We fell in love in math class

Chapter 9 "Rumors, Regrets, and Revelations"

Xyleme's POV:

Tuesday morning came, and the whole school seemed to be buzzing like a hornet’s nest. Seriously, I could practically hear the whispers echoing down the hallway. It felt like everyone had an opinion about me and Ethan. I didn’t even need to guess what they were saying. Ethan had already warned me.

X (thinking): "This is what I get for studying with the 'golden boy.' Now everyone thinks we’re getting married or something."

As I walked down the hallway, I caught a couple of guys from my class snickering. One elbowed the other, and they both turned to me with grins that screamed "we’re about to roast you."

Guy 1: "Hey, Xyleme! Heard you had a hot date this weekend!"

Guy 2: "Yeah, didn’t know you and Ethan were so close."

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my cool.

X: "Jealous, huh? Sorry, but not everyone can get a personal math tutor and a love life at the same time!"

That shut them up for a moment, but then they just laughed harder.

X (thinking): "Ugh, I should’ve just punched them. That would’ve been more satisfying."

Ethan's POV:

I was heading to my locker when I spotted Xyleme dealing with those idiots. He was doing his best to shrug it off, but I could see the annoyance creeping in. The rumors had spread fast, and now everyone was acting like they were starring in their own soap opera about us.

E (thinking): "I should’ve put a disclaimer on our study session: ‘Caution: May lead to wild speculation and unnecessary drama!’"

After those guys finally left, I walked over to Xyleme, trying to act casual.

E: "You okay?"

Xyleme glanced at me, raising an eyebrow.

X: "Yeah, just your typical morning of being the main character in everyone else’s fanfic. No big deal."

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Leave it to Xyleme to make a joke out of everything, even when it’s about his own life being a circus.

E: "I’m sorry."

X: "For what? You didn’t start the rumors. People are just bored."

I nodded, but I still felt a bit guilty. Part of me wanted to do something to stop the rumors, but I had no idea where to even start.

Lunch Break

Xyleme's POV:

By lunchtime, I was ready to find a hole to crawl into. Ethan and I sat at our usual table, and I tried to act like I wasn’t aware of the stares. But then, in waltzed Beyoncé—queen of the drama queens—along with her entourage. She gave me that fake-sweet smile that made me want to hurl.

Beyoncé: "Hey, Xyleme! So, I heard you and Ethan had a cute little date at his place. How romantic~."

I groaned internally. I didn’t have the energy for this.

X: "Wow, Beyoncé, do you have a hobby other than sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong?"

She giggled, but I could tell she wasn’t going to back off.

Beyoncé: "Oh, come on! Don’t be shy! Everyone’s curious. I mean, if there’s something going on, you should just tell us!"

Before I could respond, Ethan jumped in, his voice surprisingly calm.

E: "There’s nothing to tell, Beyoncé. We’re just friends. We studied together, that’s it."

I glanced at him, surprised by how he stood his ground. But Beyoncé wasn’t done.