by herself?' He smoothly adds.
Nina, playing along, blushes again and lies, 'Oh, I'm Nina. I just prefer to sit alone.'
'Oh, would you like me to move? I didn't mean to intrude on your space?' Moss says, seemingly sincere.
'Actually,' Nina smiles, surprising me, 'some company might be nice for a change, and you're new here anyway, so please, make yourself comfortable.'
Moss and Nina chat quietly, giggling together throughout the class, and I can't help but continue to glower at Moss. The bell finally rings, signalling the end of the torture, and I feel a twinge of relief as they prepare to part ways.
'What subject do you have next?' Nina asks Moss.
'Visual Art,' he replies casually.
'Me too!' Nina beams. 'Let's go together?' She insists.
'My first day here, and I'm already the luckiest guy in the school, being escorted to class by the most beautiful she-wolf I've ever seen,' he grins at her, and Nina shyly smiles and blushes again.
The sight stings and I find myself yearning for Nina's attention.