Capturing Us (bxb)

Chapter Two

Liam's POV

As Liam walked absentmindedly down the hallway, distracted by the shit show that just went down with Blake, it took him a second to realize he'd arrived at his 4th block class: Photography.

Photography was by far Liam's favorite hobby, and he was beyond passionate about it. From film to digital, he loved every bit. He had been taking Ms.Mack's class all four years that he's been at Woodford High, even retaking the honors course for three consecutive years. His freshman year was Ms.Mack's first year teaching, straight from her abroad studies in photography. Liam was certain that he was the twenty-six year old's favorite student, though she'd never admit it. That was something Liam liked about her— she was stubborn and could be brutally honest, but she was also one of the most understanding people he'd ever known. Not to mention, she was the only other person besides Claire to know about his sexuality.

Speaking of Ms.Mack, Liam could hear her strong voice from the hallway. He turned into the spacious room, immediately met with Claire's scowl.

"Took you long enough," she grumbled, rolling her eyes before returning to her normal expression. "What were you doing talking to Blake, anyway? Did he finally confess his love for you," they coo'd, teasing a very unimpressed Liam.

"Oh shut up, C," Liam mumbled, looking to avoid thinking, let alone talking, about his enemy.

"Why do you guys even hate each other anyway? Didn't you guys used to be best friends or something in middle school?" Claire questioned.

"I-" he started, but was quickly cut off due to Ms.Mack addressing the class.

"Alright, everyone. Listen up," she ordered, all students stopping to turn to face the front of the room where she stood. Even though Ms.Mack was young and probably the most laid back teacher Liam has ever had, the students still respected her just as much as any other teacher— if not even more.

When Liam's gaze turned towards Ms.Mack, he immediately noticed the well concealed excitement bubbling inside of her. This confused Liam for two reasons. One— why was she excited in the first place? As far as he was concerned, today was going to be yet another class of editing and critiquing photos. Two— he was thrown off as to why the brunette was trying to hide her excitement. While she never cared much to mask how she felt, it was almost impossible to tell how she was feeling when she did do so. But due to how close Liam had gotten with Ms.Mack over the past four years, he could read her like a book.

Clasping her hands together, she addressed the students. "Alright, guys. I know this may be different from what we have done in past years-," as Ms.Mack said that, she looked at Liam in acknowledgement, "-but I wanted to introduce to you the project you will spend the rest semester working on."

By this point, the small class of students was intrigued, practically leaning forward in their seats. Not only was this weird because of how long this project would last, but because Ms.Mack usually didn't assign projects that would involve this much focus and long term commitment. It was only a month into Liam's senior year, so there were about three months left of the semester. 

"You all need to stop thinking so damn loud-- I can practically hear the gears turning," she teased, earning a few laughs from the students. Clearing her throat, Ms.mack began to reveal the assignment.

"For the next three or so months, you will each be assigned a sport to photograph," she began, hesitancy clear in her voice. "The school has requested that this could be something to add to the curriculum, so I heard them out, just like how I hope you all do as well," she paused, waiting for a reaction from the students. There were a few nods along with a few notable groans.

"Before I announce the assignments, I want to go over the expectations and guidelines of this project. Since this is an honors class, work outside of class is inevitable, but this project will be time consuming." This time, more than just a few groans of disagreement were heard. "Each of you will attend a minimum of two practices a week and at least all home games. It's understandable if you cannot make away games if they are out of state, but you will be excused from class if you do attend those games. Don't worry, I think I know you all well enough to have assigned you to a suitable sport that should hopefully fit in with your schedule. Of course there will be a couple occasional conflicts, but that can be worked out," she finished, a grin on her face.

The class was silent for a moment before a sophmore with curly, black hair spoke up, "so... what exactly is the goal of this project?" 

Read my fucking mind, I grumbled to myself.

"Good question, Max," the teacher acknowledged. "I want you all to really throw yourselves into this project. There's multiple ways to interpret the meaning of this task, so I want you to find that out for yourself. I will post the official requirements on Canvas so you all have an idea of what the structure should look like. The required portion is all pretty much what the principal requested for this project, so what he says goes, I guess...," she trailed off, shrugging her shoulders. "But for real, I want you all to really focus on capturing the moment using lights and shadows, playing around with different exposures, and other techniques you've picked up to make this project yours."

After Ms.Mack finished speaking, Liam took a second to reflect. Honestly, the project sounded pretty intriguing. Sure, he wan't necessarily thrilled to have to pretty much stalk sweaty athletes, but he was already composing a mental list of all of the different ways he could frame and capture each moment. In fact, Liam was starting to think that this project might not be all that b-

"Time for you all to find out your families for the next few months!" Ms.Mack whooped almost sarcastically, a grin spreading across her face before addressing the student in front of her. "Thomas, you're going to be following-"

Claire turned to Liam, eyes filled with mischief and a teasing smile already placed on her ivory skin. Just by looking at them, Liam already knew that he wasn't going to like what she had to say. "Imagine how fucking funny it would be if you were assigned-"

"-Soccer," Ms.Mack and Claire spoke at the same time, causing Liam to blink in confusion.

Surely, he wasn't assigned soccer. She had to have been speaking to someone else. Ms.Mack knew how much he hated the dark haired soccer captain, but he was soon proved wrong when he slowly lifted his gaze to meet Ms.Mack's. She was giving Liam a look that he couldn't decipher, confusing him even more. What the hell was she thinking???

If only to torture him, she winked. WINKED!! 

All Liam could do was sit there in shock, looking back and forth between his best friend that was trying-- and desperately failing-- to hold back her laugher, and his teacher-- who was now moving onto the student sat in front of him. 

Chatter echoed throughout the classroom around him, but he couldn't pay attention. Hell, he couldn't think straight. Despite his best efforts, Blake Adams infiltrated his brain once again. 

A/N

AHHHHH!!!! what did you guys think of the chapter?

how are you all doing? my conservative family is currently staying with us, so.... shit could be better☠️  anyway, I hopefully start my new job this coming week, and i'm lowkey looking forward to it.

I'm going to try to post at least a chapter or two a week from here on out, so stay tuned ☺️

Originally published: 6/14/24