Trust in Her Tricks

Chapter 2: The Prank with a Purpose

The next day, Eris couldn't shake the lingering guilt from her prank on Ethan. Though he hadn't seemed upset, she kept replaying their conversation in her mind, wondering if she'd gone too far. She'd seen something in his eyes—something fragile—that made her want to do better by him. Eris decided that if she was going to keep playing pranks, she'd have to make sure they always ended with a smile.

Ethan, on the other hand, was still mulling over the note from the day before. The encounter with Eris had left him feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time: noticed. It was strange and unsettling, but also a little thrilling. He wasn't used to being on anyone's radar, let alone someone like Eris, who seemed to move through life with such effortless charm.

As lunchtime approached, Ethan found himself more alert than usual, wondering if Eris would pull something again. He wasn't sure if he was hoping for it or dreading it. But when he reached his locker, everything seemed normal—until he opened it.

Sitting on the top shelf was a small, neatly wrapped box. Attached to it was a note that read, "No tricks this time. Just something sweet for a sweet guy." Ethan blinked in surprise, his heart skipping a beat. He glanced around the hallway, but Eris was nowhere in sight. Carefully, he unwrapped the box to find a beautifully decorated cupcake inside. The sight of it made him smile despite himself.

Eris watched from around the corner, peeking out just enough to see Ethan's reaction. When she saw the smile spread across his face, a wave of relief and happiness washed over her. This was exactly what she'd hoped for. She wasn't trying to win him over with grand gestures—just to show him that she cared, even if it was in her own playful way.

Ethan hesitated for a moment before picking up the cupcake, and examining it closely. He couldn't help but chuckle. It was a simple gesture, but it was clear Eris had put some thought into it. For the first time in a while, he felt genuinely appreciated, like maybe he wasn't as invisible as he'd thought.

When he finally spotted Eris in the courtyard, he made his way over, holding the cupcake carefully. She looked up from her lunch as he approached, her eyes sparkling with that familiar mischievous glint, but this time, there was something softer behind it.

"Hey, Ethan," she greeted him with a smile that was both teasing and warm. "Did you find your surprise?"

Ethan nodded, holding up the cupcake. "I did. No pranks this time, huh?"

Eris laughed, shaking her head. "Not today. I figured you deserved something nice after yesterday."

Ethan sat down across from her, still a little unsure of how to read her. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

"I wanted to," Eris replied simply. "I know I can be a bit much sometimes, but I don't want you to think I'm just messing with you. I like seeing people smile, that's all."

Her words caught Ethan off guard. There was no trace of sarcasm or teasing in her voice—just sincerity. He looked at her, really looked at her, and realized that maybe he'd underestimated her. "Well, thanks. It was a nice surprise," he said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

Eris beamed, clearly pleased with his response. "Good. I'm glad." She paused, then added with a wink, "But don't get too comfortable. I've still got a reputation to uphold."

Ethan chuckled, feeling more at ease with her than he had before. "I'll keep that in mind."

As they ate together, the conversation flowed more easily than Ethan had expected. They talked about classes, mutual friends, and the little things that made life at Maplewood High both bearable and occasionally enjoyable. For a moment, Ethan felt like he could let his guard down, like maybe this strange, unexpected friendship with Eris wasn't such a bad thing after all.

But as the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Ethan couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. This new connection with Eris was confusing. He didn't know where it was going, or what she really wanted from him. Part of him was still waiting for the other shoe to drop—for this to all turn out to be some elaborate joke.

Eris seemed to sense his hesitation. As they stood up to leave, she lightly touched his arm, giving him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Ethan. I'm not playing with your feelings. I just think you're worth getting to know."

Her words, simple as they were, struck a chord with Ethan. He nodded, trying to hide the sudden warmth that spread through his chest. "Thanks, Eris. I appreciate that."

As they went their separate ways, Ethan couldn't stop thinking about her words. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to this than he'd originally thought. And as much as the idea scared him, it also filled him with a tentative hope—a hope that he hadn't felt in a very long time.