I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY, DISNEY DOES!

Chapter One: Noel's Decision

Noel stared across the cafeteria at his one and only love, Casey. He fell in love with her the first time he'd heard her sing, maybe even before that. He had to wait for her relationship with Max to end and then when it did, she only wanted his friendship. Noel sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He had told her that he would be her friend and nothing more; that's what she wanted. Unfortunately, Noel couldn't take another guy flirting with her any more. They always did and honestly he couldn't blame them. They were so much alike, yet she couldn't see it. So Noel had made a decision, probably the stupidest decision of his life but he had no other choice. He had to die. Okay so not really, just enough to make Casey see that she loved him. It was a crazy idea and he wasn't even sure if it would work, but he had to try.

Emily sat down across from him, "Hey, Noel."

Noel was looking in Casey's direction, "What is that like the 5th guy who's approached her today?"

Emily rolled her eyes, "You're over exaggerating, Noel. It's only the third unless you count Derek."

Noel turned to face her, "I was. You don't see the way he looks at her."

Emily sighed, "You're just paranoid. Why don't you just ask her out already?"

Noel's eyes dropped to the table, "Because I know she'll say no."

"Who will say no?" Noel's eyes darted up to Casey who had walked up unnoticed.

He scrambled for a thought, "Uh, the drama teacher. She'll say no if I ask if I could choose next year's play."

Casey and Emily both raised their eyebrows.

Noel smiled, "But you know what? Emily's right, I should still try. I'll um see you two later."

Casey nodded, "Bye, Noel."

As he entered the hallway, Noel hit himself in the head, "Nice, Noel. Couldn't just tell her the truth, now could we."

"Talking to yourself, Noel?"

"What do you want, Derek?" Noel didn't even bother to turn around.

Derek laughed, "Oh nothing, just worried about your sanity is all."

Noel kept walking, ignoring Derek's laughter. Derek stepped in front of him, "You like Casey."

Noel stepped around him, "That's none of your business, Derek."

"Actually it kinda is my business."

Noel shook his head, "Why? Because she's your sister?"

Derek rolled his eyes, "Step."

Noel sighed, "What's your point?"

Derek shrugged and fell into step with Noel, "Casey has dated a lot of my friends. You'd be a little different from her typical boyfriend."

Noel glared at him, "So?"

Derek rolled his eyes, "So, I'm saying I can help you. Make Casey realize she likes you as well and that you'd be "perfect for each other." He imitated Casey at the last part.

Noel stopped, "Wait. You want to help me? You, Derek?"

Derek shrugged, "Hey, you know where to find me." And with that Derek walked to his next class.

Noel shook his head in disbelief. Derek Venturi actually wanted to help him get Casey. It was definitely too good to be true, but what Noel couldn't understand is what did Derek get out of it?