II. Flasback

It's Monday morning, the classroom wall clock reads 7:05, but it really is 8:30. Half of the students are at their desks chatting, and I'm sitting in the second row, on the right. As I open my biology textbook to check on where we left off last Friday, the ear-piercing bell rings and a few students rush into class. As per usual, Mrs. Davis, a frail woman in her 40s, points out how many students are missing, rambles on for a solid 5 minutes about the importance of attendance and then starts teaching. As I was writing down notes on this week's new module on cellular respiration, I noticed that I didn't even pay attention to what words I wrote in my notepad. This happens quite frequently, as I absolutely have no interest in biology class. The last 10 minutes of class are usually spent counting down the last minutes before the bell rings.
Mrs. Davis suddenly gets up from her desk and says loudly:
"Everyone, we have a new student in our class today. Say hi to Jeremy".
Followed by the school secretary, a tall guy enters the classroom. He has tousled dark hair, fair skin and is wearing jeans and a green long sleeved shirt. I immediately notice that he seems shy, maybe a bit uncomfortable. He's also cute. Really cute.
"Jeremy moved here from Canada, he will be staying at Liberty High. Make him feel welcomed!" Said the teacher.
"Oh! And since you're halfway through your projects, I'll ask him to join you, May, for the rest of the work so he can try to follow and help a bit."
Mrs. Davis points the available desk to him, which is next to mine, on the left.
Biology isn't so bad after all.

***

The class immediately ends with the bell. Everyone quickly picks up their belongings, some racing out the door. As I grab my bag and binder, I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. I turn around, meeting Jeremy face to face. His deep hazel eyes are starring deep into mine.
"Hi." he said, grinning.
I freeze for a few awkward seconds, my heart suddenly starting to pound rapidly.
"...Hi, I'm Mayumi, but call me May. How do you like the classes so far?"
"Uh, I've only been to one so far, but biology isn't the worst."
"Oh. Right. Me too." What the heck? Shut up Mayumi.
"You're funny. I just wanted to meet my project partner and set up a date."
" A... Date?"
He seems amused at this point.
"Yeah, you know, so we can work on the project."
This is awkward. A wave of warmth hits my face.
"Uh, yeah! How about tomorrow right after school?"
"Sure. Where?"
"The library?"
"Sounds great, see you there." Jeremy answered as he walked to the door. He probably felt my gaze on him since he swiftly turned around, winked and left.

Author's Note

First draft for the first part of the chapter. More to come!