The next day, Aiden couldn't stop thinking about the project. Which was ridiculous. It was just a presentation. He had done dozens of presentations before. Well... Actually, he'd barely done any presentations. Most of the time he convinced someone else to do the work. But this time was different. This time, Mia was his partner.And for some reason, that made him want to do a good job. As soon as the final bell rang, Mia approached his desk.
"Ready?"
Aiden grabbed his backpack.
"Ready."
The two walked toward the library together. Aiden immediately noticed the looks they were getting. Students whispered as they passed. Some looked surprised. Others looked curious. One girl nearly dropped her phone when she saw them. Mia didn't seem to notice, or maybe she simply didn't care.
"So," Aiden said as they entered the library, "what's our topic?"
Mia opened her notebook.
"The impact of social media on teenagers."
Aiden groaned.
"That sounds boring."
Mia looked at him.
"Everything sounds boring to you."
"Not everything."
"Oh?"
Aiden grinned.
"You."
Mia stared at him. For a moment, neither spoke. Then she rolled her eyes.
"That was terrible."
"I thought it was pretty good."
"It wasn't."
Aiden laughed.
The librarian immediately shushed him.
"Sorry."
Mia smirked.
"You lasted thirty seconds."
"A new record."
They found a table near the back of the library. Mia immediately got to work. Aiden immediately got distracted. Five minutes later, he was spinning a pencil between his fingers. Ten minutes later, he was staring out the window. Fifteen minutes later, Mia snapped her fingers in front of his face.
"Earth to Aiden."
He blinked.
"What?"
"Are you helping?"
"I am helping."
"How?"
"I'm providing moral support."
Mia sighed dramatically.
"Aiden."
"Fine."
He sat up straighter.
"What do you want me to do?"
Mia slid a sheet of paper toward him.
"Research the positive effects of social media."
"Easy."
To her surprise, Aiden actually started working. For the next twenty minutes, he stayed focused. No jokes. No complaints. No distractions. Mia found herself watching him. He looked different when he was concentrating. Calmer. More serious. Almost... Responsible. Aiden suddenly looked up.
"Why are you staring at me?"
Mia nearly dropped her pen.
"I wasn't staring."
Aiden grinned.
"Sure."
"I wasn't."
"You definitely were."
Mia immediately recognized her own words from their first day together. The realization made her laugh.
"Okay, maybe a little."
Aiden looked far too pleased with himself.
"Interesting."
"Don't get excited."
"Too late."
Mia shook her head.
Sometimes he was impossible. An hour later, they had finished most of the research. Aiden stretched his arms.
"Finally."
"You did a good job."
The words slipped out before Mia could stop them.
Aiden froze.
"What?"
"You did a good job."
His eyes widened.
"Say it again."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
Aiden dramatically wiped an imaginary tear.
"I'll remember this moment forever."
Mia laughed.
The sound made him smile immediately. For a brief moment, everything felt easy, Comfortable. Like they'd known each other for much longer than a week. As the sun began setting outside, they packed their bags. When they stepped out of the library, the parking lot was nearly empty. Mia adjusted her backpack.
"My ride should be here soon."
Aiden nodded. For some reason, he wasn't ready for the day to end.
"I had fun."
The words surprised both of them.
Mia smiled softly.
"Me too."
For a second, neither looked away. Then a car pulled up beside the curb.
"My mom's here."
"Oh."
Mia opened the passenger door before pausing.
"Aiden?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for actually helping."
Aiden laughed.
"You're welcome."
She smiled one last time before getting into the car. Aiden stood there watching as it drove away. A strange feeling settled in his chest. He missed her already. And that realization scared him more than he'd ever admit. Because for the first time in his life... This wasn't just a crush anymore.