✓ | 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 ( 𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘀. )

TWO.

lucas friar
Free periods for me meant going to the library to study.

And I was well on my way to the library, until I walked past the gym that was unfortunately planted right beside it. My body halted as I looked through the small glass window to see the cheerleading team practicing for their next game. And the cheer team meant that Maya Hart, their captain, was going to be there. I hesitated for a brief moment at the door, conflicted with myself until I unwillingly continued walking towards the library.

It seemed Maya had this unknowing, invisible hold on me that constantly drew me to her like a magnet. It was the reason why I could never look away. It was the reason why I was still in love with her since the first grade.

I was too deep in thought to realise that I had subconsciously turned around and walked back towards the hall. Before my conscience could take over and redirect me back to the library, I pushed open the gym doors and, without provoking suspicion, sat down at the nearby benches.

I never do stuff like this. Go back to the library, Lucas. I mentally cursed myself for not moving, and yet a part of me enjoyed this. Clearly, I had suddenly become a man of all changes. Though, anything that involved Maya, I enjoyed.

She caught my attention as she strictly guided her team through the routine. Even though the dark hollows underneath her eyes and apathetic frown gave off a frightening impression, she was still so beautiful, in a fragile way. And although the corners of her lips had drooped to an all time low, I couldn't help but smile every time her light blonde hair slightly bounced off her shoulders when she moved.

My eyes scanned amongst the other cheerleaders until it rested onto a particular brunette with dark brown eyes and a smile so wide I was afraid she was going to somehow hurt herself. I thought about the idea I suggested to Zay and Farkle the other day about befriending Riley. I must admit looking back on it now, it was quite a stupid suggestion, but I had lived my entire life with such precision and order. Stupid suggestions seemed to be the only valid option for me.

. . .

An hour had somehow passed by and I found myself standing up just as the girls walked out of the gymnasium. Without thought, I quickly paced towards Riley as she grabbed her bottle from the shelf. Her lips froze on the bottle once she realised I had been staring at her the entire time, unable to say a word. Placing the bottle back down, she spoke. "Can I help you with something?"

"Oh, um, no. I don't think so anyway. Just wanted to say h-hi," I nervously stuttered, scratching the back of my neck with my hand.

She tilted her head for a moment, seemingly analysing my face. It was an excruciatingly long few seconds before she surprisingly lifted the corners of her mouth, forming a wide smile. "Hi!"

And this was exactly what I meant by clueless. Perhaps I was wrong about her being shallow and snobby, because although her exterior gave off the impression of a typical conceited cheerleader, she really wasn't quite that at all. I laughed under my breath, my muscles slowly relaxing as she continued to smile at me. Perhaps befriending her wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

"I don't think we've talked before, have we? I'm Riley."

"Yeah, I know who you are." I smirked at her, and I could've sworn her already red cheeks blush up the slightest bit more.

She clasped her hands together behind her back, rocking back and forth on her heels much like an innocent child. "And you're Lucas ..."

"Friar," I helpfully finished.