*Nate's POV*
The first day of school always had this weird energy to it. Millie and Sam were now sophomores, while Cassandra, Austin, Caleb, and I were officially juniors.
The campus was buzzing with fresh energy. Some people were excited, others were dreading it, and a select few, like me, were just trying to get through the day without dealing with unnecessary drama.
Unfortunately, that last part was not in my cards.
I walked through the halls, nodding at a few familiar faces, but my mind was elsewhere. The summer had been... something. A bunch of moments I hadn't expected, all centered around one person, Sam. And now, school was back in session, and everything was supposed to go back to normal.
Except, nothing felt normal.
The hot topic of the school year wasn't the coursework. It was my breakup with Ashley. I wasn't heartbroken over it anymore, far from it, but the way people whispered and stole glances at me made it obvious.
Everyone knew about it now, especially since Ashley had been parading around with Jesse like they were the school's new golden couple. I just hate that people seem to look at me with pity, as if I was this heartbroken dude with nowhere to go. They have no idea that Ashley and I are still friends, and that I am genuinely happy for her.
Anyway, I had more important things to think about.
Like the fact that I was supposed to meet up with Austin and Caleb later, but instead, I was heading to the library to get a headstart on some readings.
I know, so responsible of me. But the real reason? I just needed some peace.
When I walked in, I immediately spotted her.
Sam was sitting quietly near the window, a book in her hands, completely absorbed in whatever she was reading. The morning sun hit her just right, making her hair glow in a way that was way too distracting. I felt a small smile creep onto my face.
I was about to head over to her when someone rudely sprinted past me and practically threw himself into the seat beside her.
Josh.
Oh, hell no.
I clenched my jaw, watching as he leaned toward her, grinning like he owned the place. Sam looked up, momentarily startled, but then gave him a small, polite smile. That pissed me off even more.
Alright, if Josh wanted to play this game, then fine. Challenge accepted.
With an easy smile, I strolled over and took the seat on her left.
Sam blinked up at me, her expression shifting from confusion to mild panic as she glanced between the two of us. "Uh...?"
Josh grinned. "Hey, Sam. You look cute today."
I scoffed. "She always looks cute."
Sam sighed, rubbing her temples. "Oh no, what's going on?"
"Nothing," I said smoothly, throwing my arm over the back of my head. "Just thought I'd sit here and get some studying done."
"Same here," Josh added, his voice a little too cheery. "I figured Sam might need some help with her readings."
I scoffed. "Oh yeah? What are you gonna help her with? Alphabet practice?"
Sam groaned, rubbing her temples. "Can you two not? I'm actually trying to focus here."
Josh ignored her and leaned in slightly. "I was actually hoping to ask you something—"
"She's reading," I cut in smoothly. "Maybe later."
Josh narrowed his eyes. "Or maybe now."
Sam groaned. "Hey will you guys stop?"
"Oh, we're just talking," I said innocently.
"Yeah, just catching up," Josh added, though his tight smile told me he wasn't enjoying this any more than Sam was.
Sam sighed, shutting her book with an audible thud. "If you two are gonna act like children, I'm leaving."
Josh and I both straightened. "We'll behave," we said at the same time, then glared at each other.
Sam didn't look convinced but settled back into her seat.
Silence stretched for 30 minutes. We actually had some studying done, with the occasional glares between me and Josh.
Then I decided to turn the tables. Of course, I wasn't about to let Josh think he had any sort of upper hand.
I leaned forward slightly. "You know, Sam, that trip was something else, huh?"
She hummed. "Yeah, it was fun."
"You remember? When it was just the two of us? When we walked around by the beach, and sat under that beautiful tree."
Josh stiffened, but I pressed on.
"Especially that last night," I added. "Watching the fireworks together. It was... special. Romantic, even. Wouldn't you agree?"
Josh scoffed. "Romantic?" He turned to Sam. "I don't know, I think what's more important is how you've been happy lately. Completely different from the night we met."
Sam tensed, eyes flicking toward me.
Josh continued, voice light but laced with intent. "You were so down that night. All because of a certain someone." He smirked at me. "So really, I should be thanking you, Nate. If it weren't for you, Sam and I wouldn't have met."
I clenched my fists under the table. Oh, he was good.
I was seconds away from throwing this dude out the window when the bell rang.
Josh shot up like he'd just won the lottery. "Well, time for class! Sam, let's go."
I scoffed. As if I was going to let that happen. I got up immediately and walked right alongside them.
Sam gave me a confused look. "Nate... isn't your class on the other side of the building?"
I nodded. "Yep."
"Then why are you—"
"Just making sure you get to class safe. Can't be too careful."
Josh rolled his eyes. "You're so full of it."
We reached their classroom, and as soon as Sam and Josh walked inside, my eyes immediately went to her seat. Relief washed over me when I saw that she sat next to Millie while Josh was stuck with his friends.
Victory.
With that settled, I finally made my way to my own class.
Austin and Caleb were already there, waiting for me.
As soon as I dropped into my seat, Caleb grinned. "Sooo... how was the ride home with Sam?"
Austin smirked. "Did you guys hold hands? Sing love songs? Maybe kissed like there was no tomorrow?"
I rolled my eyes. "It was great, actually. And for the record, it was romantic. It felt like I was given another chance."
Austin and Caleb exchanged glances, then broke into matching grins.
"Oh man, he's got it bad," Caleb said, shaking his head.
Austin leaned in, suddenly serious. "Look, dude. I'm happy for you, I really am. But if you mess this up again, if you break Sam's heart, I will 100% punch you in the face. She's a good person and she only deserves the best."
I let out a laugh, but Austin didn't even crack a smile. He was dead serious.
I raised my hands. "Relax. The only tears Sam will shed from now on are happy ones. I promise."
Austin held my gaze for a second before nodding in approval. "Good answer."
Caleb chuckled. "Alright, Romeo, let's get through this class first before you start writing love letters."
I smirked. "Please. I'm more of a grand gesture guy."
Austin and Caleb groaned in unison, and I just laughed.
The rest of the day went on like normal, but my mind kept drifting back to Sam. To our trip. To the way she looked during the fireworks, her eyes reflecting the colors in the sky. The way she smiled at me.
I had a lot to figure out. But one thing was clear. I wasn't about to let anyone, especially Josh, take her away from me.
He thought he had a chance? Cute.
I'm going to show him exactly why he didn't.
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