The Arrangement

JUNE’S POV 

Manipulation only worked when the other person believed they had a choice.

That was the difficult part, convincing Adrien this arrangement benefitted him too.

“You just randomly got paired with the hottest guy in school?” Jules stared at me. “Maybe God really does have favorites.”

I laughed softly.

“So what are you going to do?” She asked.

“Work on the presentation?” 

“You’re boring,” she said. “Tragically boring.” 

“For wanting to pass?”

“For refusing to create chaos. A lot of girls would love to be in your position.” She explained.

“Jules, I’m not creating chaos and I’m not competing for his attention.” I responded.

“Please kiss him once, at least for entertainment purposes.” She told me.

“I’m not a TV show and I won’t be kissing anyone, my days.” I breathed.

“Anyways, have you applied for the new writing contest?” Jules wanted to be a journalist and wanted to build an impressive reputation. 

“Yes I have. When I win, or even just make the podium, I’ll be offered admissions from every end!” She said, radiating confidence.

This was one of the things I admired the most about my best friend.

She was so confident, so assured in herself and her abilities. She never second guessed anything, no anxiety. 

It sounded like a dream.

I looked up to see Adrien striding towards us, with a serious expression on his face.

“Hi Jules.” He greeted. 

They were part of the same social circle so they knew each other pretty well.

“Hey, need anything?” She responded.

“Yeah, her.” He pointed at me. Jules looked at me with a teasing smile.

“Oh okay.” She said and I walked towards him.

I thought about all the possible reasons he’d want to see me in the ten seconds we walked outside.

Was it about our presentation? Or was my plan working? Or my plan had failed?

“I need your help.” He said simply.

“With what?” 

“Coach Rogers called me in today. We had a very serious conversation about my recent mock results.” He started.

I nodded.

“I didn’t do well. More like it’s not good enough, if those were my actual results, I would probably ruin my unborn career.” He explained.

“Coach wants to prevent them from happening so he recommended you.” He added.

“Okay, what am I supposed to be in all of this?” I asked, but I could guess his response.

“Will you be my tutor?” He asked.

This was it, the opening I needed.

“Okay.” I responded casually.

“You’ll do it?” His eyes practically sparkled.

“Yes.” 

“Thank you so much. You’re a life saver.” He said.

I met his gaze.

“But,” I continued carefully. “I need something too.” 

His expression shifted slightly.

Interest.

“I was expecting this. What kind of something are we talking about?” He said slowly.

“A mutually beneficial agreement of course.” 

“That sounds very smart or very illegal.” He said.

“Hopefully the first one.” I responded.

He laughed quietly.

“You’re starting to concern me.” 

I folded my arms carefully, trying not to overthink this.

“People pay attention to you.” I started. 

“Occupational hazard.” He deadpanned.

“And people ignore me.”

His brows pulled together slightly.

“I highly doubt that.” He said.

“You’d be surprised.” 

He studied me for a second, trying to figure out what I really meant.

We were in the courtyard and only a few students were present. Some were reading, others were gossiping.

“How could I possibly be of help to June Carter?” He mused.

“You say that like I’m someone important.” I rolled my eyes. 

I heard the bell ring.

“Meet me in the library. Three o’clock.” 

It was after school hours and we wouldn’t be disturbed.

“What was that about?” Savannah wiggled her eyebrows as I walked in. 

When did she join the table?

Savannah was one of my childhood friends. We attended the same primary school before her dad landed a huge contract. She moved to America but came back to London. 

We reunited here.

“Nothing.”

“That,” she gestured to the space we once stood, “was not nothing.”

“June.” Jules’ said with a low voice. Deliberate.

“Jules?”

“You just scheduled a private meeting with him.” Jules said.

“How on earth did you know that?” 

“Information skills. I’ve got a talent for reading lips.” 

I paused.

Then I released a sigh of relief.

The glass windows. 

Adrien’s back was the only thing she could’ve seen and my face.

“Hey, what did I miss?” Savannah asked.

“Of course. Unfortunately for both of you, I have a class to attend, you won’t be getting any information out of me.” I teased.

“This isn’t over darling.” 

I walked away with a smile on my face.

Everytime I left Jules, there was a smile plastered on my face. 

She was the only thing that kept me sane in this godforsaken school.

I had to think carefully about this. I thought to myself as I walked.

“What am I doing?” I rubbed my palms against my cheek.

I had six weeks.

Six weeks till the final exam.

“I’ve got this.” I reassured myself and took deep breaths.

But how would I present it to him? No one wants to hear an offer to be used.

“Why are you talking to yourself?” I could recognize that voice anywhere. 

My ex boyfriend. James.

“Mind your business, James.” I said, irritated by his presence already.

Everything was rosy with James till he started leaving me hanging and soon I found out why. 

Three months ago, I caught him all snuggled up with Lori Cross at his house. On his birthday.

I remembered it so vividly.

The heart racing, the voices, the cameras. It was a whole thing. I don’t know what I would’ve done if Jules wasn’t there. Thankfully, I’m over it.

I had better things to do than think about my last relationship.

I got to History class. Instead of quiet learning, I heard noise. 

Apparently, Mr White was not around but left some homework. I tried to start but the noise was unbearable.

“Ugh!” I groaned in frustration and went to the library.

The library was quieter than usual, it always was this time of the day.

Empty enough to think.

I finished my homework and checked the time, it was already three o’clock.

“June, over here!” I heard my name and walked towards Adrien.

“Why would we be in the most notorious part of the library?” I whispered.

Hidden behind the shelves was a corner students had unofficially claimed. Cushions, low lights and too much privacy. 

Not exactly ideal for studying.

It mostly included unpleasant noises and basically pleasure o’clock.

He laughed, “What? Nobody’s going to see us.” 

“That’s the problem.” I huffed. I pulled a chair and sat down while he sat on the cushion.

He leaned back slightly, studying me.

“So,” he began. “What exactly am I agreeing to?” 

I closed my notebook.

Slowly.

“You’re failing Politics.” I stated.

“Are you stalking me?” 

“Trust me, I can tell.” I responded.

“Since I’m technically your tutor, I’ll help you pass politics. Not just pass, do well enough to keep your eligibility.” I said.

“And?”

There it was.

“Revenge.” I lied.