Sara didn't expect to see him outside detention.
She had thought Friday was the only time she had to deal with Leo Carmichael—infuriating, smirking, teasing him. But there he was, leaning against the lockers in the hallway, as if fate had dragged him out of detention just to torment her.
"Well, if it isn't Miss Punctual," he said, voice smooth and teasing. "Taking a stroll, or running from the chaos that is high school?"
Sara's stomach tightened, and she crossed her arms. "I'm walking to class. Not that it concerns you."
"Of course not," he said, smirk dancing on his lips. "Just… happened to be in the same hallway."
Sara rolled her eyes. Coincidence my foot.
---
The bell rang, and students rushed past them, shoving backpacks, yelling, laughing. Sara tried to slip past Leo, but he moved to block her path—obviously enjoying the moment.
"You know," he said casually, "we're practically destined to collide, Sara. Again."
She raised an eyebrow. "Destined? Or just annoying?"
"Maybe both," he said, shrugging, leaning closer than necessary.
Sara felt her cheeks heat. She wanted to push him away, but her arms remained crossed, like armor. "I don't have time for this."
"Oh, I don't think you do," he said softly, voice dropping, smirk softening. "But… maybe you want time for it."
---
Sara shook her head, hurrying to her classroom. But Leo walked alongside her, casually keeping pace.
"Wait," she said, stopping suddenly. "Why are you following me?"
"Following?" he repeated, innocently. "I'm… walking in the same direction. Isn't that normal?"
"It's weird," she said, glaring.
Leo smirked. "Maybe you're weird for thinking it's weird. Or maybe… I just like watching you get all flustered."
Sara groaned, pulling her backpack tighter. "You're impossible."
"Exactly," he said, grinning.
---
Later that day, in science class, Sara found herself accidentally paired with him again for a lab project. Of course, fate or Mr. Callahan had not let go.
"Seriously?" she whispered, glancing at him across the lab table.
"You're thrilled," he said casually.
"I am not thrilled," she hissed, glancing down at her notes.
Leo leaned closer under the guise of "helping," and Sara felt her heart skip. He smelled faintly of soap and something… warm, almost like vanilla.
"Mix the solutions slowly," he said, watching her carefully. "Don't rush it."
"I know how to do it," she muttered, but the warmth of his gaze made her tone sharper than intended.
"Sure you do," he said softly. "But it's nicer when you let me help."
Sara felt her cheeks burn. She didn't need help—but somehow, she didn't mind it either.
---
The lab experiment required teamwork, and Sara quickly realized that Leo was… actually competent. Not just competent, but clever, patient, and annoyingly charming.
"See?" he said, holding the beaker steady. "I told you, chaos sometimes works in our favor."
Sara rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. "You're not all chaos. You're… tricky."
Tricky. The word stuck. She realized that he wasn't predictable like she expected, and part of her mind loved it—hated it—but loved it nonetheless.
---
After science class, Sara tried to hurry to her next class, hoping to escape him. But Leo cornered her near the stairwell.
"Hey," he said, leaning casually against the wall, blocking her path. "You're running away again."
"I'm not running!" she said, irritated but secretly thrilled by the close proximity.
"Yes, you are," he countered. "From me. Admit it."
"I am not," she said, raising her chin.
"Sure, sure," he said, smirk softening into something almost serious. "You know… you could just walk with me. No fighting, no detention, no chaos."
Sara blinked. "And why would I do that?"
"Because," he said, voice low, "maybe it's nice… being with me outside detention. Just… once."
---
Her heart raced, and she wanted to protest. She wanted to say no way, I'm not doing this, but the pull of his gaze made her pause.
"Fine," she said, voice tight but giving in. "Just… for a bit. Don't get any ideas."
Leo's smirk returned, triumphant but gentle. "No ideas. Just… company."
They walked down the hall, side by side. Each step, each accidental brush of shoulders, made Sara's chest flutter. She hated that it felt… comfortable.
---
They passed the cafeteria, and Leo gestured toward the benches. "Sit?" he asked casually.
Sara hesitated. "Why?"
"Why not?" he said, grinning. "For a bit, Sara. No chaos, no fights… just… sitting."
She sighed but sat anyway. "This is ridiculous," she muttered.
"It's perfect," he said softly.
They sat in companionable silence at first, Sara fidgeting with her bag strap, Leo leaning back casually. Then a small, teasing smile tugged at his lips.
"You look ridiculous when you frown like that," he said softly.
Sara blinked, cheeks burning. "I do not!"
"Do too," he said, leaning closer. "And it's cute."
Sara felt heat rush to her face. She wanted to argue—but she couldn't. Somehow, she liked it. She liked being close to him, even though it drove her crazy.
---
The bell rang, and they reluctantly stood. Sara wanted to escape, but Leo's hand brushed hers as they picked up their backpacks. It lingered for a second too long.
"See you tomorrow?" he asked casually.
Sara's stomach flipped. "Maybe," she said softly, unsure if she meant it for detention—or just for him.
Leo grinned, clearly pleased. "Good. Can't wait."
As Sara walked to her next class, she couldn't stop thinking about that small hand brush, his soft words, and that smirk. She hated how much it affected her.
But deep down… she also hated that she kind of liked it.