✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ The Thread that bind Us ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

Chasing the Unflappable

The bell rang, echoing through the high school hallways, signaling the end of another day in the kingdom of adolescence. Risa Anders, queen of popularity, strutted down the corridor, her laughter ringing like wind chimes in spring. Her long, wavy hair danced as she walked, and every step seemed to draw attention, like a magnet for eyes and whispers. 
 As she made her way to the parking lot, she spotted Noah sitting alone on a bench, his nose buried in a book. He was always so absorbed in his studies, but today, something about him looked... vulnerable. She had to admit, there was a certain charm in that concentrated look.

"Hey, Noah!" she called, her voice vibrant with an energy she couldn't seem to contain. He glanced up, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "Oh, hey, Risa," he replied, his tone even, almost dismissive.
"Whatcha reading?" She leaned over, trying to catch a glimpse of the title. She was determined to play it cool. Noah shifted in his seat, adjusting his glasses. "Just some physics textbook," he said, shrugging.
"Nothing interesting." Risa chuckled, "Physics? How boring! Why not read something fun? Like... a romance novel?" She winked, the flirtatious tone slipping back into her voice despite her best efforts.
 "I don't think that's my genre," he replied, turning his gaze back to the pages of his book.
The rejection stung, but Risa was undeterred. If anything, it fueled her fire. "Come on, Noah! You'd make a great romantic hero," she teased, placing her hands on her hips. "I can picture it now: brooding introvert falls for the popular girl. It's classic!"
His lips curved slightly, but he quickly masked it with a serious expression. "I think you've got the wrong person. I'm not exactly hero material."
"Oh please!" Risa laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "You're cute, smart, and mysterious. That's like the trifecta of heroism!" She leaned closer, lowering her voice playfully. "And did I mention that I need a boyfriend? You'd be perfect for the role."
Noah looked up, startled. "I think you're getting a little carried away," he said, his voice steady. "I'm not interested in being anyone's boyfriend, Risa."
She feigned shock, placing a hand over her heart. "Wow, Noah! You wound me! Can't a girl just shoot her shot without being turned down?"
"Maybe if your shot wasn't so... dramatic?" He shot back, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Risa grinned, realizing he was finally engaging with her. "Dramatic? Me? Never!" she exclaimed, tossing her hand in the air as if to dismiss the accusation. "I'm just trying to make your life more interesting. You're always so serious!"
"Maybe I like it that way," he replied, turning the page of his book.
"Boring!" she teased, plopping down beside him on the bench. "Don't you want to live a little? Experience the thrill of being asked out by the most popular girl in school?" Noah finally looked at her, his expression unyielding. "You're going to have to find someone else for that."
 Risa huffed, crossing her arms dramatically. "You're really making this hard, you know?"
"Hard is my middle name," he said, his lips twitching into a barely-there smile. "Is it really?" she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because I'm convinced it should be 'Noah the Unflappable.' You never change your expressions! No drama, no emotion. Just... stoic."
"Maybe I just prefer to be genuine," he replied, his gaze unflinching.
"Genuine? Boring!" Risa declared with a laugh, leaning back against the bench. "But I like a challenge. How about this: I'll drop you off at home after school if you let me read that boring physics book of yours?"
He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You'd really go out of your way for a book you don't want to read?"
"Absolutely! I'll even bring snacks!" Risa chirped, her eyes gleaming with determination. "You like gummy bears, right?"
Noah sighed, closing his book with a soft thud. "Risa, you don't have to feel sorry for me."
"Who said I felt sorry for you?" she retorted playfully, nudging him with her shoulder. "I'm just trying to brighten your world, Mr. Unflappable!"  

***

 As they chatted, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow around them. Risa had almost forgotten about the rejection. Almost. Later, after school let out, Risa drove her bright red convertible toward Noah's house. The radio blasted a pop tune, and she sang along, channeling all her energy into the performance, glancing over at Noah every few seconds. He sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, staring out the window as if the passing trees were far more interesting than her.
"Seriously, you should smile more," Risa commented, pulling up to a stoplight. "It would make you look even cuter."
Noah turned to her, his expression unwavering. "I'm not really a smiling type of guy."
"Aw, come on! Just one little smile for me?" she pleaded, fluttering her eyelashes dramatically.
 "Risa, I'm not a puppy," he said flatly.
"Yeah, but puppies smile!" she shot back, laughing. "And they're adorable! Just think of yourself as a puppy. A cute, fluffy puppy!"
 Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I think I'll pass. But thanks for the offer."
"Well, you're missing out! Fluffy puppies get all the treats," she teased, pulling into his driveway.

 Once parked, Risa turned to him, her expression suddenly serious. "You know, I don't get why you're so resistant to all of this. I'm just trying to be friends!"
 He looked at her, his blue eyes searching. "And I'm just not good at friendship, Risa. It's complicated."
"Complicated? Love is complicated," she said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But friendship is supposed to be easy and fun. Like... like a game!"
"A game?" he repeated, eyebrow raised.
"Yeah! Like a flirty game of cat and puppy!" she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you, my friend, are the puppy. And I am the cat! And cats always get what they want."
"Is that so?" Noah replied, his voice teasing now. "And what exactly do you want?"
 Risa grinned, leaning in a little closer. "You know what I want," she said playfully. "I want you to be my boyfriend."
He shook his head, a smile breaking through his stoic demeanor. "You have to know by now that's not going to happen."

 
"Noah!" a voice suddenly called from behind them. It was Mr. Thompson, their physics teacher, approaching with a curious expression. "What's this I hear about you and Risa?"
Risa's eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to Mr. Thompson. "Oh, just trying to convince him to be my boyfriend! No big deal!"
Noah's face flushed, and he shot her a warning glance, but Risa was loving every moment of it.
 "Good luck, Noah!" Mr. Thompson chuckled, shaking his head. "You might just need it."
Risa burst into laughter, throwing her head back. "See? Even teachers believe you should be my boyfriend!"
 Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You really know how to make this difficult, don't you?"
"Difficult is my middle name!" she exclaimed, her laughter bubbling over. "I'll figure you out eventually, Noah. Just you wait!"
As Noah opened the car door to get out, Risa called after him, "When I do, you won't stand a chance!"
"Good luck with that," he shot back, his voice light with amusement as he stepped onto the pavement.
Risa watched him walk away, a smile plastered on her face. She had a feeling that this was only the beginning of their story. And if there was one thing she knew, it was that she loved a good challenge. Maybe, just maybe, she could break through that stoic exterior of his. With a playful grin, she revved the engine and sped off, ready for whatever adventure awaited her next.