We fell in love in math class

Chapter 16 "The School Mischief"

Xyleme’s POV:

It was another typical day at school. I was sitting at my desk, pretending to listen to the teacher while secretly doodling in my notebook. Suddenly, Ethan slid into the seat next to me, wearing that sly grin that always meant trouble.

E: “Hey, Xyleme, guess what?”

X: “What? You finally decided to stop being a nerd and skip class with me?”

E: “Ha, very funny. No, I’ve got something planned.”

Uh-oh. That’s never a good sign.

X: “Should I be worried? Every time you say you have a plan, it usually ends with me getting detention.”

E: “Oh, relax. It’s nothing like that. I just thought we’d make things... interesting today.”

Before I could ask what he meant, the bell rang, and Mrs. Marivic walked in.

Mrs. Marivic: “Good morning, class. I hope you all did your homework.”

Everyone groaned, including me. I mean, who actually does their homework? Not me, that’s for sure. I glanced over at Ethan, who was still smirking. Whatever he was planning, it was about to happen.

Mrs. Marivic: “Alright, let’s start by going over some basic math problems. Xyleme, why don’t you come up to the board and solve this one?”

Of course, she had to pick me. I reluctantly got up and shuffled to the front, trying to figure out how I could fake my way through this.

Ethan’s POV:

This was perfect. I had slipped a little note into Xyleme’s pocket earlier, and I knew he hadn’t noticed it yet. When he stood up, I saw it fall out onto the floor.

Xyleme’s POV:

I was staring at the problem on the board, trying to remember anything Ethan had taught me. Nothing. My brain was a blank slate.

X: “Uh... the answer is... um... seven?”

Mrs. Marivic: “That’s not even close, Xyleme.”

Just then, I noticed a piece of paper on the floor next to my desk. Curious, I bent down and picked it up. It was Ethan’s handwriting, and it said:

“Fake a sneeze and say you’re allergic to math.”

I glanced over at Ethan, who was nodding encouragingly. I could already see where this was going, but I decided to play along.

X: “ACHOO! Ah, sorry, Mrs. Marivic. I’m allergic to math... It’s a real problem, I swear!”

The class burst into laughter, and even Mrs. Marivic struggled to keep a straight face. Ethan gave me a thumbs-up from his seat.

Mrs. Marivic: “Xyleme, that’s the worst excuse I’ve heard all week. But I’ll let it slide this time. Now sit down before your ‘allergy’ gets worse.”

I practically sprinted back to my seat, relieved to have escaped the math problem, even if it was just for a moment.

E: “Nice one, Xyleme. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

X: “Yeah, well, I learned from the best.”

We spent the rest of the class whispering ridiculous excuses we could use to get out of other subjects.

X: “What if I say I’m allergic to history next?”

E: “I think you’re just allergic to school, period.”

Lunchtime rolled around, and we headed to the cafeteria. Ethan was still scheming, and I was starting to get worried.

X: “Alright, what’s your big plan? You’ve been grinning like an idiot all day.”

E: “Oh, you’ll see. Just be ready.”

I didn’t have to wait long to find out. As we walked into the cafeteria, I noticed the usual group of popular kids sitting at their table, looking bored. Ethan casually strolled over and tapped one of them on the shoulder.

E: “Hey, I bet you can’t throw a grape into Xyleme’s mouth from over here.”

X: “Wait, WHAT—”

Before I could protest, the guy grabbed a grape, aimed, and tossed it across the cafeteria. To my surprise, it landed perfectly in my mouth. Everyone cheered, and I nearly choked, but Ethan was laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

E: “See? You’re a natural!”

X: “I hate you.”

E: “No, you don’t. You love me because I make your life interesting.”

I couldn’t argue with that. As much as I pretended to be annoyed, I had to admit that Ethan’s pranks made school a little less boring. And if it meant getting out of math problems and catching flying grapes, then maybe I’d let him keep his ridiculous plans coming.