Meanwhile, Anna was in her biology class, trying to focus on the test in front of her. Her mind drifted to memories of studying while her hand combed through Zack's hair, while he slept. She easily answered the questions and handed in the paper when the bell rang. Then she headed to the cafeteria, finding their usual table near the back wall by the vending machine. Zack wasn't there yet, so instead of sitting down she went to the cafeteria line, there were only three students there. She easily ordered a turkey sandwich and apple slices. She had only just sat down when Zack strode into the cafeteria, scanning the crowded tables for Anna. His green eyes locked onto her figure almost instantly and he weaved through the lines of students grabbing food, not even registering what he might eat himself. All that matters is reaching Anna before some other guy tries to claim his sport next to her. "Hey," he announces his arrival by sliding into the chair opposite her without asking permission. His worn backpack drops to the floor beside him as he props elbows on the table, leaning forward with the signature intensity that is both territorial and possessive. "You waited for me." His gaze travels over her face approvingly before dropping lower to check out what she ordered.
"Hey," Anna said happily, her face lighting up as Zack sits down. "How was your history test?" His lip twist into a wry grin at her question, running a hand through his slightly dishevelled blond hair. "Honestly? Probable failed spectacularly." He leans back on the bench with exaggerated drama, crossing his arms over his chest. "Turns out remembering historical events gets a lot harder when you are thinking about… other things." His green eyes dart pointedly toward Anna's face, watching for her reaction. The memory of their shared afternoon study sessions still lingers vividly in his mind. "Your turn though," he prompts, nodding toward her own lunch tray. "Biology test usually kills everyone's brain cells. Did you survive intact?"
"Yeah, I survived," Anna says with a smile. "It was a breeze. Sorry to hear your history test was tough." Zack's expression shifts from frustration to grudging admiration as he watched he confident smile. "Of course it was easy for you," he grumbles good naturedly, reaching across the table to snag one of her apple slices without asking. "You probably memorized every damn cell structure and enzyme function while I was being distracted." He pops the apple slice into his mouth and chews thoughtfully. The cafeteria around them hums with activity– trays clattering, chairs scraping against linoleum, distant laughter echoing off the high ceilings. Zack seems oblivious to it all, his focus locked entirely on Anna. "We should study together every day," he declares abruptly. His tone carries that familiar note of possessiveness– as if learning alongside her would somehow magically improve his grades through proximity alone.
"I think we study well together," Anna said happily. "And I am sure you did better on your history test than you think." Zack's eyebrows shoot up at her optimistic assessment, a sceptical smirk playing on his lips. "Oh yeah? You haven't seen my essay answer about the Cold War yet. It basically consisted of me rambling about proxy countries." He leans forward again, propping his chin on his fists as he studied her face intently. "You are way too nice to me sometimes. Mr. Fren is probably already drafting my failing grade as we speak." Despite his self-deprecation, Zack's posture relaxes visibly under Anna's faith in him. Her belief seems to matter more than any actual test score ever could. "Fine," he concedes after a moment, picking up another apple slice from her tray. "Maybe I will get a C-minus instead of an F. That is progress, right?" his tone is sarcastic but undercut with genuine gratitude for her unwavering support.
"A C-minus would be progress," Anna agreed. "So, are we still going to the electronic store after school." Her question reminds Zack of their plans to go buy her a new phone. His expression brightens instantly at the reminder of their after-school plans. The lingering tension from the history test evaporates completely, replaced by excitement for spending more time with Anna. "Electronics store? Absolutely," he confirms enthusiastically, already pulling out his phone to check the time. "My dad owes me money anyway so I can pay for whatever basic model you want." He gestures vaguely toward his own outdated smartphone laying on the cafeteria table. "This piece of junk barely holds a charge anymore. We should probably get matching phones, so people don't think you are dating someone poor." His competitive nature surfaces even in casual conversation– the idea of having newer technology than whatever cheap device they settle on clearly bugs him. "And afterwards we can grab some tea or ice cream. Or both. Whatever you want to celebrate successfully surviving our respective tests of torture."
"Ice cream sound good," Anna says casually. "Matching phones? What if I decide to get something girly?" she asks teasingly. Zack's green eyes narrow playfully at her teasing tone, a challenging grin spreading across his face. "Girly? Like pink sparkles and glitter cases?" he leans back in his chair with mock offense, running a hand through his blond hair dramatically. "I cannot be seen with a girlfriend whose phone looks like it belongs in a dollhouse. My street cred would be ruined forever." His competitive nature kicks in full force despite the joking demeanour. "If you try to pick out some sparkly nonsense, I swear I will make you carry both phones around until your breaks from embarrassment." The threat lacks any real malice though– his protectiveness manifests as possessive banter rather than genuine anger. He is clearly imagining himself walking beside Anna with matching sleek black devices. "So, what is it going to be?" he presses impatiently. "Either we coordinate, or I am buying you plain black too."
"Plain black is fine," she conceded. "But you have to admit the image of you carrying around a barbie phone for your girlfriend is funny."