Derek

I didn't pay mind to her the whole time at school, I tried to stay away from the trouble I could get myself into antagonizing her; but that alone tempted me.

"Derek, stop staring." Sam's voice sounded demanding, but I couldn't take my eyes away, like I didn't want to waste what I was taking in. His hand rested on my shoulder, and I glanced at him, annoyed.

"What?"

"You've been staring off into space, - what's the matter with you lately?" He raises an eyebrow, something that meant he wouldn't take a lie for an answer. I rolled my eyes, and shrugged his hand off.

"I'll be back by next period." I mumbled, turning around and walking off, walking right past the spot she was standing in.

This was a schedule for me now, I couldn't take knowing she was around me; only a couple rooms, a couple feet away. I had to breathe, it felt like I was being strangled, and her eyes had been watching me non-stop.

So I usually got up and left, not coming back until a class or two later.

I had a hint of what was wrong with me, I wasn't an idiot; despite what others said. I didn't want to believe it, that's all. I didn't think it was possible.

I came back to the school later on; classes were still going like they always were when I got back, leaving me to walk around, leaving me with too many thoughts.

I didn't want to have to think about her so much, it was a burden I was left with, I hated it. I couldn't glance at another girl without thinking of her.

I rubbed my eyes, sleep deprived and exhausted, the dim lights from the windows slightly bothering me; I didn't ask for sleepless nights, I didn't ask to be tormented. Then again, she didn't ask for me to run into her life without a warning.

I wondered if she thought about me like I thought about her.

I stopped at the end of a hallway, leaning against the locker doors, banging my head back against one and groaning.

"Derek?"

My eyes snapped open, and I glanced over, seeing the girl herself.

Casey Mcdonald.

I looked away, thinking of ways to get out of the situation, but instead the words anyone would expect me to say came out of my mouth.

"Go away, Case, just because there's no one around, doesn't mean you can talk to me."

I heard her huff, and could almost imagine her scowl, but still I didn't look at her. If I did with her so close again, I'd have to pay.

"Derek, what are you doing? You know you're not supposed to be skipping classes-"

"What are you doing here, then?" I finally look at her, and it gets harder to breathe. There's something tightening in my throat, but I let out a shaky, unknown breath and relax.

She knits her eyebrows, knowing she was caught.

Her doing something like this captured my attention, and took me away from thinking about her more.

"You're not exactly trusting, or truthful, and you don't understand most things-"

"Why are we stating the obvious? If you're just going to insult me, you're getting insulted back."

"-But" She takes a deep breath, choosing to ignore me for the moment "I don't believe that's all of who you are." She whispers, surprising me.

"Derek, I want to know you, and not just what you make everyone think, I want to know the real you. You're…" I don't miss it when she nervously looks away for a second, then looks at me with the tiniest hint of regret in her eyes.

"You're…We're close, let's say, but I still don't know much about you." She smiles, getting past saying what we both dread saying.

"So, uh, you want to get to know me?" I laugh nervously, still confused, choking on air and making my voice crack lightly. I hoped it went unnoticed.

She nods, and I stand up straight, beginning to walk away; gaining back my calm, collected attitude.

She spins on her heels, watching me with hesitation, wondering if she should follow.

I sighed softly, and turned around.

"Are you coming or not, Space Case?"

I hope you like it, I've had this idea stuck on my head for the longest time. R&R Please.