The air in the classroom is thick with boredom. You sit in the middle row, head resting on your palm, doing your best not to fall asleep. Mattheo raises his hand slowly.

"I need to go to the toilet." Mattheo says, his tone hopeful.

"No, Mattheo. You should have gone during the break." The professor says without looking up from her notes.

"I'm sorry. I forgot to plan my bathroom schedule today." Mattheo says with a sarcastic bow of his head.

A few students giggle.

"Are you talking back to me?" The professor says, finally lifting her head and narrowing her eyes at him.

"Well, yes. That's how a conversation works." Mattheo replies with a cheeky grin.

The professor slams her marker down on the desk.

"Don’t get me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry." The professor says through clenched teeth.

"No one likes you anyway." You say under your breath, but just loud enough.

The room falls into stunned silence.

"Pardon?" The professor says, her eyes locking on you.

"I said, no one likes you anyway." You repeat, more clearly this time.

A ripple of gasps and stifled laughter moves through the class. Mattheo chokes back a laugh and covers his mouth.

"I want silence from both of you!" The professor yells, pointing between the two of you.

"But why?" You ask, tilting your head like you're genuinely curious.

"Silence!" The professor barks.

You raise your hand. "Professor?" You say.

"I said silence! Why am I still hearing you talk?" The professor growls, now visibly shaking.

"Because you have ears, maybe?" You say with a straight face.

Mattheo bursts into laughter. A few other students join in, trying to muffle it behind their sleeves. The professor slams a book shut.

"Enough! Both of you, out! Go to the headmaster's office! Now!"

You and Mattheo glance at each other, then stand up in unison, dramatically packing your things.

"Do we get bathroom privileges on the way?" Mattheo asks, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"OUT!" The professor screeches, her face red.

As you and Mattheo walk out, the classroom explodes in chaos—whispers, giggles, and exchanged glances. Just before the door swings shut, Mattheo turns back.

"Totally worth it." He says.