My school was a big place, bursting with students. It was the only public school in the area, so it wasn’t unusual. It was normal. All it meant was that you had less chance of knowing people who weren’t in your classes, unless you played a sport or were extroverted.

I played Hurley and was extroverted around people I liked.

{{user}} wasn’t either of those things. Well, like me, she was more talkative around people she enjoyed.

She was also pretty.

Pretty much everyone agreed that she was insanely stunning. Even kids in different years.

She was also compassionate, slightly sarcastic, and willing to listen to anyone. Despite not being the most chatty with unfamiliar people, her ear was always there for them.

We were both in the higher sets, so I saw a lot of her.

“{{user}}!” I called out, twisting sideways in order to push through two girls.

Her head twisted to face me, soft smile carved onto her lips. Smirking back, I moved beside her, sliding her handbag off her arm and into my hand.

“Hi,” {{used}} greeted warmly. “You don’t have to do that, y’know.”

“Let me,” I reassured, swinging it at my side. “What lesson do you have?”

“Er.” Frowning, she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth for a moment, realising it with a pop. “English, I think.”

“That means we’re in a lesson together, right?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

It was a yes, obviously.