Ever scowling, Evelyn flicked her head away, turning her back to me. She took a deep breath, raised the inhaler to her mouth and took four deep, slow breaths. After a moment, she paused, took one long breath, replaced the dust cap on the puffer. Dropping the medicine into her pocket, she turned around again, slouching over the table.

Focusing on her laptop, she typed quickly. Her fingers flew over the keyboard then paused. Browsing the internet, she gathered more information. Robotically, Evelyn tried to ignore me. June was struggling not to snicker at the growing tension.

Drumming my fingers on the table, I raised an eyebrow at Evelyn. Not saying anything, I just watched her. Give it one moment longer and-

Growling, Evelyn scowled, wishing I'd stop. "J, really, I'm fine."

Throwing my hands in the air, I nodded innocently. "I know you're fine, but are you fine?"

Her eyes narrowing, Evelyn glared from behind the curtain of hair she had gathered in front her face. "Shut up. It's just the cold. I have to keep my chest warm is all. I'll be okay now."

Grunting, I shook my head in annoyance. "If you say so, princess."

Evelyn jumped her in her chair, squeaking involuntarily. June couldn't hold it any longer. Exploding in laughter, she sunk in her chair, rolling from side to side.

I smirked and resumed my work. My keystrokes were surprisingly accurate as Evelyn's little fists rained blows upon my shoulder.

"Take it back," Evelyn hissed venomously. Her face grew tight as her brows knitted and eyes sharpened.

"Would you prefer Queen?" I teased, glancing at her.

Evelyn's face fell and she only barely kept herself from squeaking again. Shaking her head, she directed her anger upon our group project, refusing to give me a reaction.

Sighing, I leaned back in my chair and smiled at the roof. Evelyn, June and I were in the student lounge, working on a group assignment for history. A moment ago, Evelyn suddenly reached into her pocket, producing her inhaler. I may have been watching her very intently. Hence, making her uncomfortable and resulting in the current situation, but I was worried.

I had seen Evelyn use her inhaler before, but she was wheezing, as if desperately seeking air.

June sighed happily, her gaze growing distant as she rested her chin on her palm. The smile on her face was somewhat creepy. Eyes vacant, expression empty, I could only guess what she was thinking.

Deciding not to ask, I continued working on the assignment. History, boring, information, type. I couldn't help but groan, pushing my chair out from the desk. Standing, I shook my head to clear it. Please, someone end my misery.

"J!"

Huh, wish granted.

Turning, I noticed Charlotte hurrying towards me. Her cheeks puffed out; her lips were pulled in a tight line. Her forehead looked like someone had stretched a skin mask over her face.

"Uh, you good, Wendy?" I asked, my head tilting.

Stamping her foot, Charlotte stopped in front of me, hands on her hips. "No, I am not good. Musical rehearsals start today! We're supposed to be there already!"

Evelyn had been watching me from the corner of her eye but now her head snapped in my direction. Her faced coloured in surprise. "You're in the musical?"

"Backstage crew. These people only want me for my muscles," I joked, posing stupidly and kissing my biceps.

Looking me dead in the eye and with a straight face, Evelyn replied, "They're not the only ones."

Frowning, I stopped flexing and dropped my arms to my side. "Is that a compliment or insult?"

"You'll never know," Evelyn whispered, her lips curling into a smirk.

Her eyes locking on mine, Evelyn and I stared at each other. This began with me wanting to know what she was thinking but her eyes are too damn pretty. Like gemstones, shiny and distracting.

Shifting uncomfortably, Charlotte coughed politely. "If you two could please stop flirting, we are very late."

My lips curling into a grin, I winked at Evelyn. "To be continued."

Slowly closing her eyes, Evelyn took a long, deep breath. "Time and a place, J."

"It's a date then," I said, throwing my arms wide. "Excellent, I can't wait. I'll finish my part of the assignment tomorrow. See ya later, gorgeous."

Hurrying away, I chuckled as Evelyn screamed at my back. A distressed Charlotte rolled her eyes and tapped a finger against her arm impatiently.

"Why are you like this?" Charlotte asked.

"It'd be boring if I wasn't," I replied, puffing my chest out. "Hurry up, you'll make us late," I joked, rushing away.

Whining, Charlotte chased after me. Grabbing me by the arm, she led me the actual direction towards the rehearsal. Laughing, I rubbed my head bashfully and trailed along.

In the common room, Evelyn took a moment to compose herself. Calming her blush and slowing her breathing, she looked at June who was still off in dreamland.

"Earth to June," Evelyn called, waving her hand in front of June's face.

Giggling dreamily, June sighed, ignorant of Evelyn.

Scowling, Evelyn crossed her arms and slumped in her chair. "Bark."

"Hm?" June grunted, instantly alert. Her head swiveling, she searched for Bark; frowning when she didn't find him.

Sighing, Evelyn shook her head. "You've got it bad."

Recoiling, June felt her face flush. "I, I do not!"

Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Evelyn questioned June's honesty. Gritting her teeth, June tried to deny it, but she had been caught.

"Fine," June said, slapping the table. "But not all of us are lucky enough to get flirty romantics. You don't even appreciate it!"

Now it was Evelyn's turn to blush. Straightening in her chair, she shifted awkwardly and started fiddling with her hair. "It's not that I don't like the flirting. It's just embarrassing! It's fine when people aren't around," Evelyn whimpered, trailing off and staring at the floor.

Taking a moment, June thought to herself. Pinching her arm, she groaned. "Sorry, that was a little harsh. I don't know, maybe I'm jealous."

Evelyn scoffed and shook her head. "Don't be, J is... Okay, he's not bad, but don't tell him I said that. Look, no guy is perfect."

"Too bad, we are," June said, flipping her hair dramatically.

Laughing quietly, Evelyn brushed off the compliment. "How is Bark, anyway?"

Her eyes growing wide, June leaned across the table. "Honestly? Surprisingly affectionate."

"Really?" Evelyn asked, the surprise evident on her face.

Nodding seriously, June whispered the exciting secrets of her new romantic relationship with Bark. Unaware, I was across campus, trailing quietly behind Charlotte. She was angrier than I had first thought. I guess that makes sense, this musical is important to her, and she had to come find me when she could have been rehearsing. I'll have to make it up to her somehow.

It was as I made this resolution that something caught my eye. Yes, I know, I'm like a bird. I see something shiny and just have to investigate.

Spinning on my heel, I walked backwards so I could watch the scene before me unravel. Daniel was marching across the schoolgrounds, a furious expression on his face. His shirt sleeves were rolled up and he was rubbing his knuckles.

Stopping for a moment, Daniel turned and leaned against the wall, hiding his face. After a moment, his tense muscles loosened, and I noticed some of the anger vanish from his posture. Though it didn't just disappear, it's like the anger traded places with something else; something I didn't quite recognise.

That mixture of distant hopelessness, frustration, emptiness; it caused my gut to wrench painfully. It seems another person needs my help. Though, I can't do much other than lend an ear and make him laugh. Please, let that be enough.

Still walking backwards, I didn't realise the turn and crashed into the wall behind me. I stumbled but caught myself. Rubbing my sore head, I groaned and looked around.

Charlotte had no pity and tapped her foot, waiting impatiently for me to collect myself. I grinned half-heartedly, stood and stretched.

"Walls and I have an on-going feud, it's brutal," I joked, laughing awkwardly.

Rolling her eyes, Charlotte turned on her heel and stalked away. "Clearly, the wall is winning. Not that that says much."