Maybe We're Just Kids | Natasha Romanoff AU

Chapter 2: Biology

Natasha sat at the front of the AP Biology classroom, as usual, her notebook open and her pen poised for notes. The teacher, Ms. Carter, was mid-lecture, detailing the intricacies of cellular respiration. Natasha was absorbed in the subject, scribbling down key points and occasionally glancing at the slides projected onto the screen.

The door swung open with a suddenness that interrupted Ms. Carter's flow. Jenna, slightly disheveled and obviously late, stepped into the room. Ms. Carter looked up, a warm but slightly bemused expression on her face. "Good morning, Miss Sinclair. Lovely for you to join us on the first day."

Jenna put on a bright smile, stepping further into the classroom.  "Sorry I'm late, though. Had a little mishap this morning." Her eyes landed on Natasha, seated in the front row. With a playful grin, Jenna added, "Some people could use a little spatial awareness" casting a teasing glance at Natasha, who looked up, slightly startled by the comment.

The teasing tone went right over her head. Unsure how to respond, she quickly looked down at her notebook, her face flushing red. Her fingers fidgeted nervously as she adjusted her glasses, pushing them higher on her nose, hoping the attention would shift away from her soon.

Jenna saw Natasha's reaction and, with a soft smile, mumbled under her breath, "Cute" The word was barely audible, almost lost in the shuffle of the classroom, but Natasha thought she heard something. She blinked in confusion, glancing up for a second, unsure if she was imagining things. Shrugging it off, she quickly returned her attention to her notebook, still feeling the lingering heat in her cheeks.

Jenna casually walked over and, to Natasha's surprise, slid into the empty seat right next to her. As she started pulling out her notebook and other supplies, Natasha could feel her heart race, her hands instinctively tightening around her pen. Jenna never sat next to her—she always sat with Lily.

Natasha hesitated, glancing over her shoulder to the back of the classroom, where Lily was. Sure enough, Lily had her backpack sprawled out on her desk, her face buried in it, clearly taking a nap. Natasha blinked in confusion, the nervous energy bubbling up inside her. She quickly turned back to the front, her thoughts racing as Jenna casually settled in, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Natasha was completely lost in her thoughts. She barely registered the rest of Ms. Carter's lecture. Before she knew it, the lecture ended. Natasha was still zoned out when Jenna turned to her, her voice breaking through the haze. "Hey, do you mind if I copy your notes?"

Natasha blinked, startled, and just stared at Jenna in shock, her mouth slightly open but no words coming out. Jenna waved a hand in front of her face, laughing softly. "Hello?"

Snapping back to reality, Natasha stammered, "Y-yeah, sorry, um... here." In her nervous rush, she slid the notebook toward Jenna, but her hand slipped, and the notebook fell from the table, tumbling to the floor. Jenna let out a soft laugh and bent down at the same time as Natasha, both reaching for it.

Their foreheads collided with a gentle thud. Natasha gasped, jerking back in embarrassment as Jenna chuckled, rubbing her forehead. "Are you sure you're not out to get me or something?" she teased with a grin.

Natasha's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "No— I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"

Jenna shook her head, still smiling. "Relax, it's fine." She picked up the notebook, handing it back to Natasha with an amused look, while Natasha wished she could disappear into the floor.

Jenna slid a piece of her hair behind her ear, the soft movement catching Natasha's eye. Without hesitation, she leaned over slightly, her arm brushing against Natasha's as she began copying the notes. Natasha froze, her body stiffening at the closeness. All she could do was stare at the page, her mind spiraling into an internal battle.