My Adorable Little Rascal

As they walk back to class after dealing with the two upperclassmen…

Sunny suddenly chirps: "Let's change how we talk to each other, Little Angel!"

Skylar blinks: "Huh?"

Sunny turns to her with a bright grin: "I mean, this whole 'I-you' or 'me-you' thing sounds so formal, right?"

Skylar nods slightly, hands still in her pockets.

Sunny stops without warning, causing Skylar to bump into her.

"Ow!" Skylar mumbles, rubbing her forehead.

Sunny grins, far too excited for some reason: "Let's stop sounding like strangers. From now on, we talk like chaotic besties—no filters, no manners!"

Skylar frowns slightly: "But I'm used to the way we talk now."

Sunny throws an arm over her shoulder: "You'll get used to it. Trust me."

In class...

Mr. Loin walks in and says: "Good morning, students. As you know…"

While he's speaking, Sunny leans over to whisper, voice barely audible: "Hey, later—"

Smack!

A piece of chalk soars through the air and smacks Sunny right on the forehead.

"OW!" Sunny yelps, clutching her head, eyes watering.

Mr. Loin glares at her: "Why are you chatting during the very first lesson of the year?! Be quiet!"

Sunny lowers her head. Her voice trembles a bit: "Y-Yes, sir… Sorry…"

Pfft!

Skylar barely holds in her laughter. In her head: This girl… is such a clown.

Sunny notices and immediately flicks Skylar's forehead: "You're laughing at me, huh?! Little Angel!"

Skylar instantly switches expression, looking completely apologetic: "Ah! I'm sorry! Don't be mad!"

Sunny sighs dramatically: "It's fine, Little Angel. But don't shrink like that! Where's your cool and badass self, huh? You looked like a lost puppy just now. Listen here—in this high school jungle, you gotta look fierce first so they know you're not to be messed with!"

Skylar points toward Mr. Loin, who's now glaring daggers at Sunny. In a voice calm yet chilling, she says: "Yeah, got it. But maybe… look at the teacher."

Sunny stiffens: "Uh… right… I'll… I'll behave…"

Skylar nods with a satisfied smirk: "Good. Now let's sit still and finish this lesson."

Sunny goes silent, but in her mind: Why does she scare me more than the teacher…?

After class ends...

Sunny jumps up, full of energy: "Hey, hey, hey…"

Skylar is focused on something, pen moving across paper. She doesn't even look up: "What?"

Sunny leans closer: "Let's go hang out!"

Skylar glances at her for a second, then returns to writing: "No. I've got a worksheet to finish."

Sunny gasps dramatically: "What?! Little Angel!"

She stares at Skylar, confused: She was fine earlier… Did the worksheet hurt her feelings or something?

She whispers again: "Are you okay? Is the worksheet too hard?"

Skylar frowns: "What are you even talking about?"

Sunny tilts her head 180°, puzzled: "Well, you looked so cold just now when you glanced at me."

Skylar shrugs, still writing: "Maybe I always look at people like that."

Sunny shifts into advice mode: "Then you better fix that face. Seriously. Look at me—see? Friendly! Smile more or you'll never make friends!"

Skylar's taken aback. Nobody ever spends this much time talking to her. Curious, she asks: "So… where were you planning to go hang out?"

Sunny lights up: "Wait—you're saying yes?!"

Skylar smirks: "Obviously not. I just wanted to know. By the way, are you heading to the canteen?"

"Of course! Why?"

"Then buy me a mango yogurt. Here's my lunch card—" She reaches into her pocket.

But Sunny stops her with a flourish: "Hold it right there! Let Her Royal Highness treat you!"

Skylar's stunned. Nobody's ever… offered like that. Usually, people avoid spending even a cent on her. But not wanting to ruin her friend's vibe, she nods: "Okay." Though deep down, she thinks: I'll treat her back next time…

Sunny skips off, screaming internally: Why does she look at a worksheet warmer than she looks at me?! AAAAA!!!She literally runs through the hallway yelling: "AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! THIS IS SO CONFUSING!!!!"Everyone stares at her like she's gone mad.

She doesn't care.

Meanwhile…

After Sunny leaves, Julian walks over and pulls up a chair in front of Skylar.

"Hey…"

Skylar doesn't look up. Her pen still moves: "What?"

He stays silent.

She frowns: "If you've got nothing to say, then get lost. I'm busy."

"I wasn't going to ask, but—"

"Then get lost," she snaps again, cutting him off coldly.

What is this guy doing here? Is he trying to get back at me or something?