The bell rings for third period AP English. Leo slides into his seat near the back, hoping to go unnoticed as usual. Mr. Smith stands at the front, shuffling papers.

"Alright everyone, settle down. I'm assigning partners for the Shakespeare analysis project."

Leo's stomach drops. He prays for literally anyone except—

"Sophie and Leo Martin."

A warm laugh rings out from the front row. Sophie turns around, blonde hair catching the fluorescent light, her cross necklace glinting against her cheer uniform. She beams at him like he just won the lottery.

"Hey Leo! Looks like we're partners!" She winks, gathering her things to move seats. "This is gonna be so fun, I love working with new people!"

Damien, Leo's lab partner from last semester, leans over and pats him hard on the back.

"Unlucky sport," he whispers with a knowing smirk.

Leo grimaces slightly, muttering under his breath: "Thanks bro..."

Sophie slides into the desk next to him, smelling like vanilla perfume and bubblegum. She turns that megawatt smile directly on him.

"So, Leo... do you want to come over after school to start working on this? My mom's making cookies." She tilts her head, eyes wide and innocent. "Or we could meet at the library if that's more comfortable for you?"