For the next month, things start to feel a little better. Finn hasn't been completely ignoring me in chemistry and I'm still hanging out with Alice and Ellie. It's only a few days before winter break now. I walk into chemistry class with a sense of anticipation. As soon as everyone settles down, the teacher calls for our attention. "Alright, everyone," she begins, "As you might have heard, we'll be starting a group project today. You will be working with the person next to you"
I glance to my side looking at Finn sitting next to me. I swallow hard, preparing myself for the days of close interaction that lie ahead. "Looks like we're partners," I say, attempting to keep my voice casual.
He looks at me, a strange look in his eyes. "Yeah, seems so," he responds, a hint of tension in his voice. Despite everything, I can't help but feel a slight sense of excitement at the thought of working together.
The teacher proceeds to explain the details of the project. He also said that it was due after break and that apparently, we have to work on it over break.
After class, Finn and I agree to meet up over the break to work on the project. Despite the awkwardness between us, we managed to make a plan. "I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other over the break," I joke, trying to lighten the mood. He gives me a small smile, and for a moment, things feel almost normal between us.
I go to lunch and sit by Ellie and Alice like normal.
"So it happened," I say
"What happened?" Ellie asks, looking at me with curiosity.
"The group project. And I did get partnered with Finn," I say
Alice gasps dramatically. "Oh no, you have to spend the whole break working with your ex-best friend-turned-crush. How terrible!" she teases
"I literally didn't have a crush on him shut up!" I say back
Ellie laughs, shaking her head. "Well, at least you two have a chance to clear the air," she says. "Who knows, maybe you'll end up friends again."
"Yeah, but also he doesn't like you guys at all so, I don't know," I say
"he doesn't even actually know us," Alice says
"Yeah I think he just thinks that you're a bad influence, he acts like he's trying to be my mom," I say. We continue chatting about school and other things, just like any other day.
After my free period and art, I go to gym. It's been mostly fine, but we're getting to a unit where we have to have a partner. I only really have two options which are skip that class or pair up with some random who can't even play the game.
I walk into class and the teacher starts talking about what we are doing today.
"So, since you guys can't seem to behave yourselves when you choose partners, I'll be choosing them," He says. I hear a collective groan throughout the class.
He starts listing off pairs, and I feel a knot of dread in my stomach. "Y/N, you'll be with Finn," the teacher announces. There's a moment of silence as everyone processes the pairing, and then I hear a few snickers from the back of the room. It's of course Ana, Hazel, and Stanley laughing. I walk over to him and stand next to him.
"He comments, a playful glint in his eyes, 'I think that the universe thinks we're a good pair.'"
I respond, raising an eyebrow skeptically, '"Only the universe thinks that then," I retort, crossing my arms across my chest.
He turns to face me, a smirk at the corner of his mouth. "What is that supposed to mean?" he teases
Faking offense, I ask, "Are you mocking me?"
"No, of course not," he responds, his smirk widening as he shrugs nonchalantly. "I'm just enjoying the irony of the situation." We continue the class, our words weaving around the awkwardness of our forced partnership.
There's a pause before he breaks it, "You're actually not that bad at this," he admits a hint of surprise in his voice.
I look at him, smiling, "I'm surprised you're half decent considering you look like one of those inflatable tube men," I retort
"Well, at least inflatable tube men are fun," he shoots back, "You're like one of those stray cats that bite people."
I roll my eyes, "At least cats are cute," I respond
He raises an eyebrow, "I never said that they weren't," he jokes back
We continue laughing and joking with each other, the tension between us slowly easing. It feels like the beginning of the year before everything got so complicated. For a moment, I let myself enjoy it, the ease of our conversation, the familiarity of his laughter. It's nice.
"CAN YOU GUYS STOP FLIRTING WITH EACH OTHER AND KEEP PLAYING THE GAME!" Someone from the pair were playing against yells at us
We both blush and quickly get back into the game. We manage to work well together and actually win the match. For the rest of the period, we find ourselves slipping into our old friendly banter, almost forgetting about the awkwardness of the past few months.
When class ends we split up and go to our locker rooms. After I change and am walking to my car I start thinking about what just happened. That was the first time in months me and Finn actually kind of got along. I guess he did make fun of me but he also called me cute? He probably didn't mean it like that. Why am I even thinking about thi-
"Hey Y/N," Finn says
"Hey," I say, probably sounding a little caught off guard
"So what's the plan for the project again? Like are we going to go to your house or are you coming over to mine?" He asks
"You can just come over to my house I guess?" I say
"Sounds good. I'll text you to figure out the details," he replies, before giving me a small nod and walking away.
As I watch him walk away, I can't help but feel a strange mix of apprehension and anticipation. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Just a project," I remind myself, "It's just a project."
I start my car and drive home, the day's events replaying in my mind. The streets are unusually quiet, the chill of winter making everything seem more still. I pull into my driveway, the familiar sight of my house bringing me a sense of comfort.
I walk into the house, the warmth from the heating system enveloping me immediately. I find my dad in the kitchen, making dinner as usual. "Hey, Dad," I greet him, hanging my jacket on the coat rack.
"Hey, kiddo. How was your day?" he asks, looking up from the stove.
"It was... interesting," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "Oh, by the way, Finn is coming over a couple of days during the break."
My dad raises an eyebrow at that, "Finn?" he asks
"Yeah, he's my lab partner," I say
My dad nods, returning his attention back to the stove. "Well, just make sure you guys actually get some work done," he says
"We will, I promise," I say
Later that night, I can't seem to drift off. Today's been a lot to take in. I'm just worried I'll mess things up with Finn again if I let myself get too close. Thoughts keep buzzing in my head until I finally doze off, hoping for some peace.
