It was chemistry lesson and Jacob saw that chocolate curls's here too.
"So this project will be 20% of your grades. Now find a partner to work with. We will present this next week," the teacher said.
As everyone scrambled for their partners, the boy didn't move. He just quietly opened his school bag and took out his notebook.
Tyler caught my eye and signaled for Jacob to work with him but he shook my head.
"Sorry Ty, I owe someone big time," Jacob said when he came to him. He pouted. "Well now you owe me big time," he said.
"Yeah, whatever," Jacob said. Only chocolate curls mattered at that moment.
Jacob gathered my chemistry books and notebook and went over to the boy's desk.
"Hi, um I'm sorry for staining your sweater, but would you like to be my partner?" Jacob asked. His white sweater was still goddamn stained by his coffee.
"Um, sure," he hesitated but smiled. It was the first time he smiled. He looks so pretty when he's smiling.
Jacob smiled back and sat down on the chair beside him.
"I'm Jacob Bixenman," Jacob said.
"And I'm Troye Sivan Mellet," the boy said.
Troye, what a nice name. It suits him. It suits him so well.
After discussing one or two points of their project, they started to drift away from the topic and started talking about music. It was really comfortable talking to him. Troye was such a nice and cheerful soul.
"Have you heard Ariana Grande?"
"Who hasn't? Her vocals are so on point."
"I know right? I once went to her concert and it was so amazing. By the way, she's having another concert in la."
"I wish I could go..." Troye said dreamily.
"Why can't you?" Jacob asked.
"Oh, I.. um," Troye stuttered, blushing. "I.. I don't have enough money to buy her concert tickets."
"Well I could buy it for you if you like," Jacob offered. "You know, just to make up for the sweater?"
"Uh... I.." Troye was blushing furiously now and he was looking down at his desk, his fist clenched so tight together that he trembled. He bit his lip. "I just... I don't want to go."
He was obviously lying. He was hiding something, and Jacob knows it but he didn't want to pressure him.
"Hey, it's alright," Jacob said as he grabbed his fist and stroked his thumb over it, slowly. Oh god, he was still trembling.
The bell rang.
"Hey, um you wanna come to mine after school?" Jacob asked. "For the project?"
It was a lie. He actually wanted to get to know him more.
"Yeah, sure," Troye replies, eyes still glued to the ground.
"Well, see ya," Jacob said as he headed out of the classroom.
♡
