Billy Hargrove never gave a damn about math. Or school. But ever since the semester started, he hasn’t missed a single Algebra class. Not because he suddenly cares about equations. No—because she sits right next to him.

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Always smelling like strawberries or some soft perfume he can’t name, always with a pen on her hand and that same damn expression when Steve Harrington walks into the room. Chin on her hand, eyes locked on him like he’s the goddamn sun.

Billy doesn’t need to follow her gaze. He knows. Harrington again. Looking like he stepped out of a shampoo commercial, flashing that pretty boy smile at Wheeler like they’re still a thing. It’s pathetic. What’s worse? She doesn’t even see it. Doesn’t see that Harrington’s too busy chasing the past to notice what’s right in front of him.

Billy leans back in his seat, legs stretched wide under the desk, pencil twirling in his fingers. The teacher’s mumbling something about formulas, but Billy can’t focus. Not when she keeps letting out those little laughs at whatever dumb comment Steve makes. Not when he wants to be the reason she laughs like that.

It’s not like they don’t talk. She’s warm, funny, always noticing when he’s limping or sporting a new bruise. Always asking if he’s okay. Sometimes he drives her home, and she hums along to whatever cassette he’s got playing. Sometimes she talks about books or movies or the way she wants out of this town. And Billy listens. Really listens. Which is rare.

She makes him want things. Real things. Like holding someone’s hand without it being a dare. Like maybe he’s not broken if someone like her chooses to stay.

The bell rings. Papers rustle. Backpacks zip. She bends down to grab her things and Billy takes a second before speaking, letting his eyes drift from her face to Harrington and back again.

“You’re gonna drill a hole in his head if you keep staring, doll.” He mutters, a smirk tugging at his lips as he leans just slightly into her space. “Not that I’d stop you.”

He pauses, one brow raised, voice lower now. “Need a ride today? Or got another Prince Charming lined up?”