ME & HIM ✔︎

6

UPDATED.

By the time we pulled into the school parking lot, I was already daydreaming about the comfort of my bed. I fought the urge to doze off in the backseat, but the conversation swirling around me was just mundane enough to keep my eyelids heavy. The only reason I stayed awake was to avoid being completely lost in my thoughts. All I wanted was to retreat back home, snuggle under my blankets, and escape the reality of my first day.

I'm not a morning person—did I forget to mention that? The car ride was filled with laughter and chatter, but I felt like an outsider peering in through a foggy window. I glanced out, taking in the scene: students flooded the sidewalks, their voices mingling in a cacophony of excitement. The cheerleaders were hard to miss, decked out in bright yellow and black jerseys, their shirts boldly declaring "PANTHERS." It all felt so alien to me.

Sofia's voice broke through my thoughts as she brought the car to a stop. "So, guys, are you ready?" she asked, but the silence that followed was deafening. She turned around, eyebrows raised, looking directly at me and Ariana. "Hellooo."

That's when I realized she was actually talking to us. I had forgotten this wasn't the first day for everyone else—only for Ariana and me. "Ohh, you're talking to us," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sofia playfully smacked my arm. "Duh! You two are the ONLY ones starting today!" She flashed a bright smile that was hard to resist.

"Girl, I'm ready," Ariana said, already hefting her backpack onto her shoulder.

I could feel the weight of everyone else's gaze on me, a mixture of curiosity and mild interest. I nodded, trying to appear more confident than I felt. Sofia's grin widened as she grabbed the keys and we all piled out of the car. Booboo handed her bag to her, and she shut the door behind us with a determined click. "Okay, I've got to get to my team. I trust you'll be alright?"

"Your team? You're a cheerleader?" Ariana shot back, her tone laced with skepticism. Ever since middle school, she had found cheerleaders to be insufferable. Sofia laughed, brushing off the comment. "You don't give me cheerleader vibes either. You're more of a—"

"Basketball player?" Sofia finished, nodding knowingly. "Yes! I'm not a cheerleader—that's Dove's gig, not mine."

Sofia had been a dedicated basketball player all her life, and I knew she had improved during the time I was away. I felt a swell of pride for her; she had worked so hard to get here, and it showed.

"And you still haven't taught me any tricks," Dove interjected, her tall figure looming behind Sofia. She caught my eye and waved enthusiastically. "Oh, babe, this is China. China, this is Thomas, my boyfriend."

Boyfriend? Wow, he was gorgeous, but I wouldn't dare say that aloud. "Wassup," I managed, trying to sound casual.

"Nice to meet you," Thomas replied, and I smiled back, feeling my cheeks heat up a little.

While Sofia and Ariana began chatting animatedly, I felt somewhat invisible. I rested my forehead against my hand, hoping to disappear. Sofia turned to me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Ariana's coming with me; she wants to try out for the basketball team."

I nodded, wishing them both good luck as they prepared to dive into their day.

"And I have to get back to my team since we're already late. Bye, guys!" Sofia waved, her energy infectious. "Bye, baby!" she called back, planting a quick kiss on Thomas before skipping away.

"Typical Sofia," Thomas remarked, shaking his head as I let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation.

"What do you have for your first period?" Cameron asked, jolting me out of my thoughts. Chills ran down my spine at the sound of his voice, and I gulped. Get it together, China. Don't freak out.

I fished my schedule out of my pocket, scanning it quickly. Math. Of course, that was how my day would start. "I have math," I said, rolling my eyes dramatically. "This morning totally sucks."

"Great. You have it with me," Booboo smirked, and I shot him a glare, which only made him laugh. "Calm down; I don't bite."

Thomas chuckled softly, while Cameron remained quiet, his expression unreadable. He looked like he was lost in thought, and for some reason, I found myself intrigued by the way his eyes seemed to hold a depth that belied his indifferent demeanor.

Cameron stepped closer, and my heart raced unexpectedly. I could hear it pounding in my ears. "Heard you came here last year. You have your school ID from last year, right?"

His voice was smooth, almost melodic, and I felt myself drawn to it. I could stare at him all day, lost in whatever thoughts he kept hidden behind that inscrutable expression. It was strange; the world around us faded away, and all I could focus on was him. He seemed to exude an air of cool detachment, but his eyes told a different story—one that hinted at curiosity, maybe even vulnerability.

He hadn't said much this morning, which left me wondering if he was usually like this or if it was just because he hadn't met Ariana and me before. Maybe he didn't like new people. Or perhaps I was just reading too much into it. Regardless, he was undeniably interesting, and I felt an inexplicable urge to learn more about him.

I hesitated, trying to gather my thoughts, but the words felt stuck in my throat.

I heard Thomas call my name, and I snapped out of my thoughts, glancing at him before shifting my focus back to Cameron. He raised an eyebrow and took a step back, as if trying to gauge my reaction.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I just remembered something." It was a fib, but I wasn't about to reveal the truth.

"What were you thinking about?" Booboo asked, curiosity written all over his face.

I smirked, concealing my emotions behind a playful facade. "You in my business?"

Booboo laughed, the sound brightening the air around us. "Let's go. We're getting you a new school ID."

I shook my head, a hint of defiance in my tone. "I've been here before; I can go by myself."

Booboo crossed his arms and leaned back against the car. "What if you forget?"

I raised an eyebrow, feigning indignation. "Please. I'm China. I don't forget anything."

"Speaking of someone named after a country," Thomas chimed in, sticking his tongue out at me.

I playfully nudged him. "Hey! Don't blame me. I didn't choose my name. My parents did." I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help smiling at our banter.

"You guys! We're gonna be late!" Booboo exclaimed, grabbing my arm. "I'll take her. You can head to class."

Thomas eyed him skeptically. "Since when did you care about being late to school?"

Booboo just smirked. "Bye, Thomas."

Thomas shot me a knowing look, and though I was puzzled, there was an underlying tension I couldn't quite place. He waved goodbye. "See ya later, alligator!"

I chuckled, but my gaze drifted back to Cameron. He was staring at me, his expression unreadable. He adjusted his bag, then turned and walked away in the opposite direction, as if our conversation meant nothing. My smile faded instantly.

What did he think of me? Did I just humiliate myself in front of him? A whirlwind of questions raced through my mind, igniting a determination to learn more about him. I had to understand the mystery behind his eyes.