'Fang,' Lissa said, snapping Fang out of his reverie. 'Honey, are you listening to me?'

'Of course, I am,' Fang said, looking down at her.

The truth was that Fang hadn't been listening to a word his girlfriend had been saying. He hadn't been listening to her much lately. He loved her, but it was honestly a bit tiring to hear her talking about her problems all the time. He knew good boyfriends always listened to their girlfriends' problems and blah, but Fang was now finding it a little hard to stand. As much as he tried to, he didn't really care if "Leah had worn the same skirt as hers" or if "her hairstylist had curled her hair instead of straightening it". Fang would have loved to talk about something different sometime. He had tried once or twice, but Lissa had just somehow turned the conversation around to herself. He'd given up. He wasn't one to try hard.

'Good,' she said, smiling. 'So I was saying—'

'Actually,' Fang said hastily, 'I have to meet Iggy now. He...uh, wanted help with his Algebra assignment.'

'But Fang…' Lissa pouted, 'it's a free period!'

'I know,' Fang said, 'and that's the only time I can help him.' He stood up. 'Sorry, babe. I'll see you later, okay?'

'Okay.' Lissa sighed. 'Bye.' She planted a kiss on his cheek.

'Bye,' he said, and turned around.

As he was about to leave, Lissa stopped him. 'Oh, Fang? You're coming for Ella's party right?'

Fang suppressed a groan. He'd forgotten about that. He wanted nothing more than to refuse. But he knew better—the last thing he wanted was to get into another fight with Lissa and hear about how he didn't love her anymore. 'Uh, yeah, I'll be there.'

Lissa smiled. 'Can't wait for you to see the sexy dress I've chosen.' She winked.

Fang grinned. 'Me neither,' he said.

'I don't get it,' Iggy said, shutting his locker. 'If you're not interested, why don't you just break up with Lissa?'

'It's not like I'm not interested,' Fang said. 'It's just that I need my space sometimes.'

Iggy rolled his eyes. 'Anyway, are you going tonight?'

'Do I have a choice?' Fang grimaced as they entered their English class. 'You would think I had better things to do with my life on a Friday night.'

They sat down on their respective seats. Just a minute or two after they had sat down, their teacher walked in.

'I heard Ella has a cousin who's going to join school.' Iggy said.

'Oh?'

'Yeah,' Iggy said. 'I think her name is Max or something. Honestly, I can't wait.'

Fang stared at Iggy. 'I thought you liked Ella.'

'Of course I like her.' Iggy said defensively. 'But there's no harm in flirting a bit. I wonder if she'll come for the party. I bet she's really hot. It must run in the family.'

'I don't think I'll be able to look at any other girl,' Fang sighed, leaning back against the wall. 'Lissa will do her nut if as much as glance at anyone else.'