When Evelyn and I returned from our date last night, we went to our rooms and packed our things. I had seen Bark and he asked how badly I had screwed up. After that, he dropped the topic. For which, I was grateful. If I want to tell someone about my date, then I will do so. Otherwise, get stuffed.

Those were the thoughts running through my mind as I ate breakfast. Monday morning, back at school. Everyone was abuzz with energy after the weekend. Though, some were more abuzz than others. June, for instance, bounced in her chair. She watched me with wide eyes, ignoring her food.

I was eating with my eyes shut; out of sight, out of mind, but I could still feel her eyes on me. It was driving me mad. Through all the cacophony of the cafeteria, I could hear her silently asking a million questions.

Eventually, it grew too much. I groaned and slapped the table. Raising my brows tiredly, I eyed June. "If you want details, ask Evelyn."

June's eyes widened and she smiled painfully. "Evelyn's avoiding me," she said slowly, a manic look creeping over her face. "I can't imagine why."

I looked to Bark for help, but he was deliberately ignoring my silent pleas. That, or he was just completely invested in his cereal, which is entirely possible.

When I met June's intense gaze her eyes seemed almost wild. Losing my appetite, I pushed away my breakfast, groaning. "June, there's really not much to tell. We went to a café, bookstore, antique store and the drive-in cinema."

June's mouth curved into a little o, her face filling with intrigue. "The drive-in cinema?" She was quiet for a moment, lost in thought, but then she smiled proudly, folded her arms.

Sitting there silently, wearing a smug face, she was driving me mad. Clearly, she thinks she knows something, but there's really nothing to know. I tried to ignore her, but I could feel the superiority radiating from her.

We sat in silence for some time before I finally snapped. Tilting my head, I raised my brows at June and spoke harshly. "What?"

"Hm?" June mumbled, surprised at my sudden outburst. A grin slowly creeping across her face, she turned her head away and teasingly replied, "Oh, nothing."

Today is going to be a long day. The feeling that something was off followed me from the cafeteria, back to the dorms. As I prepared for classes it hung thick in the air, prickling at my mind. It quickly grew old, and I shrugged it off, figuring things would fix themselves.

Walking into class, I took my normal seat, middle row, by the window. Several of my peers were already there, chatting around their desks. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I switched it to silent and browsed through memes, occasionally chuckling to myself. I was so distracted; I didn't notice my classmates glancing at me and giggling.

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turned to find Charlotte smiling at me. Her long blonde hair framed her pretty face. She stood confidently, her sharp features proudly raised, but her expression was more excited than anything.

"So, J," she began, glancing around the room, as if watching for something. "Is it true you and Evelyn went on a date?"

My brows knitting together, I switched my phone off and shifted in my seat to better meet her eyes. "Word spreads quick."

Her jaw dropping, Charlotte's face lit up. "Oh my gosh. That is too cute."

Nodding slowly, I frowned. "I don't understand what's happening."

Snickering, Charlotte patted my shoulder patronizingly. "I'm rooting for you."

"Thank you?" I said, still confused. Is this a girl thing or is this just what happens when you date someone at school?

Smiling sweetly, Charlotte spun on her heel, stalking back to her desk where a gaggle of her friends eagerly awaited the news. They fell silent for a moment, and I could hear Charlotte whispering. A moment later, all of them erupted in a mess of hushed giggles and excited mutterings.

Sighing, I closed my eyes and ran my hand through my hair. I could now feel my classmate's eyes on me. What were they waiting for? Yep, today is definitely going to be a long day.

Gazing out the window, I let my thoughts slip away and relaxed. It worked, I tuned out all sounds. Everything was fine until Evelyn entered the room. She stepped in and someone gasped. Charlotte's crew watched expectantly.

Turning, I noticed Evelyn. I smiled and waved to her. She tried to scowl but was too embarrassed. Colour filling her cheeks, Evelyn dropped her eyes to the floor and scurried to her desk. Sitting a few rows in front, her back was to me. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, but her face was probably burning right now. She really is useless when it comes to people she isn't comfortable around.

Rising from my desk, I made to approach Evelyn, but Charlotte caught my gaze. The blonde-haired girl was smiling broadly and gesturing for me to go speak with Evelyn. I shook my head and waved dismissively, deciding to ignore her.

Several long strides and I was beside Evelyn's desk. Her hair was out today, and she was using it to cover her face. I tapped on her desk, and she groaned. "Go away."

Chuckling, I squatted in front of her desk. "Aw, are you embarrassed of me?"

Evelyn waited a moment before responding. Shaking her head, she mumbled, "no."

"Then why are you hiding behind your hair? I can't see your pretty face if you do that," I teased, grinning.

Scowling, Evelyn dropped her hand and peered at me from behind loose strands of her silky hair. "I'm not embarrassed of you. I'm just not used to all the attention."

June had bugged me earlier, and some people had been giving me weird looks, but I hardly even noticed it at first. My head tilted curiously. "Is it that bad?"

Her eyes growing wide, Evelyn nodded. "They cornered me. I had to talk to people."

Throwing my head back, I laughed to the sky. "Oh no, not people!"

Evelyn glared and kicked me under the table. "Shut up. You're good with people!"

I was shaking my head before she finished. "Nope, not really." Sheepishly rubbing at my neck, I confessed. "I just fake it till I make it. The only people I like being around are you, June and Bark. Actually, scratch that, jury's still out on Bark."

The chuckle died on my lips when Evelyn frowned. She rested her head in her hands, but not before I noticed how sad she looked. My gut wrenched as I realised how upset she was.

Sighing, I shook my head and thought for a moment. It was weird to see Evelyn like this; self-conscious, I mean. I've never seen her care for anyone's opinion before. Though, I suppose she used to ghost through the school; there one moment and gone the next. Did one date really make her so interesting?

Closing my eyes, I thought intently. My foot tapped incessantly as I searched for something to say. I was so focused I didn't hear the last students entering the classroom and I didn't notice the silence.

Ms. Mira cleared her throat, ripping me from my thoughts. Her face was set in an annoyed question. She leaned against her desk and sighed. "Something to say, J?"

Grunting, I stood up. "Not right now," I said, heading back towards my desk.

Just before I took my seat, Charlotte giggled. Smirking, she whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "Dating someone popular, makes you popular."

I'm so lost. Seriously, what is going through her head? That was uncalled for. Besides, neither of us is popular.

Frowning, my eyes flicked to Evelyn. My jaw dropped when I saw it. Her head was bowed, and she hardly reacted, but I could tell that she was tense. No doubt about it, she was scowling. Just like that, Charlotte had swapped Evelyn's embarrassment for anger.

I recoiled in shock. Honestly, that was impressive. Charlotte had so quickly and subtly helped. The talent of a true people person.

My eyes shifted to focus on Charlotte. She was smiling and watching me from her peripheral vision. She drummed her fingers lightly on the desk before turning her attention to Ms. Mira.

I guess things change after you start dating someone. Strange to know that I never really thought about it. Change can bring challenge, but that doesn't mean it is bad. We may have to roll with the punches, but we'll be alright. We're too stubborn to fall apart so easily.

Glancing at Evelyn, I smiled and laughed silently. My gaze drifted outside, and I watched fallen leaves bouncing in the breeze. Breathing a contented sigh, my mind slipped away. I missed the lesson. I'll have to study hard and catch-up later. Not that I mind, just means I can return to our space; that little corner of the library where I met a beautiful girl.