One Big Cliche [A Tyrus Fanfic]

Chapter Two: Hey There Pancakes

T J

"HELLLOOOOO, EARTH TO KIPPEN," I heard someone yell at me. I snapped out of my thoughts and turned to Reed.

"This is the third time you've zoned out in the last ten minutes," He said. I shook my head and blinked. I stared at the blonde, who had a confused look on his face.

I shrugged and turned to the board where our teacher, Mr. Chandler, scribbled down notes. He had been going on about our first lesson for the year and how it would take us a few days to complete. I wasn't really listening to him or Reed. Instead, my mind flooded with...

"See, you're doing it again," Reed said, annoyed. I turned to give him a slight glare, and he just kept his dumbfounded expression.

I sighed. "Sorry, man, I'm just... thinking is all," I half-lied. I was thinking, but I also didn't want to hear him.

He furrowed his brow. His face seemed to soften as he said, "Did it have to do with..."

I cut him off before he continued, already knowing what he would say. "No, it doesn't. Don't bring it up again, please," I growled. He lifted his hands in surrender, and I just rolled my eyes. Sometimes I wondered why I hung out with him. Then I remember exactly why I do. I don't have anyone. I never had. I only hung out with the "popular" kids because it made me feel somewhat important. It didn't matter how fake they were. At least I was slightly wanted.

Reed was a little different. He took an interest in who I was, not who I pretended to be. I've told him a few things but not everything. I don't think I'll ever find someone to tell everything to, and that's fine by me.

The bell rang, and I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I didn't stick around to talk to Reed and walked straight to my next class. I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice the person in front of me before it was too late. We crashed, making him drop his books.

"Three times in a row; you're on a hot streak today Goodman," he quietly mumbled to himself.

"Hey, I'm sorry about that. I should've watched where I was.." I stopped when I realized who it was. His face grew a bit pink as he recognized me. "Hey there, pancakes," I said slyly.

That made his face get a bit darker as I kneeled to grab one of the books he had dropped. I handed it to him, and he hesitantly took it. "T-thanks," He stuttered, making me laugh again. 

"No problem. Sorry again, I really should pay attention to where I'm going," I scratched the back of my neck.

He shook his head. "N-no, it's my fault. I'm apparently a magnet for accidents," He laughed nervously.

I shook my head to hide the smile forming on my face. Something about him just...I don't know; it drew me in. "Well, good luck on avoiding any more," I told him and began to walk off.

I heard him call out to me. "Wait, do you know where room 302 is?" I turned to look at him and smiled.

"That's actually where I'm headed right now. Come on, you can walk with me," I said. Cyrus walked after me as we went up the stairs to our next class. I looked over at him as we walked. He had this determined expression on his face that amused me. Like an ordinary person who just wanted to get through high school and not just party and get with people to seem cool, he seemed so natural. He reminded me of how I wanted to be and how I wanted to feel, but I knew I couldn't. "Here we are, room 302," I announced as he smiled softly.

"Thanks for showing me the way; with my luck, I probably wouldn't find it till the late bell," He said. I gave him an amused look as we stepped inside. I sat in my usual seat towards the back of the class. I usually sat towards the back of all my classes. That way, I could avoid the teacher but not seem desperate to receive their attention.

Students started coming in, and I sighed inwardly as my eyes landed on a familiar face. I groaned, silently praying she wouldn't come over here, but when her eyes landed on mine, she beamed and approached me.

"Hey, Teej," she said, taking the seat next to mine as I sighed.

"Hi, Kira," I forced a smile. Kira was another one of my "friends." Don't get me wrong, she's good-looking and all, but her personality is lacking. The only difference is that she doesn't know how to take a hint. 

I looked over to see the guy looking at us. What was his name again? Simon? Cyrus! Yeah, his name was Cyrus. I smiled softly at him and gave him a little wave. He waved back and turned around to face the board. 

Kira snapped her fingers. "Hellooo? I'm right here," She said.

I sighed as the bell rang, signaling the beginning of class. Our teacher went on, doing the usual introduction and class explanation of what we'd be doing this year. I tuned out most of it until she brought up a project we were gonna do.

"I will be pairing you up, and the two of you will have three days to write a one-page paper on your partner," Mrs. Duke clapped her hands together and began to read the names of her clipboard, ignoring the groan of protests from the class. "Cyrus Goodman and Jonah Beck, TJ Kippen, and Buffy Driscoll," She continued. I furrowed my brow at the name of my partner. I turned to see the curly-haired girl glaring back at me. 

"Oh no," I said out loud accidentally. I already knew what would come as everyone went to find their partners. This day couldn't get any worse. Everyone got up to sit with their partners. I reluctantly sat down next to Buffy. I could hear her sigh; it seemed as if she was equally displeased to be my partner. 

"Well, there's good news about this whole thing. We already know plenty about each other to put in the paper," I said with fake happiness. Buffy continued glaring at me.

"There's nothing good about working with you, Kippen," She spat my name out like it left a bad taste in her mouth. I wouldn't be surprised if it did. I treated Buffy awfully. It was all to keep my popular image. 

I sighed as I looked over at Cyrus, who was currently giggling at whatever Jonah Beck said. I knew Jonah; he was a pretty cool guy. He didn't hang around the popular kids but was well-liked throughout the school. He had this dorky charm about him that could put anyone at ease. That dorky charm was currently affecting Cyrus.

Something about the way Cyrus was laughing did something to me. It was almost like I was... angry? But what was there to be angry about? I shook my head and turned to Buffy. I actually wanted to apologize to her. Maybe I could do that with this paper. Maybe then I could help rebuild this bridge I had burned. 

And that's the chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it. I'm enjoying writing this story so far. This would've been typed sooner, but work is a pain right now. The next chapter should be out in a few days. Until then, byee

~Ash