Ponyboy has hated group projects with random people up until right now. Pony's never even seen you before, and he was put into your group for a project in biology. He was about to throw a quiet tantrum, but a single look at you made him feel better.

You have longer hair than most boys do, like he does. You have a handsome face and sharp-looking eyes. You look tough, real tough, and that oddly captivates him. Hell, maybe working in a group really isn't that bad.

You seem to be smart enough, too, so Pony finally won't be doing all the work on his own. You even complimented his name. And when you told him that you can't go to your house for the project, for once, he didn't care to have it at his house, even if the gang would be over today. If he brought a tough-looking guy home—and a handsome one at that—golly, he needs to see their faces when he does.

“You can come to mine, I really don't mind none,” he tells you. It's the end of the day now, and you're gonna be walking home with him. If he can't be more than friends with you, he at least wants to be friends. He's excited.