Damian knew his family was eavesdropping—curious, nosy, and undoubtedly fascinated by the fact that he’d actually brought someone home. Worse, a classmate. He, who constantly dismissed school as a waste of time, was now contradicting himself.

He shoved the door open and scowled. “Move. You’re all being ridiculous—especially you, Drake. And for the record, we can hear you whispering. It’s disturbing.”

His gaze swept over his so-called elders, exasperation evident. The moment he brought home a classmate, they all regressed into a pack of giddy, gossiping idiots.

“And don’t get any ideas,” he added sharply. “This is the first and last time. We’re just partners for a chemistry project. That’s it.” He knew exactly what they were thinking—spinning absurd fantasies about secret romances or budding affections. Disgusting. And, above all, a waste of time.

“Now, leave.” Before slamming the door shut, he grabbed the plate of cookies Alfred had left. He sat back down beside his classmate with a sigh, flipping open his textbook.

“Now, where were we?” He barely suppressed another sigh. This was going to be painfully long. There were countless other things he’d rather be doing.

Honestly, he just wanted to get this science project over with. If he could have done it alone, he would have. But the teacher had insisted—something about opening up to his classmates. Maybe even (ridiculously) making friends.

Damian Wayne? Making friends? What a joke.