You Drive Me Crazy || Sam Evans

64. Dynamic Duo

Melanie walked down the hallway, shifting her books in her arms as she navigated the crowded corridor. Just as she turned a corner, a blur of motion zipped past her.

"Whoa!" she yelped, stepping back just in time to avoid being run over by Jake Puckerman, who zoomed by on a Razor scooter. In her quick movement, one of her books slipped from her grasp, landing with a soft thud on the tiled floor.

Jake skidded to a halt, glancing back before leaning down to pick up her book. "Sorry," he said, holding it out to her.

Melanie shook her head, taking the book from him. "It's fine. Thanks," she said before her gaze drifted to his scooter. A smirk pulled at her lips. "You know, if you're trying to go for the whole bad boy thing, a Razor scooter doesn't exactly scream badass."

Jake rolled his eyes but let out a chuckle. "Honestly? I only use it 'cause it gets me to the classes I actually go to on time," he admitted, folding the scooter up as he started walking beside her. "Plus, people get out of my way when they see me coming." He leaned down slightly as if sharing a secret.

Melanie nodded with an amused smile. "Smart."

Jake smirked, but his gaze flickered over her Cheerios uniform before he asked, "You're not into this whole superhero thing either?"

"Actually, I think the superhero club is really cool," Melanie admitted. "I wanted to join, but I know Kitty would have something to say about it. And it's already hard enough not to punch her in the face every time she opens her mouth."

Jake let out a laugh. "Yeah."

"Seriously, I don't know how you put up with her," Melanie added.

Jake sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, you know... she's kinda nice... deep down.

Melanie arched a brow at him, utterly unconvinced.

"... Very deep down," Jake added.

"You know who's nice on the surface? Marley." Melanie gave him a knowing smile.

At the mere mention of her name, Jake's expression softened, a small, wistful smile appearing. "I blew my chance with her," he admitted, looking down.

"I doubt that," Melanie replied.

Jake shook his head, sighing. "I did. She's totally into Ryder."

Melanie gave him a flat look before smacking him lightly upside the head.

"Ow!" Jake groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "What was that for?"

"When you say stupid things, you get hit," Melanie stated matter-of-factly.

"I just said she likes Ryder now—"

Melanie smacked him again.

"Ow—dude!" Jake groaned.

"Dude," Melanie mimicked. "She may think Ryder's cute, but you're the one she sneaks glances at during Glee Club."

Jake paused mid-motion, turning to Melanie with wide eyes. "Wait... does she really?"

Before Melanie could answer, they stepped into the choir room—and her jaw dropped. The Nationals Trophy which had been proudly displayed in the display case was gone, replaced by a black laptop.

"What the hell?" Jake muttered, his brows furrowing.

"Son of a bitch," Melanie breathed before spinning on her heel and bolting out of the room.

Jake blinked. "Where are you going?!"

She didn't answer, her sneakers squeaking against the floor as she ran toward the classroom where the Secret Society of Superheroes Club was meeting. As she barged inside, slightly breathless, she came to an abrupt stop, her gaze landing on Artie, Brittany, and Becky—who weren't previously part of the club—now in full costume. Artie, in particular, wore a bald cap and a suit.