"Want some?"

Blinking fast, Ashton straightened in his desk. It took his eyes a moment to focus on Michael, who sat with food extended, full of generosity.

"Sure," said Ashton, fingers reaching to grab a few jalapeño chips from the bag.

He took a second to evaluate Michael. He was starting to view him in a different light.

"Boys," Mr. Hemmings cleared his throat, turning away from the whiteboard. "Is it lunchtime?"

"Any time is lunchtime. Food is precious." Michael answered quickly. "Want some?" He turned the bag toward Luke, a few chips spilling out in the process.

He earned a small chuckle from the class.

"Oh, man. These are hot." Ashton groaned, reveling in the attention he received. He licked his fingers dramatically. "But not as hot as me."

"Hush, you two. Clean up your mess, and put the bag away or I throw it away. We don't need rats or silverfish in this classroom." Luke scolded.

"Yes, Sir." Ashton was unable to hold back the smirk pulling at his lips as his eyes found Luke's. "My apologies."

It was only the beginning of Ashton's teasing, spunky behavior. But Luke must have saw that, for the student found a letter shortly after the last chip crunched between Ashton's tongue and the roof of his mouth.

Dear Student,
Do not begin to think that just because we are close you can slack off and get mouthy.

Ashton thumbed over the note, noticing several traces of indecisiveness. The word 'close' must have been rewritten and erased a few times.