A Loser's Guide to be Noticeable

7: Know When to Strike

"Something's not right with Jaeden today," Rina whispered to Jane beside me as Mr. Greene discussed in front. "Something that shouldn't have possible. I just can't figure out what."

Jaeden was in their usual seat at the back, whispering and chuckling with his friends, Robert and Jake. He wore the bomber jacket and the black pants we picked yesterday.

"Yeah. He's like glowing or something."

It was just a subtle change, yet the clothes elevated his looks. Jaeden really looked cute.

"Really? Jaeden? Glowing?" She shook her head.

Jane shrugged. "It seems like it."

"'Jaeden' and 'Glowing' must not be in the same sentence. No. Hard pass."

They both giggled.

"If he's just a little nicer, I would have a crush on him."

"OMG. Don't say that," Rina said, cringing.

I tried not to laugh. Yeah, I understood what Rina meant. Jaeden's gang was really the epitome of the guys who believed that bullying made you look cool. And they owned it like a second skin. They picked on people they could demean, not just me and Lawrence. They did things they thought were funny, but really annoying to everyone. Who would like that kind of person? No one! Unless we were in a movie.

"So, how was it?" Lawrence asked as he opened his locker and put his things inside. The bell was still ringing for lunch break. Jaeden and he didn't have class together, so he still didn't see him.

"He wore the clothes we picked," I said it nonchalantly. But inside, I was a bit happy -- just a bit.

"And?"

"And some noticed, some don't care."

We closed our lockers and walked toward the cafeteria, dodging some students who were running or talking without looking at their way.

"Well, we give our all. And it's not just about clothes, Felix. In the end, attitude and charisma really shines."

"Thanks for the advice, Guru."

Lawrence bumped his shoulder into me. "Whatever."

After Lawrence and I got our food, which was always burger and fries for me and salad for Lawrence, we sat at our table. My gaze went to where Jaeden and his friend usually sat. And that was when I noticed something.

"Oh, no!"

"What?" Lawrence asked and looked at where I was staring.

Robert and Jake pushed Jaeden out of their table, smiling and encouraging him about something. Jaeden's gaze was on Stacey's. That was enough to know that I was right. He was going to do something dumb.

With the noise inside the cafeteria, I tried to get Jaeden's attention. But I didn't want people looked at me as if I was crazy. Finally, Jaeden glanced at my direction. I glowered and shook my head.

And to my disappointment, he looked at his friends who were still encouraging him, then back at Stacey before walking toward her.

Stacey was still oblivious, but not until Jaeden was now a couple steps away from their table. Zoe whispered something to Stacey, pointed Jaeden, before she giggled.

"Hi Stacey," Jaeden said when he was near her. I couldn't help but slap my forehead and sigh. Lawrence was looking at me, concern was written on his face.

Stacey rolled her eyes. "Piss off, Jaeden." That got the attention of some students. They were snickering and laughing at Jaeden, because they knew that every time Jaeden went to Stacey, he was going to do something stupid.