“Are you okay, Ryacell?” Rashelle asked.

They were reading the book together for the project.

“Everything’s jake,” he answered. “Which part are we on again?”

“Um, Candide ran away with Cunégonde,” Rashelle explained and laughed, “Killin’ for the one you love! How romantic!”

“Yeah,” Ryacell couldn't keep his mind at ease. “Rashelle?”

“Yes? Another question?” Rashelle cocked her head to the side.

Ryacell whispered, “What do ya’ think about Saphire?”

Rashelle stared at the ceiling in thought before answering, “She’s so beautiful. I wish I made a better first impression.”

Although the guys had already told him, Ryacell wanted to hear it from Rashelle. “What happened?”

“Well, when she was visiting each classroom, she hugged me upon first glance. I can’t remember what she said to me since I was so nervous. I accidentally pushed her away, apologized, and reintroduced myself.”

“Anythin’ else?” Ryacell tapped the desk.

“She seemed...disappointed,” Rashelle recalled. “Maybe a bit sad? I don’t know. Honestly,” she threw her hands out, “she probably hates me, even more so now that I’m partnered with you.”

“W-why?” Ryacell looked up at Rashelle.

Rashelle leaned in to whisper, “Aren’t ya’ two...ya’ know...together?”

Ryacell’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Ahh,” Rashelle bit her lip, “like Candide and Cunégonde.”

“No!” Ryacell shouted.

The class stared at him for a moment before continuing their discussions.

Ryacell repeated, “No, we’re...not like that. We’re just...friends.”

“Aww, you two would be cute together,” Rashelle pouted. “I’m sure she has a crush on you, at least.”

Ryacell didn’t listen to what Rashelle said. He saw Saphire stop at their door, observing. Ryacell hid behind his book, making Rashelle turn around. Rashelle waved at Saphire, to which he walked off swiftly.

“See?” Rashelle pointed out. “She hates me.”

“Oh, trust me,” Ryacell was still hiding. “That’s not how she looks when she hates someone.”

“If you say so,” Rashelle shrugged her shoulders.

The rest of the school day seemed normal despite Ryacell’s constant paranoia. He distracted himself through basketball with the guys. His exceptional sportsmanship was less of an appeal effort, and rather, a release of stress.

***

Rashelle and her friends watched the boys from afar play their little ball game. Class Eight was against them like it was the battle of the century. Rashelle’s class usually had difficulty, but today was different. They had a secret weapon.

“Ryacell’s really good!” Jenine commented as Ryacell smacked the ball out of a towering preteen’s hand, scoring another point in the process.

Mary chuckled, “Maybe he’s too small for them to catch.”

Two of the upperclassmen, faces like scheming snakes, glanced at the girls and smirked. Rashelle cringed.

Voletta nudged her. “Did you see that? Alvere and Corben looked at you.”

“Bleh,” Rashelle stuck her tongue out. Leneah shivered with her.

Alvere and Corben tried cornering Ryacell, but he darted through them.

Jenine wondered, “Do you think Jasper would be jealous of Ryacell? Chloe is awfully fond of him.”

“Ryacell’s cuter than Jasper,” Voletta added.

Coincidentally, Ryacell successfully blocked Jasper, causing Chloe’s group to cheer excessively. Within the flurry of alleluias, Rashelle’s thought of how nice it would’ve been for Saphire to motivate Ryacell within the crowd.

***

Ryacell did not go back home with Saphire. Instead, he took a metro to the northern borough and walked back to Benny’s territorial corner, hoping to see him.

“Benny!” Ryacell called out to the carrot-head who was passing out a few more newspapers.

“Woah,” Benny and Ryacell did their handshake, “look at you, fancy boy! Any news on your lady friend?”

“Swell,” Ryacell mumbled, and then, confirmed, “Saphire’s an adopted daughter, right?”

“That’s what the article said if I’m rememberin’ correctly,” Benny concentrated. “Why you askin’ me? You’re the fanboy!”

“Jus’ confirming! Why did I like her so much?!” Ryacell thoughts were overrun by the boy he saw that morning.

“Charity,” Benny answered, passing his last paper. “Her face? Both? Look man, are ya’ doubting yourself or something?”

“I guess?” Ryacell awkwardly grinned.

Benny stroked his chin. “Did ya’ two have a fight?”

“...Yes.”

“Ohh,” Benny put his arm around Ryacell, “no need to explain, buddy. That’s none of my business. But, you are always welcome to visit if ya’ feel down in the dumps.”

“Thanks, Ben,” Ryacell smiled.

“Just not tonight. I promised my lil’ sister that I’d play with her,” Benny said. “Then, you can visit.”

“Okay,” Ryacell laughed. “I’ll be fine tonight. I should probably head home now, actually.”

“I’ll see ya’ around!” Benny waved. “Oh! And buy her somethin’ nice! Like chocolate!”

“I hear ya’!” Ryacell walked back to his apartment. He changed clothes and ate by himself.

The boy was finally feeling more at ease until he heard a knock on the door.