AIMÉE ALWAYS STRIVES to stay focused on her studies, but for some time now, a familiar presence — both reassuring and troubling — haunts her thoughts. Joseph. Since their kiss, she has decided to avoid him as much as possible.
That day, she sits at her usual table in the cafeteria, surrounded by her friends, but her mind is elsewhere. She takes a seat next to Simone, keeping an eye on Joseph and Jean, who are a bit further away. They are chatting loudly, exchanging jokes, and Aimée hopes they won't pay attention to her.
Jean, true to form, is in high spirits that day. With a mischievous grin, he turns to her. "Hey, look who it is, the little carrot top !" he laughs at his own joke.
Aimée sighs. She hates that name, she prefers redhead. Joseph, sitting beside his friend, cannot ignore Aimée's reaction.
He suddenly turns to Jean, his smile fading. "Stop. That's not funny," he says sharply, letting his words hang in the air. The table goes quiet, surprised by Joseph's sudden defense of Aimée.
"It's just a joke, chill out," Jean retorts, confused by his friend's reaction.
But Joseph doesn't back down. "Maybe for you, but she doesn't think it's funny."
Aimée, surprised by Joseph's unexpected defense, looks up at him. Her cheeks flush bright red, but not from the usual embarrassment.
Jean shrugs, disappointed. "Okay, okay, I didn't mean to hurt her," he murmurs, a bit awkward.
Joseph ignores his response and turns to her. "So, when's the next time we'll do math ?" he asks with a teasing smile, hoping she'll look up and respond.
But Aimée doesn't even glance at him. She abruptly stands up, grabbing her tray in an attempt to escape the unbearable tension that has settled around them. The clattering of cutlery echoes in the silence that has fallen around their table. Ignoring Joseph completely, she makes her way through the crowded cafeteria.
"What's wrong with her ?" Charles asks.
Jean shrugs, lips pursed. "Maybe she just needs some time. Did you see how she reacted when I called her 'carrot top' ? It was like I stepped on her foot."
"Shut up, Jean." He watches Aimée walk away, her figure blending into the crowd.
The day drags on for Joseph. By the end of the day, as students begin to leave school, he resolves to take action.
He finally sees her, alone, exiting the building, her expression dark against the setting sun. Joseph forces himself to move toward her. "Hey, redhead !" he calls out, trying to break the ice.
