Through You

Chapter 12 - Tension in the Air

Monday morning, Jeanne and Thomas returned to school, enjoying the calm before the entrance bell. The group of friends spent time together, chatting and laughing. Jeanne tried not to focus on Daniel, who appeared indifferent as usual. She didn't notice his occasional glances toward her, too busy joining in the light-hearted jokes with her friends.

History class was approaching, and Jeanne, Ethan, and Daniel needed to discuss their project. Jeanne arrived first in the classroom, taking a seat by the window. She placed her bag next to her and pulled out her notebook, waiting for the two boys. Soon after, Ethan and Daniel entered the room at the same time. Ethan immediately headed toward Jeanne, ready to sit beside her. But before he could reach his seat, Daniel subtly nudged him, taking the place next to her without showing any emotion.

Ethan clenched his jaw, clearly annoyed, but didn't make a scene. He sat across from Jeanne with a tense smile. Jeanne didn't seem to notice the small altercation, focusing on her notes. However, she could feel the tension between the two boys.

Dark looks started to pass between Ethan and Daniel. A few whispered words were enough to spark a quiet argument between them.

"Seriously, do you have to do this every time?" Ethan muttered, exasperated.

Daniel, his face expressionless, responded in the same tone. "It's not my fault if you're slow."

Ethan shot a glare at Daniel, but Jeanne deliberately ignored them, diving into their research project. She flipped through a book, trying to concentrate despite the low voices coming from across the table.

A few moments later, the atmosphere eased slightly, but Daniel, still playful, couldn't resist teasing Jeanne. He nudged her lightly, took her history book just to hide it, forcing her to lean over to retrieve it.

"Seriously, Daniel?" Jeanne sighed, reaching out to grab her book, but Daniel caught her by the wrist, holding her gently. Their skin brushed, and for a moment, the contact between them was warm and soft. Jeanne tried to pull away, pushing him with her shoulder, but he didn't let go for a few seconds, smiling before finally giving her the book back.

Annoyed but amused, Jeanne resumed her research. Daniel, on the other hand, seemed determined to distract her further. Moving closer to her, he whispered in a soft, almost entrancing voice, "You smell nice, you know."

Jeanne shivered despite herself but decided not to let him get to her. She turned toward him, their faces just inches apart. Her eyes locked with Daniel's, who, surprised, pulled back slightly, a sheepish smile forming on his lips. He let Jeanne win this little game of closeness, but she could tell he had enjoyed the moment.

Later, another argument broke out between them, this time over minor details of the project. Daniel burst out laughing every time Jeanne responded in frustration.

"You're seriously impossible!" Jeanne exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

"And you're so serious it's funny," Daniel replied with a laugh, clearly pleased to see her lose her patience.

Though irritated, Jeanne couldn't help but smile. This constant tension between them had become a form of communication, a sort of game they played without realizing it. Across the table, Ethan watched the scene, his jaw tight, eyes flashing with anger.

The exchanges between Jeanne and Daniel calmed down after a while, and they returned to their project. But Ethan continued to cast lingering glances at Jeanne, glances that made her increasingly uncomfortable. Sensing her growing unease, Jeanne gave Ethan a brief smile, hoping he would stop staring at her like that. But it didn't work. She tried to ignore him, focusing on her notes.