Be with me

Misa 6

Sitting next to Faith in class, we were deep in conversation about the latest episode of Skins, especially how Cassie's character was changing. "I can't believe how much she's grown," Faith said, leaning in. "It's like she finally knows who she is."

Just then, our history teacher walked in, and we fell silent, turning our attention to the front of the room. He explained the assignment for the day: we would partner up to write an essay about our assigned partner based on what we learned during group work.

As he began calling names, I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Misa, you're paired with Leo," the teacher announced.

My face immediately fell. I wasn't pleased at all. Leo was the last person I wanted to work with. I had heard enough stories about him being a player, and I wasn't interested in getting caught up in whatever games he was playing. Just two days ago, I had overheard my sister Sara on the phone with her friend, venting about how Leo was giving her mixed signals.

"What's wrong?" Faith asked, glancing over at me with a laugh. "You look so disappointed!"

I sighed, feeling the weight of my thoughts. "I just heard some stuff about Leo. Sara was talking to her friend the other day, and... let's just say he's not exactly a one-girl kind of guy."

Faith raised her eyebrows. "Really? What did she say?"

"Just that he leads girls on and then acts like it was nothing. I don't want to get involved in that," I replied, crossing my arms.

"Well, you have to get to know him for the project," Faith said, her tone brightening. "Don't make it too difficult! You don't have to be best friends with him. At the end of the day, it's just about getting your work done. He probably doesn't want anything from you anyway, so you shouldn't worry too much."

I thought about her words for a moment. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just an assignment." I sighed again, trying to convince myself. "I'll just focus on that and not think about his reputation."

"That's the spirit!" Faith said, clearly excited for me. "Just go in there, do your work, and don't let him get to you. Who knows? He might surprise you."

As the teacher continued to pair students, I took another glance at Leo. He was leaning back in his chair, looking relaxed. I couldn't help but notice how some of the girls around me were watching him.

"Just get it done," I whispered to myself, trying to shake off the nerves.

I turned back to Faith, who was still buzzing about the possibilities of working with Leo. "Let's just hope he's not as bad as I think he is," I muttered, trying to stay positive as we prepared for the assignment ahead.

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As the bell rang, signaling the end of history class, I packed up my things and got ready to leave. Just as I was about to walk out, Leo came up to me. My heart skipped a beat not because I was excited, but because I was surprised.

"Hey, Misa," he said casually. "Want to work on our project together after the break?"

I blinked at him, caught off guard. "Uh, yeah, sure," I managed to say, trying to sound calm.

A smile spread across his face, a genuine one. "Great! I'll see you at the library." Then he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling confused.

As I left the classroom, I saw Faith watching me with a huge smile. "Wow, what was that about?" she asked, looking really excited.

I shrugged. "Just working on the project," I replied.

"Just? He asked you!" Faith exclaimed. "That's a big deal! He's the hottest guy in school."

I sighed, remembering what my sister, Sara, had told me. "Yeah, but he's not the type of guy I go for," I said. "Sara said he's kind of a player. He doesn't do relationships."