Jake's POV

I stand at my desk during science class. We're working on an experiment and I'm partnered up with Drew. I look over at Luke who stands nearby. He sighs.

'What's Luke sighing about? Had a falling out with his freak friends?' Drew asks me with irritation.

'No, I think he's just having some issues in the love department.' I grin.

'Oof, that's tough.' Drew responds with no sympathy in his voice. 'Shame I can't relate.'

Henry sighs. He's at the desk next to ours, on Drew's right. 'I feel for him. Lia still hasn't texted me back since yesterday. I can't seem to catch a break!'

'I keep telling you, stop sending her My Hero Academia memes!' Liam exclaims from beside him.

I look over at Luke again. He hands a flask to Sadie, then looks back down at the floor clutching his arm.

This crush of his must really be getting him down... Hm... Maybe Hailey could clue me in.

'Psst, Hailey!' I hiss.

She looks over at me. 'Yes?'

'I can't help but notice that Luke is looking pretty upset today. He told me something about a crush. You don't happen to know who it is, do you?' I ask.

She smirks at me. 'Why, are you interested?' She jokes.

'Ugh, hahaha.' I pretend to laugh. 'Very funny. I just thought that, well, maybe I could help him out, give him some advice, y'know? I am a charmer with the ladies after all.' I say, grinning.

'Right...' Hailey says. 'But I'm afraid that's not gonna come in handy in Luke's case.'

'Oh. And why's that?' I reply.

'Because, it's Zander.' Hailey says simply, shrugging.

NANI?!!

'Did you say Zander?!' I shout. The entire class falls quiet. Somebody coughs.

'Is there a problem at the back, Jake?' The teacher asks from the front of the classroom.

My face turns red. 'Uh, aha, uh, no, sorry Miss.' I laugh nervously.

'Do you have to make a spectacle everywhere you go?' Hailey says.

'I-I didn't mean to.' I say sheepishly. 'It's just- I had no idea.'

'I thought I might've been obvious by now.' Hailey grins. 'Then again, it is you we're talking about.' She rolls her eyes.

I cross my arms. 'Look, all I know is that they're close childhood friends. I wasn't told it was any more than that.' I defend myself.

Then again, he was pretty protective of Zander that one time...

I think back to the second day in the club, when Luke pulled me aside to talk to me. What did he say again? Oh right.

'I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. But I'll warn you now. If you ever hurt Zander, then you'll be dealing with me after.'

Maybe I have been oblivious.

'Luke has been pining over Zander for nearly as long as I've known him for.' Hailey continues. 'I guess he just doesn't want to ruin their friendship in case Zander doesn't feel the same way...'

Drew stares at us with his arms crossed. 'Are you gonna continue talking to your music girlfriend or are you gonna actually help me out here?'

My face heats up.

'Don't call her/ me that!' Hailey and I say at the same time. She turns back to her desk as Drew continues talking.

'I wouldn't have partnered up with you if I knew you'd just talk to her for the whole lesson.' Drew says. 'Help out, would you?'

'Sorry Drew, I'll help.' I say, annoyed. I step towards the table and pick up a small flask sitting on the table. I pour the contents of it into the bigger flask. All of a sudden I hear the glass shaking before an enormous puff of white smoke billows into the air. The flask overflows and bubbles cover the table.

'Jake!'

Jake:

Same energy XD

---

I step out of the science room and look up at the ceiling irritatedly.

Ughhh, great detention... This is what I get for trying to help.

I look across the hall and see Luke at his locker, still looking pretty unhappy. He rubs his arm for about the millionth time.

Zander's really got him down, huh? Well, I've been there before...

An image of Zander popping up beside my bed holding a flashlight appears in my mind. I shake my head and try and erase the thought.

I regain my focus. Maybe there's some way I could help. I think for a moment, and a lightbulb goes off in my head.

Luke sighs and begins to walk away from his locker.

'Hey Luke!' I call. He turns around to face me.

'Oh, hey Jake.'

'Yeah, hey! I couldn't help but notice that you're looking pretty down in the dumps today. I'm guessing it has something to do with ZaaAAA- that person you like, huh!' I smile nervously and hope I covered up my tracks pretty well.

Luke chuckles slightly, looking down at the floor. 'How did you guess?'

'Well, I know you mentioned something about singing yesterday. I know you might not be able to sing, but you could always just write them a love song! Hey, I could even perform it for you if you like!'

Luke's face lights up. 'You'd really do that?'

'Of course!' I smile. 'Hey, I'm sure Hailey could sacrifice a few minutes for us during rehearsals.'

And Zander will be right there to watch; I'm a genius. Sometimes I even impress myself! I proudly think to myself.

'That would be great! I'll write one tonight! So you'll sing it tomorrow during lunchtime rehearsals?' Luke asks brightly.

'Uh, yeah, sure, but you don't have to rush-'

'Thank you Jake, I really appreciate it!I'm gonna go work on it now! I'll see you tomorrow!' He runs off.

'Uh, okay then...' Maybe he's getting a little too excited, but hey, at least he's happier than he was before.

Well, I'm glad that cheered him up. I hope things work out between Zander and Luke... or things might get pretty awkward tomorrow...