A long day awaits me as I woke up this morning. I can feel it in my bones. It's only the second day of school. I'm excited, but it's really a lot of work getting up. And Arthur hasn't text me back. You might be wondering how I even got his phone number in the first place. I didn't. It's there and accessible for me, since I'm his writing project partner, on his school profile (these are password locked from the public, thank god!) Also, to clarify things, they are not really the actual phone number. They are the school's version of fake Google phone number that forward stuffs to your phone. Seems like the school got me an M. Academy Student account that leads to a Blackboard account for class, forum, discussion, grade purpose, a school email account and a phone number, all integrated together. I like how I can access everything with one sign-in, but it's kinda scary. I know me and my dad filled out a bunch of papers at the start of the school year, but I can barely remember what we wrote down, or how much information we gave the school?!

It's already 7:34. I should get out of bed soon to be able to catch breakfast before class. I heard from Toris that the breakfast food is usually even better than lunch, with a cereal bar and a buffet options of hot breakfast. Let's see... checking my email... they have French toast, sunny side up, pancake, bacon, biscuit and gravy, fruits for Thursday 21st. I suddenly feel very awake now. Dang the school and its manipulative breakfast. Was all schools like this? I don't remember from elementary school?

.・゜ . ・* [Afternoon] *・ . ゜・.

Arthur didn't talk to me the entire time. Well, we sat far away from each other in 1st hour. And everyone was busy listening to the Coach D lecturing in science. We texted though!

.

~.oO*Oo.~

"Okay where are you right now?"

-From Arthur Kirkland,

Thursday, August 21 3:20 PM

~.oO*Oo.~

.

.

~.oO*Oo.~

"Just finished with astronomy.

Meet me at the front gate?"

-From Alfred F. Jones,

Thursday August 21 3:23 PM

~.oO*Oo.~

.

"Hey." Arthur bumped into me in the Fine Art building just minutes after I got his text. I was kinda surprised that he seemed to have not carried anything but a book with him.

"Sup Arthur!"

"Hi."

"Let's get something to eat first. Where'd you wanna go?"

"I don't know, you choose."

"Burger King then? It's only a few blocks away."

"Sure." Arthur looked a bit uncomfortable, but he still went with me anyway. The street was still full of fumbling people, mostly parents and their kids walking home from the middle school and elementary school nearby.

"So what club are you in? I was forced into Astronomy by the club advisor yesterday." I tried to lighten the mood, still remembering how Mrs. Bonnefoy successfully converted almost half of the students who showed up into the new Astronomy Club.

"Book Club and Magic Club. I might join some other clubs if I have time."

"You can join more than one?" I gasped. Why doesn't anyone talk about this? This is so freaking important! I was having a crisis yesterday between Photography or Astronomy.

"Yes, I just signed up for them on the day we register for class. Did you not?"

"I think I put myself down as Undecided and that was done. Dang. What happens when you try to rush through the pile of paperwork…"

"That's alright. I think most did too, since my club gained like 10 more people today."

We got there in less than 10 minutes. I went and fill my drink while Arthur ordered his things.

I took a sip from the coke and look down to the table. It's too quiet.

Arthur seemed to catch onto the mood too. He shifted in his seat and slid his book to the side.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Arthur cleared his throat.

"Oh, just… I thought we should, ya know, get to know each other more. Since we're partner and all."

Shit. I'm sounding like a schoolgirl.

"Oh, yes. About that, have anyone emailed you?"

"Huh what?" Nah, not really. There's Kiku who sits behind me in first period. The Baltic kids, some girls in art, football guys I've become friends with at lunch today…Uh...

"Like someone wants to be partner with you?"

"What? No?! I mean everyone have got to have someone as partner already, right? Why do you ask?"

"Well, I've received about 4 or 5 emails so far from girls asking to switch partner. So yeah, if you want to, I don't mind. I can forward them to you so you can-"

"Wait what? Arthur wait. We haven't even started! I mean,I kinda want to get to know you more. And uh… oh yeah! Do you have any idea for another partner yet? You'll need someone too, if we switch." I cut Arthur off mid sentence. Nice save, me. I really thought hard about having a girl as partner and so far, I think I would feel much more comfortable with a guy. Really don't want to be pair up and called names like some cliche shoujo manga. Not that I read them of course haha why would I!

"It's fine. I'll just group up with her partner. I can pull the emails up. "

No Arthur nooo.

"It's not fine. Now slow down a bit so I can understand you, okay? And we have time. I don't even know who those girls are, probably." I said in the most convincing voice I can think of.

"Why? Don't you want to be partner with a girl instead?"

"Well yes, I do. But I don't. I don't know… I'm not very good with girls. And it'll feel awkward to partner up with a girl, doing a project over Love, don't you think?"

It's almost like you are required to date if you ever get partnered together. Seriously. I can feel my face heating up from trying to make legit argument and also from the thought. What am I, a 12 years old middle schooler?

"As far as I know, most people are coupling up, though." Arthur said nonchalantly with a shrug and then in a smaller voice to himself, "You wouldn't want to be paired with me anyway."

