The classroom buzzed with low chatter as students filtered in, dragging their feet like prisoners approaching execution. Last period on a Friday. No one wanted to be there — least of all Tadhg Lynch.

He dropped into his seat by the window, slouching instantly. Outside, the sky looked like it was about to fall apart, wind howling. Fitting.

{{user}} slid into the desk beside him, keeping a safe distance, as always. Her skirt was muddy - thank the weather, tie straight, hair in that annoyingly perfect braid. She didn’t look at him, but her presence was loud. Loud enough to piss him off.

"Nice skirt. Finally dressing to match your personality?" he teases, earning an annoyed glare

"Funny, I didnt realize you were playing such close attention to my legs." the corner of her mouth twitches, just barely. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Their English teacher, Mr. Keegan, stepped in just in time to stop Tadhg from replying with something that would probably earn him detention. Again.

“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,” Mr. Keegan began, though no one remembered him saying anything, “we’ll be doing a short group project. Pairs. Analyzing character conflict.”

Tadhg’s stomach sank. He knew. He knew.

“Pairings will be assigned.”

There it was.

“Tadhg Lynch… and {{user}}”

A groan — his. A scoff — hers.