The morning at Westbridge High buzzed like any other, but for Axel, it was different. He strolled into the school wearing the same bored expression, but his mind wasn't as quiet as usual. Last night kept replaying in the background of his thoughts Noah's half-lidded eyes, his sleepy slur, that weirdly honest moment in the backseat of the cab. The way Axel had actually cared. The way it... lingered. He didn't even notice Jasmine walk up beside him until she elbowed his side. "Yo," she said, eyeing him with a grin. "You went ghost after school yesterday. Where'd you disappear to?" Axel rubbed the back of his neck. "Had to help someone. They were... kinda drunk." "Ooooh," she said with a knowing smirk. "A 'someone'? Anyone I know?" Axel gave her a crooked smile but didn't answer. Jasmine raised her eyebrows but didn't push. "Fine. Keep your secrets. Just don't expect me to spill any of mine when your emo ass suddenly wants gossip." He snorted. "Fair enough." They reached homeroom just as the bell rang. Mr. Langford their former history teacher, now part-time guidance counselor was standing in for their absent homeroom teacher. The man smiled like it hurt his face.
"Morning, students. Quick announcement before first period. A few of you will be assisting with class duties this week: organizing classroom materials, wiping boards, making sure the supply shelves aren't the disaster zones they usually are." He looked down at a paper. "Axel Rowe, Noah Foster, and two others. Your assigned room is 3B. After school. Don't run off." Axel rolled his eyes. Of course. As everyone started to file out for first period, Javier slapped Axel's shoulder. "Man, you're cursed. Cleaning duty already? With Foster?" "Could be worse," Axel muttered. But even he didn't believe it. Third period was history. Ironically. The teacher Mr. Chen was discussing the concept of revolution and reform in modern societies, and he loved his dramatic lecture moments. "So," he said, pacing dramatically, "can anyone explain the key differences between the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution?" Axel's hand shot up. So did Noah's.
Mr. Chen blinked. "Let's make this fun. Mr. Rowe, Mr. Foster enlighten us. One difference each." Axel leaned back in his seat casually. "The French Revolution was more about internal class struggle. The Haitian Revolution was rooted in slavery and colonial oppression." Noah's voice followed immediately, clear and sharp. ""unlike the French, the Haitians actually succeeded in creating the first Black republic, despite being underestimated globally." There was a beat of silence, then a few impressed murmurs from the class. Mr. Chen grinned. "Well done, both of you." Axel glanced sideways. Noah wasn't looking at him. But his lips had curled just slightly After school, Axel walked into room 3B, muttering under his breath. The classroom was empty except for Noah, already organizing some folders at the front desk. "Didn't think you'd show," Noah said without looking up. "I'm responsible now, didn't you hear?" Axel replied, tossing his bag into a corner.
They worked mostly in silence, stacking textbooks and wiping the whiteboard. Tension hung in the air like humidity. Until something small but solid smacked against the open door a crumpled paper ball. Then another. Axel's brows lowered. He turned just in time to see two idiots from another class peeking around the corner and tossing in junk like it was funny. "Seriously?" he muttered. One of the paper balls was aimed at Noah's head. Without thinking, Axel moved. He stepped in front just as it flew toward them, knocking Noah slightly out of the way. The two of them stumbled, Axel's arm still across Noah's chest, and they crashed to the floor with a dull thud. Noah blinked up at him. Axel blinked down. The world slowed for a second. Neither of them moved. Axel's hand was still planted beside Noah's shoulder, and their faces were too close. Way too close. Noah's breath caught slightly. Axel felt heat rising in his face. He pushed off quickly, standing. "Sorry." Noah sat up, brushing imaginary dust from his jeans. "It's... fine." Neither of them spoke for a second. Then Noah stood fully and muttered, "Thanks."
Axel didn't answer just nodded and picked up the fallen papers, heart hammering louder than he'd ever admit. Later, on the walk out, Nat met him by the lockers. "So?" she asked, casually popping gum. "Anything exciting happen on class duty?" Axel stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Nothing worth mentioning." But his ears were red. And Nat noticed. She didn't say anything. But her grin said plenty.