*a bit earlier, before school had started*

Stupid, I thought to myself irritatedly. Everything is stupid.

That little 'fight' with Booke had shaken me up more than I liked. Seriously, who did this guy think he was? Staying all calm like that and trying to provoke me, which he did. It pissed me off. Well, more like left me all confused, trying to figure him out.

I rolled my fingers on my right hand, observing my knuckles. That day, when I had punched the locker instead of his stupid face, I bruised my hand a bit harshly. It's healing. It didn't bother me too much, I've dealed with worse. But it only reminded me of the fight.

Maybe I should have punched him in the face, but I doubt it would've stopped him from saying those things.

Do you regret any of it?

Why do you do these kinds of things? Do they bring you any sort of satisfaction? Entertainment?

Maybe there is no reason.

Maybe you're just the average high-school bully.

But I did! I did care! I believed in you!

Because maybe you weren't the person everyone said you were!

I thought I could trust you.

Dammit.

I opened the door to a classroom, turning the knob and heading inside. A tiny jolt of relief burst as I bent down to the backpack on the floor. At least it was still here.

Honestly, who forgets their own backpack at school? Me, I'm a dumbass.

I wouldn't care on a regular basis, but I only realized after I left my phone in the front pocket. Luckily, no one snooped and tried to steal it.

I unzipped it and pulled out my phone, checking once to see if it worked and then reassuringly placed it in my jeans pocket. I guess no one expects to find anything inside a backpack this destroyed.

I was just too lazy to change it. I barely did any school work anyway, so what's the point?

I was about to pick up my backpack when I stopped, my hand hovering above the strap. A strange scent hit my nose, and suddenly I felt a bit nauseous. Notch, what the hell? I swerved my head around the classroom, but it was empty. I bit my lip, puzzled. Is it coming from my backpack? What-

My hand pulled down the main zipper with force, and to my surprise was met with a blinding piece of foil sticking out the top, wrapping something about the size of my palm.

What in the world is this?

The smell only strengthened, and I, determined and idiotic, pulled it out. Whoever did this is gonna get a real-

I peeled open the foil, just a part. But it was enough.

I practically choked, chucking the pulled pork sandwich on the ground, its contents scattering over the classroom in a huge mess. The stench grew like a wildfire, seeping through the air and into my nostrils. My eyes watered immediately, throat dry. I took a step backwards, a sound escaping my mouth.

A laugh. I began to laugh, bitter as the anger rising in my chest, keeping my eyes open to prevent my eyes from watering. I felt everything, and I knew exactly who did it.

"Booke, you son of a bitch."

*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*

P.O.V. switch - Lukas

*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*

The day had been quite relaxing after that encounter with Axel and Olivia. Well, relaxing is exaggerating. I was just able to take my mind off things, ignore the stares and murmurs as I walked past, even if it was for just a few moments, it felt good not to worry about it.

We talked during our break and decided to meet up at lunch, much to Axel's disliking. Jesse wasn't here today either, which was another relief.

After everything Olivia said, I still have chance to fix things. I can take it out of her backpack at lunch or something, like nothing ever happened. Yeah, I thought to myself, you're okay.

The bell signaled lunch as everyone rushed out of class, chatter spreading loudly throughout the halls. I was the last one out, automatically trying to find the spot Olivia mentioned.

Hmm, she said somewhere near the bleachers, I think-

Something-no, someone grabbed the front of my buttoned shirt and pressed their fist into my chest, forcing me backwards. I let out a strained groan as my knees buckled, keeping me in place. They still gripped my shirt tightly, their shoulder touching mine as they faced towards me, put pressed forward to the side enough so I can't see their face.

"You know," at her voice I tensed up, my body suddenly chilled, goosebumps rising over my skin, "you aren't as clever as you seem."

Her voice was quiet in my ear, stern but thoughtful.

I was thrown into panic, frozen in place once again, unable to move, breathe, trying to process.

No, she wasn't supposed to be here today-

She forced me backwards again, shoving me by my shirt, hard. I stumbled as she pulled my up to keep my balance. I was speechless. She knew.

"W-wait, it wasn't supposed to be like this. I-"

"Cut the bullshit." Jesse cut through me clean, tone clear with silent rage. "You've given me a gift, and I plan on returning the favor."

This wasn't supposed to happen.

"I was going to take it out! You weren't here so-"

Another harsh shove, I coughed, hands shaking at my sides in surrender.

"I said shut it, didn't I?" She ordered, deadly calm. I stopped talking. "It's done. You can't take it back like it's nothing.

"You've planned out this battle and won. And because of that, Booke," she released her hold, "you've just started a war."

It annoys me that this chapter isn't the twenty-fifth adjskds cause this a bit of a turning point in the story. I'm literally barely getting started. This was supposed to be chapter eleven or so but nooo I had to go and make it longer. We've still got a long ways to go :')

I was so excited writing this haha I think I rushed it

Anyway, Happy Valentines or Single's Day! Hope you're not having a day as bad as Lukas' lol

<333