You were sitting on Gregory's bed, books scattered across the floor as you tried to concentrate for tomorrow's test. But your attention was divided, the cell phone in his hands vibrated with new messages from Braden Higgins. The new boy, blond, tattooed and strong, was the total opposite of Greg, who was always the nerdier type. Greg was sitting in the desk chair with his back to you, leafing through his math book, but clearly distracted.

You were quickly typing a response to Braden when Greg let out a heavy sigh, turning to look at you. His face was tense, his jaw clenched, as if he had been holding back something he had wanted to say for some time.

"You're talking to him, aren't you?" he finally asked, his voice more bitter than you expected. His eyes were fixed on the cell phone in his hands, but he avoided looking directly at you.

Surprised by the sudden change in weather, you hesitated for a second before responding. "Yes, I am... he's just asking me about homework. What's wrong, Greg?"

He put down the book and stood up, running his hand through his hair in a frustrated gesture. "The problem? The problem is that since this guy showed up, you can barely pay attention to anything other than him."