I scan the room, spotting Lilia first. She sits stiffly next to Ava Grey, glaring at her and looking like she’s contemplating death. Ava looks equally unimpressed, by the way; in fact, her expression says something likeI can’t believe this is my life right now.
I’m still taking it all in when Mr. Anderson calls out, “Adeline Ross! Perfect timing.”
Perfect timing for what, I have no idea.
He flips through his papers, then turns to me with a wide smile that I can’t believe he has plastered on this early in the morning. “Ah, here we go. You’ll be sitting…” He trails off, squinting at the chart. “…next to Liam Grey.”
My brain does a hard stop. Liam Grey. Great. Fantastic. My stomach does a little flip, and not the good kind.
“And Christian Ryder,” Mr. Anderson adds.
Even better.
Behind me? Kai and Will. This is shaping up to be my least favourite day of the week, and it’s only ten a.m.
I smile politely, though inwardly I’m screaming. “Mr. Anderson, could I see the seating chart for a moment?” Maybe I can argue my way out of this. Or fake a sudden allergy. I internally roll my eyes at that; as if I could ever pull that off.
He hands it over without hesitation, and yep—there it is. My fate, sealed in ink. My name sandwiched between Liam and Christian. With a resigned sigh, I hand the chart back and trudge over to my new spot. Liam’s grin hits me before I even sit down.
“Hey, newbie,” Liam greets me as I sit down, a grin spreading across his face. “I have to say, you don’t look too thrilled.”
“I’m ecstatic,” I reply dryly, pulling out my notebook.
He smirks, leaning back in his chair. “Love the enthusiasm.”
Beside him, Chris doesn’t even look up. Liam mutters something to him, earning him an eye roll and a middle finger.
Liam ignores it, turning his attention back to me. “Naomi’s your sister, right?”
I nod, not looking up.
“That’s funny,” he says, chuckling to himself.
In my mind, I can’t help but wonder why he’s even bothering to talk to me. I mean, Lilia did say he was the most approachable one, but why would he suddenly take an interest in me? Does he need something? “Is there something you want?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant.
Liam raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Why, Adeline, do I need a reason to strike up a conversation with a classmate? Considering you’re sat right next to me?”
“Well, no, but I don’t—” I start, but before I can say more, Mr. Anderson’s voice cuts through the room, and my gaze snaps away from Liam. “Has anyone seen Berlin? Or Paris?” Mr. Anderson asks, scanning the room for any response.
Liam mutters under his breath, almost to himself, “Maybe check Germany and France.”
It’s notthatfunny, but it catches me off guard, and I snort. Instantly regret it too, because Liam turns to me, a grin plastered on his face. “See, Ryder? Someone gets it,” he said, shooting a smug look at Christian, who doesn’t even blink.
Liam, clearly undeterred, glances back at me. “Sorry, he’s a little shy.” But then Liam’s mischievous smirk widens as he starts to say, “Well sometimes, because from what I’ve seen lately he’s—”
Before he can finish his sentence, Christian shoots him a sharp glare that even scares me a little. Liam quickly catches on and, with an innocent smile, interrupts himself, saying, “My bad. Sorry, man.”
Christian mutters something under his breath, but I can’t quite make out his words. I don’t get a chance to either, because Berlin strolls in moments later, seemingly unfazed despite being late. She slides into her seat casually, not even looking at the seating plan, and whispers something to Ava that makes her laugh.
“Where’s Paris?” Mr. Anderson asks her, not questioning her disregard for the seating plan. Although I shouldn’t be surprised at this point.
“No idea.” She shrugs, a picture of innocence as she takes out another container that undoubtedly has strawberries in it. My eyes dart between her and the teacher, realizing that Mr. Anderson has never mentioned Kai’s absence.
He knows Kai isn’t here, but he’s choosing to remain silent about it.
“Why didn’t Anderson mention Kai being absent too? He must have seen him today.” The words escape my lips before I can stop them. “He can’t just not care.”
Liam, for a brief moment, looks taken aback, his smile faltering before composing himself again. “It’s not about caring. He’s smart enough to know where his limits are. Even if Kai wasn’t the top student.”
