Sara's Friday started like any other—except today, the school was buzzing with excitement about the annual science fair. Posters plastered every wall, and students ran around setting up their booths. Sara tried to focus on her own project—but fate, as always, had other plans.
She hadn't even entered the main hall when she spotted Leo, leaning lazily against the wall near the main stage, smirking like he owned the school.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite walking irritation," he said casually. "Science fair survivor in the making?"
Sara groaned, clutching her folder tightly. "I don't need your commentary, Leo. Just stay out of my way."
"Or… I could help?" he suggested innocently, though the glint in his eye betrayed him.
Sara arched an eyebrow. "Help? Since when do you help anyone?"
"Since I decided you might be… worth it," he said, smirking.
Sara wanted to roll her eyes—but instead, she felt a flutter she wasn't ready to admit. Worth it? He hadn't even done anything yet, and somehow, her heart was already betraying her.
---
As the bell rang, they were both assigned to help set up the school's science fair projects, and naturally, they ended up side by side. Leo leaned over Sara's shoulder to inspect her project notes.
"Hmm… not bad," he said, pretending to critique. "But this could use… a touch of chaos."
"Touch of chaos?" she repeated, glaring. "It's a science project, not your personal playground."
"Exactly," he said, grinning. "And chaos makes things… interesting."
Sara sighed. She knew arguing with him was useless, yet she couldn't stop herself from defending her carefully organized plan.
---
Hours passed, and the hall began to fill with students, teachers, and even parents. Sara worked diligently at her booth, trying to ignore Leo leaning lazily on the side, occasionally tossing playful comments her way.
"You're way too serious," he said at one point. "Relax. Science can be fun."
Sara glared. "I am having fun."
Leo smirked, clearly pleased that he could unsettle her. "Sure you are… but don't lie to me. I can tell when someone's lying."
Sara felt heat creep to her cheeks. Why do I even care what he thinks?
---
Mid-afternoon, a minor disaster struck. One of the science fair tables collapsed, sending a display of small chemical bottles clattering to the floor. Chaos erupted instantly—students screamed, teachers rushed over, and Sara's neatly arranged project nearly fell victim.
"Here," Leo said, grabbing a tray and steadying her project before it toppled.
"Thanks," she muttered, surprised.
"No problem," he said casually, but his hand lingered near hers for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Sara's heart skipped. She wanted to pull away—but part of her didn't. She looked up to see him grin, that infuriating smirk that made her chest flutter.
"You're… not too bad in a crisis," he said lightly.
Sara crossed her arms, trying to mask the blush on her cheeks. "I'm fine. I don't need rescuing."
"Sure," he said, leaning back with arms crossed. "But it was fun watching you nearly panic."
Sara groaned. "You're impossible."
---
As the day continued, their accidental closeness and playful bickering continued. Leo leaned in under the pretense of checking her display notes, his shoulder brushing hers. Sara felt herself growing increasingly aware of the small touches—the accidental hand brushes, the proximity, the way his voice softened when he spoke to her.
And then… the unthinkable happened.
A group of younger students crowded around a demonstration near their table, and Sara accidentally stepped backward, bumping into Leo.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, startled.
Leo caught her lightly by the shoulders. "Careful, Sara," he said, his voice low but teasing.
"I… I'm fine," she stammered, cheeks flaming.
"Are you?" he asked softly, holding her gaze. His smirk softened, almost… gentle.
Sara looked away quickly, flustered. She wanted to run, to escape—but her legs refused to move. She realized… she was enjoying this too much.
---
Later, as the fair began to wind down, Leo suggested they pack up together. Sara hesitated. She wanted to say no—but something inside her told her to just… follow along.
They carried boxes and supplies down the hallway, bumping into each other occasionally. Each touch sent little sparks through Sara that she didn't want to admit.
"You know," Leo said casually, "you're… easier to get along with outside detention."
Sara snorted. "Easier? Don't get used to it. I'm not giving in that easily."
"Maybe I like a little challenge," he said, grinning.
Sara felt herself smiling despite herself. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet… somehow, you like it," he teased, voice softening.
Sara froze. Did she? She didn't answer, just shook her head, pretending not to notice her racing heart.
---
As they finished packing, the janitor came by, reminding them to carry the last few crates down the stairs. Leo offered his hand to steady her again.
"You okay?" he asked, voice unusually gentle.
"I… yes," she said quickly, trying to sound normal.
"Good," he said softly. "Wouldn't want you falling again… not before I get bored of teasing you."
Sara rolled her eyes, but her heart betrayed her with a little jump. She didn't know why his words mattered so much—but they did.
---
Finally, as they walked out of the school together, Sara felt the unspoken tension between them growing. Their hands brushed occasionally, smiles lingered longer, and even in silence, the chemistry was palpable.
"See you tomorrow?" Leo asked casually, though his gaze was sharp, teasing.
Sara's chest fluttered. "Maybe," she said softly, unsure if she meant it for school… or for him.
"Good," he said, smirking. "Can't wait."
As she walked home, Sara realized something she didn't want to admit: Leo Carmichael was slowly becoming… unavoidable. And she hated that she kind of liked it.