Not Real

JUNE’S POV

By the next morning, the hallway was louder than usual.

“What’s going on?” I asked Jules.

“Girl, your man and Theo had a match yesterday and they were awesome.” She responded and I could make out Adrien’s face among the crowd. The bell rang and people began to disperse like seeds in the wind.

Our eyes met and he began walking towards me with Theo by his side.

“Grest job guys!” Jules complimented the two of them for their performance.

“Thank you.” Adrien replied before his eyes settled on me. 

I noticed a small cut beneath his left eye. 

“What happened to your eye?” I reached for it instinctively and let my cool fingers touch his skin.

“The real question is why your hands are so cold.” He responded and I pulled my hand away.

“What happened to your eye?” I repeated. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jules flirting with Theo as they walked to their class. 

“One of the players yesterday used his fingers on my face and his nails did the work.” He replied. 

“I have a class,” I told him, expecting him to walk away but he just stood there with his hands in his pockets. “You mean we? We have a class and Mr Emmanuel does not appreciate tardiness. Let’s go.” He grabbed my hand before I could respond.

By the time we got to class, Adrien had claimed the seat beside me.

I was paying attention to the lesson when I noticed Adrien sleeping next to me.

His long eyelashes fluttered open and caught me staring. 

“Are you done admiring me darling?” He said. I gave him a weird look and rolled my eyes.

I felt a hand tap my elbow later and saw a note underneath it. 

“When does the suffering end?” It read.

I wrote back : “if you pay attention, time will move faster, a  great philosopher once said”

I passed it back and smiled to myself.

“Does that great philosopher like lemonade? And has a last name that starts with C?” 

I chuckled.

“Is there anything humorous over there June?” I heard Mr Emmanuel ask me and suddenly all eyes were on me.

“Or is a certain blue eyed boy disturbing your peace?” He mentioned it with a small smile.

Everyone laughed and I buried my face in my notebook.

After class, I rushed to the nearest restroom. 

Luckily I found Jules there.

“Woah there Mrs Hayes,” she said. “Are you okay? Who’s chasing you?” She asked as she glazed her lips with clear lipgloss.

“No one, just needed some space.” I answered and splashed water on my face.

“From what?” She asked again.

From whatever happens to me when I’m with Adrien! I wanted to say but I didn’t.

“Cringe classmates.” I said instead.

“I saw you and Theo this morning, you lot looked pretty cozy.” I said with a smile.

“Oh please. He’s a total playboy, I don’t deal with players.” She sneered.

“Whatever you say honey.” I responded as we both walked out of the bathroom to see a junior holding up a banner, asking one of my classmates to be his girlfriend.

She ripped the banner and dumped it in the trash.

“Sometimes , I wonder if this is how the private schools they showed on TV were like. These people are crazy.” Jules scoffed before heading to the principal’s office.

I looked at the scene behind me and shook my head. 

Rich kids.

I sat down by the window in the library and revised for our presentation. 

I looked at the time, Adrien should be here soon.

About forty minutes later, I didn’t need to look up to know it was him.

“Lateness will not be tolerated.” I looked up at him.

“Even if I’m your boyfriend,” he said and noticed the expression on my face. “Fake boyfriend.” He corrected and sat down.

“Our presentation is on Tuesday.” He informed me.

“And how do you know that?” I raised my eyebrows and handed him a printed copy of our presentation. 

“Nothing gets past me. I know everything.” He smiled, practically beaming with pride. 

“Except politics.” I said with a smirk.

“Ouch.” He responded and we began preparing for our presentation.

“Slavery really destabilized Africa huh?” He mentioned it as he read. “Why would they deceive black people like this?” 

“Controlling sociopaths. They wanted to make sure Africa stayed behind when they were significantly ahead.” 

After over an hour of studying, we finally decided what parts we were going to take. 

“I’ll be right back, I need to get a drink.” Adrien said before stepping out of the library.

“Cute.” A voice spoke. 

I didn’t need to look up to know it was James.

“Can I help you?” I asked, irritated by his presence already. 

As I returned the books on the shelves, he easily matched my pace.

“Are you trying to change him? It’s never going to work June.” 

I ignored him and continued walking. 

“What do you want?” I finally asked.

“Nothing, I’m just wondering how long it’s gonna last.” He replied. 

“You love to be in control June,” he continued. “You always have.” He finished and stopped walking.

My expression didn’t change but something about the way he said it made me pause internally.

“And you don’t like it when you start losing it.” That made me stop and turn to face him.

“I’m not losing anything.” I retorted.

“Sure.” He said. 

I opened my mouth to respond but someone intervened.

“That’s enough dowman. She’s not your girl anymore.” Adrien stepped in and stood beside James.

“Oh I’m well aware. We were just catching up.” He responded.

“Catching up?” Adrien raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms.

“With reality,” James replied. A beat of silence passed between us. 

He looked me straight in the eye.

“Just don’t confuse attention with something real.” He spoke. I felt my fingers tighten around the book in my hand. 

Adrien stepped closer towards him.

“You say one more word to her.” Adrien threatened him. James didn’t look affected at all. He just smirked and walked away.

“Are you okay?” Adrien asked as he moved closer to me.

“I’m fine.” I said as I nodded. 

He searched my face for a second, trying to figure out what I truly meant.

“Seriously,” I grabbed my bag. “I’m fine, thank you.” I said and smiled. 

“Alright.” He nodded slightly and we walked the rest of the way in silence.

My mind drifted back to James’ words.

Don’t confuse attention with what’s real.

I told myself he was wrong, that he knew nothing about me or my relationship with Adrien.

But for some reason, I wasn't entirely sure which part of me it bothered more.