The bell rang indicating the end of the period.

"Hey Sam," I said standing up from my seat.

"Sup?" The idiot wiggled his eyebrows at me, grinning like a monkey.

I cleared my throat and gestured at Ash, sliding my glasses up.

He pursed his lips forming an O 
and nodded in realization. 

He is such a blockhead.

"Ren, meet Ash and"-he glanced at him-"Ash, he is Ren, my friend."

"Who's your friend, blockhead?" I teased him.

"You-four eyes," he retorted back smiling. A smile appeared on my lips.

"Hi, Ash. Nice to meet you." I forwarded my hand for a shake.

"Nice to meet you too, Ren." He took my hand and beamed at me.

What! That's weird.

I concentrated hard but nothing.

"Ahem," Sam cleared his throat and I opened my eyes which I didn't realize I had closed.

"Is something the matter?" Ash asked me frowning.

'Leave his hand. That's awkward!'

I left his hand abruptly.

"Sorry, I spaced out." A blush rose on my cheeks in embarrassment and I rubbed my neck looking away.

"It's alright." He awkwardly smiled at me and there was a doubtful expression on his face. I glanced at Sam to find that idiot grinning again.

That idiot.

'Bring him home.'

'Why?' he gasped.

'Don't tell me you have something for him!'

'You dumb head.'

I glared at him while he grinned from ear to ear.

"I have class. See you later." I smiled at Ash and took my leave.

'He is not what he looks like. I wasn't able to learn anything from him. He is suspicious. We need to find out what's his motive. Do you get it or not!'

'Okay, okay. No need to yell. I will do as you said.'

'Good.'

'Later.'

Why? Why wasn't our powers working on him? Who is he? I need to find out.

'Hey.'

'What you want now?' I asked annoyed.

'I am just telling you to stop overthinking. He is not a bad guy.'

'We don't know until we are sure. You got it.'

'Okay. I gotta go.'

I heaved a sigh.

"Mr. Thompson. Is something wrong?" Miss. Waters, my English teacher asked me, looking at me puzzled and every eye was on me.

That idiot. I told him not to talk to me during class. I can't tell what she must be thinking of me.

"No."

"Okay. Read the second paragraph of page no. 23."

Sam- He is annoying and nags me everything. He always does silly things and grins henceforth and makes me smile too. He brings out the terrible me. He irritates me all the time but he's my best friend. 

I stood up and cleared my throat not before pushing my glasses up. Whenever the attention is on me, I do this. It has become my habit and I can't help it.

Holding the book in my hands, I started reading the second paragraph.

†††

I can't help grinning at Ren's cute blush. He was flustered so he ran away.

He is always like that. Once a girl asked him out, flustered he pivoted on his heels and didn't even come to school for a couple of days.

Back to what he said.

"Ash, do you wanna hang out after school?"

Say yes. Say yes.

"Let me think," he knitted his brows; tapping his cheek with his forefinger and his thumb resting under his chin, he muttered something under his breath.

"I don't think I am free," he said after what felt like an eternity and his reply broke my heart.

"Ahh, you broke my heart," I said with a pained expression placing my hand above my heart.

He opened his mouth to say something but I beat him to it.

"It's okay. We'll hang out another time." I gave him a tight lip smile.

Placing the strap of his bag on his shoulder, he looked straight into my eyes before chuckling.

"I am just messing with you. You don't need to ask. I will definitely." My face lit up.

"You little devil," I hooked my arm around his neck and pulled him towards me.

He chuckled, "Forgive me, angel Sam."

"Are you mocking me?" I asked squinting my eyes.

"Do I look like?" He batted his eyelashes, pouting like an innocent child.

I loosened my hold, pushing his head down; I ruffled his hair playfully.

"You are a devil."

"Thanks for the compliment." We both laughed and advanced to our next class.

"My last class is P.E so I'll take some time."

"Take your time. I'll wait for you." 

"Take my number." We both exchanged numbers and parted ways.

†††

La...La...La.

I abruptly came to a halt and hid behind the wall.

"What have we got here? Looks like that new boy is waiting for someone. That's interesting!" I rubbed my hands and smirked as an excellent idea popped up in my mind.

"Let's have some fun!" I was about to walk out of my hideout when two girls stopped before him and one is that Annabella chick.

"Hey Ash, waiting for someone," that Annabella chick asked smiling; her friend Mia beside her.

Well, that's interesting. I never know that chick can talk to someone so politely. I have always seen her kicking butts of guys.

"Yes." 

"Going home?" he asked smiling.

"Nah, at work. See you later." He nodded and said his byes to them. He walked a little and stopped near the wall. He pulled out a book and started reading it, his back against the wall.

"He is adorable." That Mia chick muttered blushing.

"I know." Annabella chick glared at her and dragged her as fast as she could.

Adorable. Is he a puppy or a teddy bear? I don't understand girls. In the beginning, they are like aww you are so cute, my baby, my honey. And that same guy becomes a jerk for them after some time.

Why am I thinking about them?

On finding the place clear, I slowly approached him. He didn't even notice me as I stood beside him.

He was reading his book with utmost dedication, not caring about his surroundings, a small smile graced his lips as he continued savoring every word hungrily with his eyes.

For one second, I felt guilty for breaking his moment of joy but then I thought it's going to break anyway so why not I do the deed.  

"Hey," I gushed and he lazily glanced at me with hooded eyes before continuing reading.

A smirk appeared on my lips. I bent down and whispered in his ears, "Have I interrupted your alone private time?" 

"Spare me a second." I didn't help but smirk at his reply.

What is he reading?

My curiosity got the best of me so I tried to peek in his book from above but I failed as he moved to the other page and folded the front part inward. I moved a little and put my hand on the wall for a better look. 

"If you want to read the book you can have it,- he closed his book and stared into my eyes. His eyes are so warm and bright-"but don't do this! Others will get a wrong impression." He gestured at my position and I got out of my trance.

After a second, I realized what he meant. My face was awkwardly a little too close to his and I almost kissed his hair. I instantly got away from him and cleared my throat.

"Thanks for the offer but I am not into books." 

"Are you blushing?" He asked flabbergasted.

"No, I ain't." I looked the other way.

"Yes, you are. It's clear on your face."

"It's because it's too hot here." 

What a lame excuse! 

Shut up! I scolded myself.

"I don't think so," he retorted.

He is such a jerk. I was here to make fool of him but looks like the tables have turned on me.

I stared into his eyes but nothing. 

My power isn't working!

I closed my eyes and concentrated but nothing.

"Hey, please don't take it seriously. I was just teasing you." He put his hand on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and met with his concerned ones. They are concerned for me. I was amazed for a second but didn't show it. 

"Hey, don't take me seriously too. I am only pulling your leg," I smirked. He continued staring at me with worried eyes for a couple of seconds before he smiled at me.

"Ash." He forwarded his hand at me.

"Wallace." I shook his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He beamed at me.

"I think the same."

I saw the P.E students coming back so I took it as a cue and strolled away.

"See you tomorrow." I waved at him with two fingers.

"Bye," he said in his cheerful voice. I glanced at him before turning the corner.

He was talking with that red-headed Johnson guy.

I passed my tongue over my fangs and a smirk appeared on my lips.

This year is gonna be fun!

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Heya lovely readers! How are you doing?

Here's another chapter. Hope you like it.

What do you think about Ren and Wallace?

Share your views in the comments section and press the star if you feel like it.

Later:)

Stay safe, stay healthy!