"Yeah I know… but wait, what?" I didn't heard that last part.

"Nothing. I said nothing." He quickly covered it up.

"No seriously, what if I don't like them? It'll be awkward afterward." I laughed drily. "I'd rather give us a try first and it's less complicated that way, see?"

Yes Arthur, I just don't want to say straight out that I have no experience with girls whatsoever, as my dad literally whirl me places. And if he knows of this project at all, he would possibly send me Messenger heart stickers all week or secretly follow me places on my "dates" to take "cute" awkward pictures and send them to mom. I can see that happening. Ugh dad…

"Well that make sense, I guess…" Arthur scratched his head.

Yes! Thank you Arthur. Thank you.

"Yeah! So we should talk more and maybe if we get along, we can just stay like this. Doesn't that sound better?" I said, a bit rushed with relief.

"Ok, sounds good. Just so you know, if we do decide to stay like this, it will be until after Halloween that the registration open up again. Are you sure?"

"We still have time, don't worry. If we decide that we absolutely can't get along, then we'll talk more on this."

"Sounds swell. I guess I'll have to turn all of these emails down then. You want to know who they are from though?"

"Sorry about the trouble Arthur. Oh no thanks!" I laughed. Its best I don't know. It would be awkward if I act differently toward them after reading, right?

"Number 88, number 89!" The waitress said as she lay down the two trays of food. Great timing.

It seems that Arthur didn't get a drink though. Instead, he bought a bottle of water.

"Sure you don't want a drink?"

"No. I don't like the tea they have here." He said, dipping a fries into the ketchup.

"Yeah? What kinda tea do you like then?"

"Brewed. Not iced. My favourite is earl gray, but most day I just go with green tea."

"Hey! I like green tea, too!" I chomped on the burger and took a sip from the coke.

As I ate, I glance over to Arthur from time to time. How he wore a black sweater vest despite the weather outside. How he carried a book possibly everywhere. How he doesn't like the salad from the sandwich. Yes, he ordered a chicken sandwich despite going to "Burger" King.

"So tell me. You like books, right? What's your favorite books?"

"Uh...I read all kind of books. I'm reading a collection of short Norse Myths right now for class."

"You have mythology? Lucky duck! I almost signed up for that, but I guess the class is pretty full, isn't it?"

"Yes. Packed."

"I like mythology. They are not full of sappy love stories or boring text. You can tell I don't read a lot of young adult stuffs. But I like mystery and fantasy. One of my childhood favorites is The Series of Unfortunate Events. I've read quite a few from the U.K. too, like the Sherlock Holmes series or Harry Potter, but everyone read those. But I'm currently trying to get into the Lord of the Rings but it's so long!"

Arthur paused a bit, just stared at me without words, which is really surprising since he haven't met my eyes for more than a fragment of second since we've met. Then he broke the eye contact and continued to nibble on the fries again.

"I liked them too, the Sherlock Holmes books. It has been so long though, so I might need to read it again."

"I have the digital copies of Sherlock Holmes, if you want."

"No, it's fine. I don't own a Kindle. And I probably don't have them back home anymore so I might just buy the series again online."

"Do you not like Kindle? You get to read more books, and it's more convenient! No more carrying 5 books around! For example, those LOTR books! Or Harry Potter!"

"I guess you do have a point." Arthur smiled at my hand gestures. Then he noticed that I was looking and cleared his throat a bit. "It's a personal preference sort of thing. I just like physical copies better I guess."

I kinda get the feeling that he's not comfortable talking with me. Maybe he's just shy?

"So what are your schedule this term? I know we are in… 2 classes together, right?" I took a sip from the coke again. Talk about awkward gesture. Two dudes eating together, trying to get to know each other. But man, imagine us as best bros someday though! It's gonna glorious... Ahem, I need to stop me.

"Yes. We have English and Physical Science together. I'm also taking Study Hall, Fictional Writing, Mythology, and Orchestra."

"Orchestra? Our school has an orchestra?" My god. This school is ridiculous.

"Yes? Do you play any instrument?" It seems like my question piqued his interest.

"Um…trumpet, and a little bit of trombone, drum, and the sax..." I felt a bit flushed. I've never told any of my friends about this.

"You know you'd be perfect in orchestra or the marching band, right? We have a marching band too."

"Oh, and I play the piano, not sure if that count. You think?" I smiled.

"Yes, Wait, aren't you in football? That's probably why. We can only one major elective every term."

"What's a major elective? Are there minor electives or something?"

"There are minor electives, short classes like Fictional Writing, Pop Quiz, that give you one or two credits. Normal classes like Physical Science are three credits. Then there's sport, orchestra, choir, and I guess marching band and cheer too, that gives you 4 credit hours. These are in the handbook we are getting tomorrow I think."

"Sounds complicated. I don't get it, but it's fine. I'm okay with being in football all year!"

Arthur paused for a long while to chew his food and eventually nodded. "I heard the team's tryout is very selective."

