10 - Attention

JUNE’S POV

It didn’t take long for a lie to become fact.

By morning, I wasn’t just seen anymore, I was known.

People looked as I passed, not subtly. I always looked away first.

My phone buzzed and I looked down to see a message from Jules saying she wouldn't make it to school.

“Bold move,” Lori said. I didn’t turn immediately, I didn’t need to.

“I’m not quite sure what you mean.” I responded, adjusting my blazer as I faced her, matching the coldness she was exuding.

“The post, it was very, very,” she paused, pretending to find the right word. “Convincing.” She finished.

“Mhm that was the point.” I retorted. 

She raised her chin before her lips curved slightly. 

“Oh I’m sure it was.” She paused and stepped closer.

“Piece of advice June, be careful. Things that look perfect don’t usually last.” She smirked.

“Is there a problem?” His voice came from behind me. 

His hands slipped around my waist and pressed a brief kiss to the top of my head. 

Lori smiled before responding, “Not at all, I was just giving your girlfriend some girl talk.” 

“Enjoy it while it lasts.” She said lightly and walked off,

“You seem to draw a lot of attention, don’t you?” He said, turning me around with a smile.

“The wrong kind,” I replied, stepping back. “That girl definitely has some issues.” 

“You’re handling it well.” This was the second time he had told me this.

“I don’t have a choice.” I replied as I picked up my laptop from my locker.

“Walk with me?” He said.

“You never have classes?” I raised my eyebrows before taking his outstretched hand. 

“Mr Dan got injured this morning so I’m free till school’s over then I got training.” He informed me.

“Why have we never talked?” He suddenly asked.

“I’m sure we have.” I replied. 

I suddenly remembered the picture. I brought it out and showed him. 

“I was probably there for Lucas.” He responded calmly but I noticed the shift in his expression.

“You don’t have a good relationship with your brother huh?” I asked.

He turned to look at me before turning back. We sat down on one of the benches in the courtyard.

“Can’t have a relationship with someone that’s barely around. He’s not usually in London.” He replied. 

“Do you have any siblings?” He asked.

“No, I’m an only child.” I said proudly.

“Most people I know who don’t have siblings aren’t usually this happy about it.” He said.

I almost laughed.

Most people he knew didn’t live like I did.

I didn’t say it.

“I love my personal space, thank you very much.” 

“Hmm I hear you.” 

We talked for a bit before I noticed how many people were already in the courtyard.

Some people in the courtyard were busy with their friends while others were looking at me and Adrien.

“They are shamelessly staring.” I said in a quiet voice but loud enough for Adrien to hear. 

“Can’t stop them,” he replied. “They’re looking at a beauty.” He said proudly.

“Cheeky much?” I replied.

“I wasn’t talking about me.” He turned to look at me and winked. 

I felt myself blush.

“Nice to know you can blush too.” He smirked.

I cleared my throat, “I’m human, bodily reaction.” 

“You’re not like the others.” He replied before standing.

“Nice to know your body reacts to me.” He added and I felt myself blush again.

“You’re so annoying.” I said and used a book to smack the back of his head.

He threw his head back while laughing.

The sunlight made his skin glow.

“Okay lovebirds. Time to go, the day is over.” Theo suddenly spoke.

“Damn, are you stalking us?” Adrien replied as he picked his bag.

“No? Hi June, I don’t think we’ve properly met.” Theo said.

“I’m Theo, Adrien’s…” he paused, “No no, he’s my favorite clown.” He took my hand and kissed it.

“Ew no, get your nasty lips off my girlfriend’s hands.” Adrien said, feigning seriousness.

“Woah there alpha.” Theo said which made me laugh.

“I’m just getting myself acquainted with your girlfriend.” He winked at me and Adrien rolled his eyes.

“No Jules in sight?” Adrien questioned.

“She had something to attend to, but didn't show up today.” I responded calmly.

“Alright, have a lovely day, I’ll be taking your boyfriend now.” Theo announced.

“No, I must be with my lover!” Adrien said in an exaggerated manner like we were in a drama, or even a soap opera. I felt people watching and almost felt embarrassed.

“Goodbye.” I stood up to leave when he grabbed my hand and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Bye Carter.” He smiled and walked away. 

I let out a deep breath that I didn’t realize I was holding.

I let myself smile, even if he didn’t see it.

I stood there for a moment, observing the people around me. A few of them looked at me, others laughing, still going about their day.

My mind drifted back to the post. I could picture it, the comments, the assumptions. It was strange how people built stories out of nothing. 

It was even stranger how easily and quickly they believed them.

The gates were flooded with students, I slipped through the crowd and started walking to work but my mind wasn’t on the street in front of me.

I found myself thinking about our conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken that long to someone other than Jules and Savannah.

It was weird how easily we spoke, what was even weirder was how easily I smiled and laughed.

The memory of his laughter replayed itself in my head. 

I caught myself, I didn’t like that I noticed.

I pushed the thought away immediately.

This wasn’t real, it was a transaction. I reminded myself, one fake relationship for a real acceptance letter into Westbridge.

It was what I wanted. 

I had to keep it that way.

I tied my apron and shoved my phone in my pocket, hoping nobody would recognize me from the post.