The annual school festival was officially one week away. Which meant the entire school had descended into chaos. Students were running through the hallways carrying decorations. Teachers were desperately trying to keep everything organized. Club leaders were arguing over budgets. And somehow, despite not being involved in any of it, Aiden Scott found himself dragged into the madness.
"You volunteered me?"
Aiden stared at Mia in disbelief. Mia looked completely unbothered.
"I didn't volunteer you."
"You literally wrote my name on the sign-up sheet."
"I volunteered you."
"That's the same thing."
Mia smiled innocently.
"No, it's not."
Aiden groaned. He should've known better than to trust her. A week ago, she would've at least felt guilty. Now? Now she enjoyed making his life difficult.
"Why exactly am I helping?"
"Because our class is running a festival booth."
"And?"
"And everyone needs to contribute."
"I contribute by existing."
"No."
"That's hurtful."
"It should be."
Aiden placed a dramatic hand over his heart. Mia ignored him and continued arranging decorations. Despite all his complaining, Aiden stayed. Mostly because Mia was there. Not that he'd ever admit that out loud.
The classroom buzzed with activity. Students painted signs. Others moved tables. Some argued about what snacks they should sell. Aiden leaned against a desk, watching the chaos.
"This is a disaster."
"No," Mia replied.
"It's organized."
Aiden looked around. Two students were arguing over tape. Someone had spilled paint. A chair had somehow ended up on top of another chair.
"This is organized?"
Mia paused.
"Okay, maybe a little disaster."
"Thank you."
Hours passed. Slowly, the classroom started coming together. The decorations looked better. The signs were finished. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Then disaster struck. Real disaster. Mia was standing on a chair trying to hang a banner. Aiden looked up just in time to see the chair wobble.
"Mia."
"What?"
The chair tilted.
"Mia."
"What?"
The chair tilted even more. And then
"AHH!"
The chair slipped. For a split second, Mia's eyes widened. Then she started falling. Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her. The room fell silent. Mia blinked. Aiden blinked. For a moment, neither moved. Neither spoke. Aiden was holding her. Very close. Close enough to see every detail in her eyes. Close enough to hear her heartbeat. Or maybe that was his own. He wasn't sure. The entire classroom stared. Then Noah broke the silence.
"Oh my God."
Everyone immediately started cheering. Aiden wanted to disappear. Mia's face turned bright red.
"Put me down."
"Right."
Aiden quickly set her down. The cheering somehow got louder.
For the next ten minutes, neither of them could look at each other. Every time they accidentally made eye contact, one of them immediately looked away. Usually both. Unfortunately, their classmates refused to let it go.
"You caught her."
"Thank you, Sherlock."
"It was romantic."
"It was first aid."
"No, it wasn't."
"It absolutely was."
The teasing continued for the rest of the afternoon. By the end of the day, both Mia and Aiden were exhausted.
As the sun began setting, students slowly started leaving. Eventually, only a handful remained. Including Mia and Aiden. They were putting away supplies when Mia suddenly spoke.
"Thanks."
Aiden glanced up.
"For what?"
"Catching me."
Aiden shrugged.
"Of course I caught you."
The answer came so naturally that it surprised both of them. As if there had never been another option. As if letting her fall hadn't even crossed his mind. Mia looked down. A small smile appeared on her face.
"You know..."
"What?"
"You're not who I thought you were."
Aiden froze. The words hit harder than they should have.
"What does that mean?"
Mia hesitated. Then laughed softly.
"When I first met you, everyone told me you were trouble."
"I am trouble."
"Sometimes."
"Most of the time."
"Okay, most of the time."
Aiden smiled. But Mia's expression remained serious.
"Still."
"What?"
"You're also kind."
The smile disappeared. Aiden wasn't used to compliments. Especially not from her. Not the sincere ones. For a moment, neither spoke. The air suddenly felt different. Heavier. Warmer. Dangerous. Mia looked away first. Aiden wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed.
As they left the school building together, the evening sky glowed orange and pink. The festival lights had already been hung around campus. They twinkled softly in the growing darkness. For a moment, everything felt peaceful. Then Mia stopped walking.
"Aiden?"
"Yeah?"
She looked nervous. Which immediately made him nervous.
"There's something I want to tell you."
Aiden's heart skipped.
"What is it?"
Mia opened her mouth. And then
"MIA!"
One of her friends appeared from across the parking lot. Mia jumped. Her friend waved frantically.
"We need you!"
Mia looked ready to scream. Aiden laughed.
"Important?"
"Unfortunately."
She sighed. Then looked back at him.
"I'll tell you tomorrow."
Aiden smiled.
"You better."
Mia smiled too. Then she walked away. Leaving Aiden standing there. Wondering what she had been about to say. And for the first time in his life... Aiden Scott found himself impatient for tomorrow.