CHAPTER 8

I sat at the back of the classroom, lazily dragging my pencil across my sketchbook. The lesson hadn't started yet, and I wasn't exactly in a rush to pay attention. But before I could even finish a single doodle, Fay smacked my hand.

"Ow—what the hell?" I hissed, rubbing the spot she just assaulted.

"Look," she whispered urgently, eyes wide with excitement.

I rolled my eyes but glanced toward the front of the classroom—and that's when I saw him.

Zayn.

Standing there in his damn varsity jacket, looking effortlessly cool like he owned the room. And right beside him? Cole. Fay's undeniable crush.

"No freaking way," Fay breathed next to me. "What is he doing here?"

I took a second to gather my thoughts, ignoring the way my stomach twisted at the sight of Zayn standing up there like he belonged. "That's Zayn," I muttered, glancing at her.

Fay blinked, then stared at me like I had just told her I was dropping out of school. "Wait—Zayn? As in the guy you were at the store with?"

"Yeah."

Before she could grill me further, the teacher stepped forward and clapped her hands. "Alright, everyone, listen up. I have a meeting today, and since I'll be going on maternity leave soon, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to the two people who will be helping out during my absence."

Maternity leave? Great. So this wasn't just a one-time thing.

"This is Zayn Carter and Cole Reed. They'll be assisting with classes when needed," she announced, motioning toward them.

Beside me, Fay visibly straightened. I didn't even have to look at her to know she was already plotting ways to talk to Cole.

Blair, who was sitting a few rows ahead with her boyfriend, turned slightly to send us a knowing look. Fay pretended not to see it.

Zayn shoved his hands into his pockets, his usual lazy smirk playing at his lips as his gaze swept over the class. "We won't waste your time. Let's just get this over with, yeah?"

Cole, on the other hand, was more composed. "We'll be going over chemical reactions today," he said, his voice calm. "If you have questions, ask."

That was it. No formal introduction, no unnecessary words. Just straight to business.

Fay nudged me. "You're telling me that is the guy from your building?"

I sighed. "I literally just said that."

She studied Zayn for a second longer before whispering, "Damn. He's hot."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Please shut up."

The lesson started, but I wasn't even pretending to pay attention. Every now and then, I caught myself glancing at Zayn. He moved with an easy confidence, answering questions like it was no big deal, while Cole handled the more technical explanations.

At one point, Zayn's eyes flickered to mine. Just for a second. But it was enough to make my stomach do something weird.

I quickly looked away, pretending to be extremely interested in my notebook.

Fay, of course, noticed.

"Oh my god," she whispered, grinning. "You totally like him."

I shot her a glare. "Shut. Up."

She only laughed.

The lesson went by in a blur, and before I knew it, the bell rang. Students started packing up, but Fay wasn't done.

"We're going to talk to them," she declared, already dragging me forward.

I groaned. "Fay—"

Too late. We were already standing in front of them.

"Hey, Cole," Fay said, her voice just a little too sweet.

"Hey," he greeted back with a small smile.

I glanced at Zayn, who looked like he was barely holding back a smirk.

"Didn't know you went here," I muttered, crossing my arms.

"Didn't know you gave a shit," he shot back, his tone amused.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

Cole, who had been watching our exchange, raised an eyebrow. "Wait—how do you two know each other?"

Zayn leaned against the desk, arms crossed over his chest, and shot me a teasing look before answering, "She's my friend."

I didn't miss the way he emphasized the word. My face heated up immediately.

Fay, ever the opportunist, jumped in before I could react. "They live in the same building," she clarified. "Basically, neighbors but not really."

Cole nodded, seeming to take in the information. "Huh. Didn't expect that."

I turned to glare at Zayn. "You didn't have to make it sound so—"

"So what?" He tilted his head, smirking. "Suspicious?"

I wanted to wipe that smug look off his face.

Cole chuckled, shaking his head before turning his attention back to Fay. "You understand today's lesson?"

It was like all the noise around us disappeared for Fay. Her brain probably short-circuited. "Oh—uh, yeah, kind of," she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But, um... I wouldn't mind going over it again?"

Cole smirked slightly. "I could help with that."

Fay visibly struggled to keep her cool.

Zayn, standing beside me, muttered under his breath, "She's so obvious."

I held back a laugh.

Blair, who was still sitting with her boyfriend, glanced back at us, probably catching the whole interaction. I knew she'd bring it up later.

Fay cleared her throat. "Great! I mean—cool, yeah, thanks."

Cole nodded, looking amused, before turning back to Zayn. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Zayn pushed off the desk and looked at me one last time, his expression unreadable. "Later, Ari."

I rolled my eyes but felt my pulse quicken anyway. "Later."

Fay turned to me the second they were gone. "I am so going to prom with him."

I sighed, already preparing myself for whatever plan she was about to drag me into.