Between Us

Changes In Chemistry

Two weeks had passed since the night of Julio's party, and everything felt like it was moving at double speed. The school dance was just around the corner, and the buzz about it had taken over every hallway, lunch period, and free moment. Naturally, Julio had stepped up to organize the whole thing, and his excitement was contagious.

Jayden sat at his usual spot in fourth-period chemistry, doodling in the corner of his notebook while the teacher went over the day's lesson. Konner was next to him, already shifting in his seat out of boredom. Every now and then, Konner would lean over, muttering a sarcastic comment that made Jayden stifle a laugh.

Then, the classroom door creaked open, and a familiar figure ducked in. Jayden's heart leapt as he realized who it was.

"Zander!" he whispered under his breath, his face breaking into a grin as his childhood best friend since birth walked into the room. At 6'8" with long hair and a warm smile, Zander was a hard person to miss, and Jayden couldn't believe he was seeing him here in his chemistry class. It felt like seeing family in a place he'd never expected.

Zander scanned the room, caught sight of Jayden, and gave a little wave before speaking to the teacher. Moments later, the teacher nodded and pointed to an empty seat behind Jayden and Konner. Zander settled in, giving Jayden a gentle nudge on the shoulder.

"Fancy seeing you here," Zander murmured, and Jayden chuckled.

"You too. Thought you were gone for good!" Jayden replied quietly, still in disbelief.

Just as they were catching up, the door flew open, and in came Julio, as loud and energetic as ever. "Alright, everyone!" he announced, drawing out the syllables in his dramatic way. "I have *very* important news about the dance. You all better be there because it's going to be the social event of the year."

Zander, who had been only half-listening, suddenly sat up straighter, his eyes fixed on Julio as if entranced. Jayden caught the look on his friend's face—a mixture of intrigue and amusement that he recognized immediately. Zander's gaze lingered on Julio a little too long, his lips curving into a subtle smile.

Jayden raised an eyebrow, nudging Zander's arm with a knowing smirk. "See something interesting?"

"Yeah," Zander replied, a proud grin spreading across his face. There was no hint of embarrassment; he was completely unfazed by Jayden's teasing.

Jayden chuckled, impressed by Zander's confidence and interest, and filed that reaction away in his mind for later.

Julio, oblivious to the attention he was receiving, met Jayden's gaze with a wink. "Jayden, you better be ready to have some fun."

Jayden laughed nervously, not wanting to admit that he wasn't exactly thrilled about large social gatherings. But with Julio and Zander around, he felt a little more at ease. And then, to his surprise, Konner leaned over and whispered, "Hey, maybe we could go together? I mean, not, like, as dates or anything," he added quickly, looking a little flustered, "but just... to have fun."

Jayden's cheeks flushed, and he nodded. "Yeah, I think I'd like that."

Across the room, Zander gave Jayden an approving look, as if he'd caught every word, but his eyes kept darting back to Julio, a soft, confident smile on his face. Jayden couldn't help but feel like things were starting to fall into place in more ways than one.

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As the class finally came to an end, Jayden packed up his things, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. Zander, as usual, lingered a bit, as if waiting for Jayden but still stealing glances toward Julio, who was discussing decorations with a group at the front of the room.

"Hey, I'll catch up with you in a sec," Zander said, his voice casual but with a hint of excitement. "I'm just gonna go... ask Julio something about the dance."

Jayden bit back a grin, nudging Konner as they watched Zander stroll over to Julio. Konner raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Looks like your friend might have a crush," he said with a smirk.

Jayden laughed, feeling a strange but comforting mix of joy for Zander and excitement for the upcoming dance. "Yeah, I think he does," he replied.