Page 17 of The Art of Us by Symone

Rajid twists his mouth in discontent before telling me, “He doesn’t get close to anyone.” Strange. It’s as if he’s trying to deter me from the idea.

“Yeah, so I’ve heard,” I murmur, a bit disheartened like part of me wants to know Brandon.

“Hey, are you going to Heath’s party on Friday?” His question reminds me of Brandon’s attitude.

“Yep. Maybe it’ll be easier to make friends in a not so academic setting.”

He waves it off. “Sam and I are the most real you’ll find here.”

“Hm. You know what? I believe it.”

We chuckle together.

Somehow, my mind wanders to Brandon again.

Rajid zaps me out of it as he starts to say, “Do you have a—”

“There you are!” Sam yelps, skipping over.

He changes his mind when she reaches us.

“What are you guys up to?” she asks, glee emitting from her presence.

Rajid relaxes back against the bench. “Just hanging out.”

“Yeah. Killing time.”

Sam passes an odd look between us before speaking again. “I don’t have drama club later. We should hang out.”

“Sure.” I look at Rajid, expecting him to say he’ll join us.

Hopeful, Sam beams at him.

He turns his head instead. “I have some stuff to do with my father after school.”

“Bummer.” She pouts. “Well, come by tonight. We’ll start a new show.” Gosh, the way her cheeks flush pink for Rajid is adorable.

As they discuss new releases to stream, I scour his features for a hint that he feels the same. But I perceive nothing of the sort.

Classes resume by the sixth period.

On my way to stats, I feel a gentle brush at my back and hear subtle chuckles while moving through the traffic but think nothing of it.

When I turn the corner, I come across Brandon and Eric in the passageway.

And try as I might, I still glance in Brandon’s direction while walking by.

“Wait,” he calls at my back.

Students look both astonished and curious that Brandon is addressing me.

Their nosy steps linger, speeding up again when Brandon throws around a dangerous glare.

I struggle to repress whatever the hell is happening in my body as he comes over.

Eric watches us with a scowl.

“Yes?” I mutter to Brandon, acting tough while a sensation mounts within.

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