"Yeah!" I said, remembering the small warm-up session we did today as we were going over the agenda for the practice. "Yeah… Hopefully I'll make JV. What about you? Try-out for orchestra?"

"There is one. But I don't need to, since we have just the right amount of violinist. Not so much for clarinet or trumpet though."

"So you play a violin! Wow, I've always wanted to try it. But I broke my mom's old violin in 1st grade whenever she tried to teach me… I haven't had the courage to try again since," I laughed awkwardly, poking at the empty coke.

"You broke it? I can't believe you! Did you just snap the poor thing-" He leaned forward in shock.

"No, nothing like that! Jeez Arthur I was 6 years old! I broke the strings before I was able to make any violin sounding noise."

"O-oh." Arthur calmed down a bit and sat back down.

I burst out in laughter at his reaction."Two of the four strings. It gave me a few red scratches… It probably wasn't bad, but I was still a kid and it hurt! I was kinda traumatized by it…" I murmured through the drink.

"It's alright. That happened to me when I first started playing too. It never did again, though. You probably applied too much pressure, or the string was old."

There was silence between us for a while. I stood up to go throw away the trash. Arthur noticed, and did the same.

"You like chocolate or vanilla?" I turned over to his direction and said.

"Chocolate?"

"What about cookies? Do you like them?"

"Cookies… Oh, biscuits. Yes. Why?"

"I forgot you guys call it that." I gave a small smile and then walked to the counter. If we are gonna talk, I probably need more food. I got us two shakes and some cookies. Yep. Heal my trauma, and stomach.

The order was taken immediately by the girl behind the counter since there wasn't many customer now. I got back to the table and placed the chocolate shake in front of Arthur.

"You know you didn't have to." He thanked me nonetheless. I just grinned at him. It's nothing much. And Arthur looked more chipper.

"How long have you been playing?" I asked out of curiosity and also to get back on topic, of course.

"Hmm… about 7 years by now? I started quite early, around 5 years old, then stopped playing for a while…" Arthur looked deep in thought.

"Do you play any other instruments?"

"I can play a bit of piano. And guitar. I tried a bit of clarinet for one year, but I'm not very good at it." Arthur said, then reached for his water. "What about you? When did you start?"

"I'm not even sure. I didn't go to class or anything. Mom, Dad, and his friends taught me a bit of everything. They even had their own jazz band together way back. My favorite is probably trumpet and the piano although I'm sorta out of practice." I said bobbing my head sideway playfully.

"You can practice at the music building, you know. They have a grand piano in most rooms. Also, I think you can join the orchestra or band for fun without being in the class. We have morning and afternoon practice sessions." he said, as-matter-of factly.

"Ugh nah, I'm okay. I can't wake up in the morning, and we usually have football practice after school."

"Just a suggestion."

"I'll think about it. Maybe I can sneak into the music building from art class. We usually have class outside anyway."

"You have art?" he asked, picking at a small cookie.

"Yeah, I like playing with clay."

"Not much of an outside thing, is it?"

"Yeah. I talked to Ms. Michelle, the art teacher, and apparently, we don't work with clay until November. Guess I'll just stick around. I also have Geometry. Oh yeah." I just remember about Matthew.

"What?" Arthur looked up at me as he drank the shake.

"I found out yesterday that my geometry teacher is actually my cousin." I said with a straight face.

He almost spit out his shake. (His face was hilarious, btw!)

.・゜ . ・* ・ *・ . ゜・.

We finished the cookies and decided to go home, as it was almost 15 minutes until 5 o'clock.

"Well, that was fun. We should eat together again!" I gave a friendly smile at the boy as we walked out.

"Yeah."

I think Arthur opened up to me a bit more after today. And he almost forgot about the book he was carrying at the table.

"Arthur, your accent is really cool. You should speak more." I blurted out my thought without much thinking.

"Really."

"Yeah, you hardly speak at all in class."

"Oh yeah?"

"I really mean it okay?"

Like, I can hear him just fine, ya know, but it's not from the lung. It's just somewhere in his throat. I don't even know.

"You should try speaking out loud sometimes. It feels good." I concluded by initiating Arthur's cool accent and got a faced out of him.

Arthur really doesn't seem to speak much. Wait, I have an idea.

"Sit next to me tomorrow, will ya? We should sit together. I like getting to know you more."

"...Maybe not. I don't want to take anyone's seat."

We kept walking. The sun was setting now. The pleasant autumn wind brushed by, making me fall in love again California's autumn.

"Hey Alfred." Arthur said after a while.

"What?"

"Where is your house?"

"Oh I live alone. Just around the corner." I yawned, still enjoying the cool breeze. "Where do you live at?"

Arthur kept walking for a bit.

"Here."

A strong gush of wind washed over us, blown away the colorful leaves from the tall trees. The trees at the entrance of Mr. Roger's apartments.

Song of the Day: Panic! At the Disco - When the Day Met the Night

A/N: You guys are awesome for sticking with this very weird story about these adorable nerds. Reviews make me super happy! Let me know what you think of the story and maybe even suggestions of what you want to read next for future chapters! *blow kisses*