AMAYA

"So what am I gonna do?" Maya asked Raven, a hint of curiosity in her tone as she crossed her arms around her chest again. "I don't know," Maya's discomfort and disappointment were palpable, her crossed arms attempting to shield her vulnerability.

"Raven think, think" he walked back and forth, placing his hands on his jaw and intentionally avoiding her gaze.

Best friends weren't meant to see their friends nakedness right?, his head spun yet He couldn't agree more.

"Maya, we need to think fast," Raven implored, his voice laced with urgency. An idea began to form in his mind, and he checked his watch, realizing they were dangerously close to being late for class. "We can't just remain idle here. We'll be in bigger trouble if we're caught lingering in the hallways."

Maya, frustration clear in her tone, snapped at him, "I'm thinking, Raven!"
She closed her eyes, her mind praying fervently for a stroke of inspiration and the guiding hand of fate.

Suddenly, the bell rang out, its shrill echo drowning the frantic thoughts swarming their minds. Students poured out of classrooms, disregarding the rules and hurriedly making their way to their next class. Maya and Raven couldn't afford to remain stationary. They had to take action, knowing of their school's strict disciplinary measures against loitering in the hallways

Raven's mind darted around desperately for a solution. Not finding any other ideas that seemed feasible, he turned to Maya with a determined expression. "Take my bag and hang it in front of yourself," he instructed, hastily removing it from his shoulder and thrusting it into her hands.

Startled, Maya hesitated, her arms still clutching her chest protectively. "Are you sure about this, Raven?" she asked, her uncertainty evident.

"Come on Maya" he urged, dropping the bag on the floor and turning away.
"We don't have time to waste. Just trust me."

Reluctantly, she grabbed his bag and hung it in front of herself, uncertain of what was about to transpire. "I'm done, Raven. Now what?"

He turned back, facing her with a mix of exasperation and determination. Regret washed over him as he realized his mistake. Slapping his forehead in frustration, he sighed, "Oh man, I was supposed to take your bag instead."

Raven groaned, realizing he had to turn back and retrieve Maya's bag. "I need to turn around, don't I?" he muttered, full of regret. Maya's laughter bubbled up again, and Raven shot her an impatient look, urging her to keep quiet.

"Are you done already?" He asked and Maya rolled her eyes, stepping towards him "Yes Mister smarty-pants. Now what?" She handed him her bag and he gave a sigh of relief.

"Now..." he extended his hands to Maya and she took it. They were definitely thinking the same thing. "We..." They stared at each other, taking in sharp breathes and setting their marks as if they were on a race. "Run!" They took off with the speed of light, holding their hands.

~~~

"Miss Maya and Mister Nick..." Their literature teacher, Miss Ripley started, adjusting her glasses. Maya breathed in and out as she imagined possible things their teacher could say. "You're two minutes behind time..." She raised her wrist and glanced at the time on her watch.

"Have a seat" she stated and they both gave a sigh of relief, walking to their respective seat.

"Today, we are going to explore various figures of speech," Miss Ripley announced, her glasses perched firmly on her nose. Maya tried to focus on the lesson, but her mind was preoccupied with finding a way to subtly communicate with Raven.

Whispering discretely, Maya sought Raven's attention. "Raven," she called out, trying not to attract the teacher's gaze. Raven turned to face her, his eyebrow raised in confusion. "What is it?"

Holding an invisible pen, Maya gestured towards her palm, silently indicating that she needed her notebook. His confusion only deepened.

"My Note–" The teacher caught a glimpse of their interaction and inquired, "Is there a problem, Miss Scott?"

"N-no M-m-iss Ripley." She stuttered, nervously twirling her hair around her finger.

"Okay then, let's continue," she walked to her table and opened the textbook.
As the lesson continued, Miss Ripley posed a question about a figure of speech related to sarcasm. Maya's mind was already brimming with possible answers, and she saw an opportunity to lighten the atmosphere.
Her question hung in the air as she deliberately seeked for answers.

"Luna," Miss Ripley called on one of the students who appeared eager to participate. Luna shared a mischievous glance with her friends before addressing the class. A devilish smile graced Luna's lips as she shared an answer.

"Let's say someone accidentally tears another person's clothes and says, 'Oops, my bad.' Such an apology would be an example of verbal irony," Luna expressed, her gaze directed at Maya. Maya sank into her chair, tears threatening to fill her eyes, but she forced herself to maintain composure.

Miss Ripley applauded Luna's example, unaware of the underlying tension. Maya's heart ached, but she knew she had to endure this ordeal without breaking down.

~~~

It was really a ridiculous sight to see Amaya hanging a bag in front to every single class. Some students thought it was a change of style or a new show but Maya couldn't care less about the whole situation. It bothered her so much.

"Calm down Maya, it's just to cover you up ok?" Raven tried to sound reassuring but Maya wasn't buying it.
"I know but it looks ridiculous" she commented, looking at Raven as they walked in sync.

"The day will soon be over ok?" He patted her back and she nodded. They kept on talking about random things as they walked before they were stopped by a random guy, with beautiful black hair and brown eyes.

"Hey Maya" the guy said, not even acknowledging Ravens presence, holding something in front. "Do I know you?" She asked, puzzled at his sudden friendliness.

"I heard what happened" he shoved her question aside and she seemed taken aback. Where did he know her from?

"Here" he handed her a beautiful blue hoodie— one that could certainly suit her dazzling eyes.