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JUNE’S POV

I didn’t usually approach people like Adrien Hayes. 

Not because I’m intimidated but because people like him didn’t belong in the same world as people like me.

Coming to school today hoping things would magically fall into place would be stupid.

Hope wasn’t a strategy.

 If I wanted something, I had to go after it. 

Politics class was the only one we shared. That made it my smartest option.

“Hi Mr Emmanuel.” I greeted my politics teacher. 

“Hello June, how can I help you?” He asked, not raising his eyes.

“I was going through the syllabus recently and realized how much there still is to cover,” I started. He looked up at me, showing some sort of interest.

“I was thinking that we have a presentation, to revise more topics faster.” I continued, hoping I was convincing him.

“Hmm that doesn’t sound bad. I’ll think about it, thank you.” He responded. I knew how much he loved presentations. I was certain this was going to work.

“I’d love to be Alya’s partner.” I slipped in, just to give him an idea for the partnerships.

“Goodbye June.” He chuckled.

“Of course, see you later today in class.” I replied before walking out. 

My plan was simple. 

Phase one was to get in a team with him, I hoped that had been ticked off. 

I checked Adrien’s records, he wasn’t doing well in politics. That provided a very convenient idea.

At lunch, I texted Jules to meet me in the courtyard.

“I need your help.” I told her.

“Okay, with what?” She asked.

“I need you to interview the football players for the newspaper. Just an idea.” I said.

“Hmm okay, that’s alright. But how am I helping you in all of this?” She questioned, a cranberry juice in hand.

“Don’t deep this. I need you to involve grades or something, about Adrien. Since he’s the best striker on the team, it would be a bad look for him to fail a class no?” I explained. Jules watched me closely, probably trying to understand.

“Hmm, why?” She asked.

“Just trust me. Can you do it today?” I replied.

“Alright, don’t do anything crazy.” She warned.

“You’re the best! See why I love you.” I replied and hugged her.

“Yeah, I brought your favorite drink and it won’t be cold for long.” She responded and pulled out a bright yellow drink from her bag.

“Aw thank you.” 

“Of course, I never enjoy them anyways.” 

Immediately after history class, I went into Coach Roger’s office, determined to accomplish my plan.

Which was to make him realize how bad his star player was doing.

“Hello sir, good afternoon.” I greeted.

“How can I help you June?” He asked.

“I just came to express my concerns about one of your players.” I began.

“I share politics class with him and he’s failing. I just wanted to offer some assistance. If anyone needs help, I think I can be available.” I explained.

“Hmm, okay. Which one of them?” He asked, suddenly interested. 

Coach Rogers took football trainings seriously but not at the expense of academics.

“Adrien. I just want to do something nice before we all graduate. I wouldn’t want any of our players’ future to be jeopardized.” I said smiling.

This was the best performance of my life.

“Thank you June. I’ll look into it.” He responded.

I left his office, knowing I’d sown the right seeds.

By the time politics class arrived, one of my goals was already accomplished.

Mr Emmanuel had begun pairing students for a presentation on Africa.

I paid attention. 

There was a pattern, he was pairing opposites. People who naturally didn’t work together.

“Adrien Hayes and..” 

His eyes scanned the room and landed on me.

“June Carter.” 

Bingo.

A few heads turned towards me, as expected. 

I didn’t react but internally, I felt that click.

Opportunity, not luck. 

We spent the rest of the class finishing the previous topic, but my focus had already shifted.

Timing mattered and this was perfect timing.

“Hi June, can I talk to you for a moment?” Adrien caught up to me as I left the class.

I wasn’t surprised.

“Sure, about the presentation right?” I asked.

“Yeah, library?” 

“Right now?” I raised my eyebrows instinctively.

“Yes, that’s if you’re free of course. I’ll be occupied for the rest of the day, except we work on it after school.” His gaze stayed on me, waiting for an answer.

I mentally flipped through my schedule. I had two free hours.

“That will be alright.” I responded.

I went to the library ahead of him.

I set everything up. I arranged the textbooks, uncapped my highlighters, opened a computer and my notes.

By the time he arrived, I was already working.

“Woah. You’re very serious.” He said after noticing the set up.

“Or you’re not serious enough?” I replied dryly,

“Why start so early?” My curiosity got the better of me.

“It’s not a bad thing, is it?” He met my eyes.

“You don’t strike me as someone who reads ahead.” I spoke honestly.

He chuckled, “Making assumptions about me isn’t something I expected June Carter to do.” 

“So, how are we going to survive this? Should we take parts or?” He changed the subject.

“By not treating it like something to survive.” I responded.

There was a pause then he let out a quiet laugh.

“We both cover everything, no weak points. Analysis is crucial…” I continued with my explanation.

“Got it.” 

We worked and for a while it was quiet. 

“You’re good at this.” I glanced up.

“At what?” I asked.

“Thinking.” 

That almost made me laugh.

“It’s really impressive.” He added and I didn’t know how to respond.

About thirty minutes later, Theo’s voice cut through the quiet. 

He took Adrien with him.

I watched them go for a second, then packed up my things.

I wasn’t annoyed, just needed to adjust.

Plans rarely worked perfectly on the first attempt.

That didn’t mean they failed, they just needed refining