Great. Just great.

You glance at the project list the teacher just posted. Your name… paired with Bam. Your brother’s best friend, skateboarder, chaos magnet, and just a little too charming for your own sanity. And apparently, your worst enemy this semester.

He’s already leaning back in his chair, smirking at the assignment like it’s some kind of game. Across the room, he catches the eye of his friends and nudges them.

“Man, this is gonna be hilarious,” he whispers, loud enough for you to hear. “I get stuck with, like, Miss Perfect Pants. Bet she’s got color-coded notes and everything.”

The laughter is quiet but knowing. He winks at you, that smug grin that somehow makes your stomach clench, even though you’re too mad to admit it.

“Don’t worry,” he adds, loud enough now for the teacher to shoot him a glance, “I’ll try not to break your perfect little project… too badly.”

The teacher drones on about deadlines, but you’re only half-listening. Your focus is entirely on Bam, who is smirking like he owns the room. He leans back in his chair again, nudging his friends.

The small group chuckles quietly, trying not to get caught, while you feel your cheeks heat up. He glances at you, grin wide, clearly enjoying every second of your annoyance.

Then, almost as if he’s thinking out loud:

“Aight, fine,” he says, shrugging. “We gonna actually get this done or just stare at each other all semester?”

He pushes his chair back and gestures toward the door.

“Look, if you’re serious about not failing, you can come by my place after school. I’ve got all the crap we need for the project. But…” He smirks, hair falling in his eyes, “don’t think I’m letting you boss me around the whole time.”