The Nerd Bet

[5.] Savage...

~Justin~

Mrs. Eleanor's thick British accent permeated the silence of the class, talking about something on compounds but I was lost in though. Here I was, a whole weekend later, an Advanced Chemistry notebook in front of me while I was lost in though reminiscing on what had happened that fateful Friday.

Seeing him--or rather, watching him perform on that stage stirred something inside me. It had made gears move inside my head and I was just curious to know what or rather, who he was. He had so much confidence, so much lithe and he moved like he knew he owned the place. Not to mention, he was easy on the eyes, I thought. He really was just something else.

After N.E.R.D's last number had the crowd roaring and clapping enthusiastically, I quietly slipped out of the noisy cafeteria following his hasty exit. I paused halfway so it wouldn't seem like I was some weird stalker following him around. I heard the door to the boys toilet shut before I turned the corner that led me to it. No need to be weird about it, right? I was just passing through. It's normal for another guy to be in the restroom, right? Right. Okay.

My fingers lingered on the handle for a split second before depressing it and entering. He hadn't noticed my presence until my mouth moved before my brain.

"Hey..."

I said, closing the door slowly behind me. He looked startled for a bit but recovered soon after. I wouldn't blame him. He didn't expect anyone in here. At least, not now. He was silent as he slowly looked at me, his big blue eyes not meeting mine but raking over my figure and I felt just a tiny bit self conscious. Then I saw realization creep into his eyes as a faint rose color dusted his cheeks.

"Hi" he said, almost a whisper. It was then I noticed the drops of water sliding down his face. He had obviously come in to freshen up. I noted as some drops hung on his long lashes, giving them a slightly longer and deeper appearance and color. A couple more slid down his nose to his full lips. I gulped. Damn. What was with me and staring these days?

"Oh, I'm Justin. You probably remember me from, y'know, the other day at that class." I said. "I know who you are" he mumbled, his gaze travelling to the floor. "You were a bit mean to me that day and all I had said was that you sing good." I couldn't help but hear the sad twinge, like a very slight accent, in his tone as he gripped on the washbowl counter. I felt somewhat guilty. "I'm really sorry for what I said back then. I was just not used to someone listening and then coming in like that. I, um, thought I was alone" I said, my hands carding through my hair.

"Well, it's not entirely your fault. I was being a tad bit nosy and I kinda 'bitch screamed' halfway through your concert" he mused, a slight smile lighting up his face as he made air quotes. I smirked at his word choice. "Yeah. Still sorry though. I could've been nicer." "It's ok. We're cool. So, um, I guess you already know me" he said, still smiling as his words faltered a bit. Then I remembered what I had called him that day and I mentally face palmed myself. Oh God! I groaned internally. Why'd my big mouth have to go and say that?

I chuckled a bit and saw him blush a bit more. "I'm also really sorry for that too. I was being a dick" I said sincerely. He laughed a little bit and I heard a sweet tinkling sound. His laughter was beautiful. "I know. It's all good. Let's start over. Hi, I'm Eric Manchester Evanson, captain of the male basketball team" he said, his hand outstretched for a handshake and a smile. I shook his hand back. He had really soft hands. What moisturizer did he use? "Justin Joshua Briggs, chief of the nerds" I introduced, smirking slightly. He just laughed again. Damn, that sound though. "Nice to meet you" he said politely. "You too."

Then, there was an awkward silence and he looked away from me. "I saw your performance today. Didn't know you were a huge N.E.R.D fan" I chipped in and his face went full fire truck. I smirked triumphantly. "I, um, have a-- ahem --few of their songs. Nothing much" he whispered the last part barely loud enough for me to hear but I still caught it. I took a step closer to him and I said in a soft tone, "I like that. I find your confidence intriguing, Eric. Don't ever hide it, promise?" He gazed up at me with those baby blue pools and I saw him tint a couple more shades. "Promise" he said almost breathlessly. I smirked. "Thank you" I muttered, lost in his eyes.