Between Us

Testing Boundaries

Jayden was starting to feel like a fish out of water. Not because of the chemistry lesson—it was one of the many things he actually understood—but because of the guy sitting next to him. Konner's presence was something Jayden wasn't used to, especially in class. He'd always kept to himself, preferring the quiet solitude that came with being overlooked. But Konner was... well, loud, in the best way possible.

As the teacher began explaining the concept of balancing chemical equations, Jayden tried his best to concentrate. But every few minutes, his attention would drift to the side where Konner was scribbling on his notebook, tapping his pencil, and whispering random, offbeat comments that made Jayden fight back a smile.

"Okay, so what do you think happens if we add more this?" Konner asked under his breath, holding up a piece of paper with an exaggerated drawing of an atom that looked more like a doodle than an actual scientific diagram.

Jayden glanced at it, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "That's not exactly how the model works, but it's... a start?"

Konner grinned. "I knew you'd say that. You're probably the smartest kid in here, aren't you?"

Jayden froze for a second, his cheeks flushing. He didn't know what to say. Was he really the smartest? He didn't think so. He was just someone who liked chemistry, that's all. But now, with Konner looking at him with that grin, it felt like he was being asked to perform, and that made him uncomfortable.

"I'm... I'm just trying to keep up," Jayden replied quietly, focusing back on his notebook to avoid further attention.

Konner raised an eyebrow but didn't press him. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, running his hand through his messy hair and watching the teacher write equations on the board. "You sure? You seem like you've got it all figured out. I mean, look at me—I'm just trying to not blow something up in here."

Jayden glanced over, half amused and half worried, as Konner dramatically fiddled with his pen, pretending to be on the verge of a disaster. It wasn't that Konner didn't know much about chemistry—Jayden had seen him pay attention when the teacher went over something he actually understood—it was just that he didn't seem to care that much. And somehow, that made Jayden like him a little more.

As the lesson went on, Jayden found himself stealing glances at Konner, who seemed to be genuinely trying to keep up. Every now and then, he'd make a confused face, and Jayden would feel this odd urge to help. But then the fear would kick in—the fear of coming across as "too smart," of being noticed in a way he didn't want to be.

But after a few minutes, the temptation was too much. He reached over and quietly slid his notebook toward Konner. "Here," he muttered. "If you want, I can explain it to you after class. I've got some notes that might make it easier."

Konner looked at him, eyes widening for a moment before he gave him a sheepish grin. "Really? You'd do that?"

Jayden nodded, feeling a little nervous but relieved that Konner wasn't making a huge deal out of it. "Yeah, sure."

Konner grinned wider. "You're a lifesaver, man. Thanks. You're like my personal tutor now. I'll buy you lunch next week to say thanks."

Jayden chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it."

The rest of class passed in a blur. Jayden explained a few things to Konner under his breath whenever the teacher turned toward the whiteboard, and Konner actually seemed to get it. The awkwardness from earlier started to fade, and by the time the bell rang, Jayden realized that he had actually enjoyed himself. Not just because he helped Konner—but because it hadn't been as bad as he'd thought.

As the students packed up their things, Konner clapped Jayden on the back, making him jump a little. "Hey, you're alright. I owe you one, seriously."

Jayden gave him a small smile, shuffling his books into his bag. "It's no big deal."

"Yeah, well, I'll make sure you get that lunch. You're the first person to ever willingly help me in chemistry. Usually, I just get the, 'you'll figure it out, Konner' speech, you know?"

Jayden glanced at him, surprised by the hint of vulnerability in Konner's voice. It was rare to hear someone like Konner admit he needed help, let alone ask for it. Maybe there was more to this guy than the goofy exterior.

"Well, you're welcome," Jayden said quietly, the words coming easier now. "Really."

Konner gave him a genuine smile before slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Alright, man. I'll catch you later. And seriously—don't forget about the lunch."

Jayden waved as Konner headed out the door, and for a brief moment, he stood there, alone in the classroom, letting the silence settle around him. He wasn't exactly sure what had just happened, but he couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing.

And maybe, just maybe, they were changing for the better.

-——————————————————————————-

The next few days passed in a similar routine. Jayden helped Konner with chemistry, explaining the lessons in his soft, quiet way. At first, it was awkward—Konner would crack jokes in the middle of explanations, and Jayden would stutter over his words, unsure how to respond. But over time, it became more natural. Konner's easygoing nature was infectious, and Jayden found himself looking forward to those small moments between them. They weren't exactly friends yet, but it felt like they were getting closer.

By the end of the week, Jayden couldn't help but notice how much more comfortable he felt around Konner. The laughter, the light teasing—it wasn't so bad, not anymore. Maybe he was starting to see what Juni had meant when she said Konner had a way of making people feel good about themselves. Because somehow, Konner had started to make Jayden feel... well, a little less invisible.