Cold and Charisma (BoyxBoy)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Archer's Perspective

I usually liked my classes just fine, managing to get through them like a breeze. I don't mean to brag, but I think I'm extremely academically gifted. Don't tell anyone I said this, but I think I'm more so than my peers.

Carter would get all pissy if I told him though, he thinks the C he has in his elective is the impetus for getting into an Ivy. I did try telling him that's not how it works, but.. I gotta give him some hope.

Speaking of Carter, these days he's been acting – how do I put this – off? I mean, obviously he's always a little peculiar, that's Carter for you. But these days, he seems more distracted.

Whenever I look at him, his eyes sort of wander elsewhere, like there's something – or somebody – occupying his wild mind. I tried to make sure he was okay a few times, but he just brushed me off tentatively.

The fact that he was quieter during lunch struck a chord in me – Carter, the usually loud, destructive, messy jock, was now minimized to a distracted foil of who he used to be.

Of course there were times he tried to play it off, but I'm not stupid. He's my best friend, I can tell when something's wrong.

If it was over a girl, he would've told me by now. If you knew Carter Scott, you'd be forced to know of his playboy tendencies. He's not the type to shut up if he had a 'mind-blowing' hook-up. What was his problem?

My thoughts drawled on as I looked out of the window with boredom. I'd finished my packet a few minutes ago, and I forgot to bring a book to read.

Usually, I'd gladly spend my free-time staring at the back of Riley's gorgeous blonde head, however today was different.

He wore a dark navy hoodie, and I had to physically stop myself from pulling it down, even if just to see that tiny heart-shaped birthmark on the back of his nape.

Riley was just too adorable. Before I knew it, a small smile lit up my face, as I stared at the back of his clothed head. "Riley?" I whispered, tapping my pencil against his shoulder.

"Shut up. Leave me alone." Typical. I didn't stop, and drew imaginary images on his back with the tip of my eraser. "I don't think I'm going to. Do you want the answers?"

Riley shoved me off him, sitting up so I wasn't so close to his back anymore. "I don't need the fucking answers. Why do you keep thinking I'm dumb?" He said in a hushed tone, clearly annoyed.

"I don't think you're dumb," I lied through my teeth, "Actually, smarter than me." We both knew that wasn't true, but I knew it'd make him less irritated talking to me. "So no answers?" I piqued.

"Fine. Give me the stupid answers. God, could you be any more annoying?" Without even turning back to let me see his pretty face, he reached his arm back to grab my paper.

What was up with him? I haven't even gotten one glimpse of his precious face today. Was he mad at me again? What did I do this time? Maybe it was because I stole his fry yesterday...

"Riley.. You mad or something?" I said softly, moving closer towards his ear. "No, but I will be if you don't leave me alone..!" I glanced down at his desk, seeing him messily copy my answers in his illegible handwriting.

"I wonder if Mrs. Bradbury can read that." I tried to joke, but failed miserably when he nudged his elbow into my chest harshly. That kind of hurt, I'm not even gonna lie...

"Maybe she'll be able to read the gunshot wound on your forehead as a warning to leave me alone." I couldn't keep in my laughter anymore – it was eight a.m in the morning, and of course he still had the energy to be hilariously violent.