.:E.x:c.h:a.n:g.e:d:.

Chapter four; The Third Wheel

- Xion . Riku -

My class schedule consisted of five periods; Math (ugh), English, Lunch, Drama, and finally Art. My semester was pretty easy, excluding math, which I naturally hated with the deepest of passions. To make it even worse, I was forced to wake up every morning to it...

Anyways.

As I'd explained, Drama class was a load of crap. Finally, when it ended, I ran into some trouble in the hall-- Instantly souring my mood as I made my way to Art class, already five minutes late. An irritated grimace was worn on my face as I drew close to my class, and when I entered?

I don't even wanna say it. I don't even wanna think about it!

All I can say, is that I truly, one hundred percent, am legitimately CURSED.

I just wanted to scream, at the very high point of my lungs, GET OUT OF MY LIFE!

But I didn't.

Instead, I slowly walked into the room, bad posture displaying my mood, and slumped into my chair at my table with my friends. Plus our 'special guest of honor', Riku.

"Hey guys." I said with an unenthusiastic dry tone of voice. Roxas and Axel both noticed this, and exchanged glances.

"Er, what's up, Xion?" Roxas inquired, unsure if he really wanted to hear my answer. I simply shook my head, before resting it to the table beneath me. Today, in Art, only my second favorite class of the day (no big), I will sleep.

Don't get me wrong, I love sleeping. But the thing is... I love Art even more. We were working on these insanely fun little sculptures, and mine was so close to being finished... But I was stressed out, and sick of seeing that damned Riku everywhere I went. So, I decided that I would just let myself rest, and ultimately calm down. Maybe he won't be that annoying...

... Pfft, who am I kidding. The guy is an instant thorn in the butt...

I could hear Riku enjoying conversation with my best friends, so I put in my headphones and blasted my music. I didn't care if it was too loud, and would bother any of them-- In fact, I not-so-secretly hoped that Riku was one of those people who hate it when others play their music obnoxiously temp.

Heh.

* * *

Every monday was Roxas' day to help me study for Math. You see, I am incredibly, incredibly horrible at that subject-- Like, I look at the page, and draw an instant blank. So, since we're in the same class (and he is ridiculously good at it), he comes to my room and he attempts at teaching me in more suitable way than the teachers. I'm kind of a hands-on learner, whereas our teacher writes a lesson on the chalk board and then assigns homework (he's an ass).

Also, Roxas enjoyed coming over, not only for the reason he enjoys teaching his good pal Xion, but he gets to sit in the same room that his beloved Namine lives in. It's hilarious, everytime she so much as walks by, his faces lights up the brightest shade of red...

I waited for Roxas at his locker, where we always met up. Part of me was thinking I bet Riku is gonna be there but a stronger part of me was trusting Roxas. He was a smart kid, he had to have noticed my dislike towards our new exchange student...

And thankfully, when the blond rolled up, he was all by himself. I exhaled in relief, and waved to him.

"Hey, you're here early." He commented, as he punched in his combination, opening the locker.

"Yeah, I didn't stop and talk to anyone after Art." I told him, casually leaning against the locker beside his. He loaded up his backpack with what he needed (I noticed a water bottle, math textbook and binder) and we were on our way, heading towards the Girls Dorm. Guys weren't allowed in anytime after eight o'clock, and viceversa. I usually went and chilled at Axel's with Roxas until like, midnight, though, on weekends. Yeah, we're rebs.

I used my key card to get into my room, and was shocked to see that Namine was actually there. Usually, her and Kairi were out after school. She was laying on her stomach, her face buried in her pillow, and I could hear faint sobs. I sent Roxas a 'wtf?' look, but he was too busy blushing to catch it.

"Um, Namine?" I asked, throwing my backpack on the floor and kicking off my shoes.

Her head snapped up, and my eyes widened with shock at the sight of her big, red puffy orbs and tear stained cheeks. "X-Xion, it's you." She stammered. As soon as she noticed another pressense in the room, she instantly jumped up to her feet, wiping her tears away with the sleeve of her shirt.

"You okay?" I queried, a little bit concerned. Namine, after all, was the nice one, unlike Kairi...

"S-Sorry, I didn't know you were having someone over..." She awkwardly glanced to Roxas.

"Namine, you know I have Roxas over every monday to help me study math."

"Oh, right..." She laughed nervously. "I uh guess I forgot... Sorry."

"Nah, it's all good." I flopped on my bed, and lay for a moment, before peeking up to see Namine standing in the same position. I sighed in (slight) annoyance, before sitting up straight. "What's wrong?"

"N-N-Nothing." She stammered, hanging her head low shamefully.

"Doesn't look like nothing to me." I stated, bringing myself to my feet. When she didn't answer, I simply shrugged my shoulders. "Alright, you wanna keep to yourself. I understand. We'll try and be quiet."

"N-No, that's okay." She trailed off for a moment, finally raising her head, before meeting my eyes. "Xion, can I help you study too?"

I raised my eyebrows, surprised. "You wanna help me study for Math?" I asked, uncertain if my ears were being truthful. She nodded shyly. "Well, okay, I guess... Just have a seat on my bed, that's where we always sit."

She obeyed, sitting cross legged on my bed, as I took the same position near her. I looked to Roxas, who awkwardly stood off to the side, and I gestured for him to come over. Nervously, he approached, and sat down where he usually did. Now, the three of us were in a triangular formation, all sitting with our legs crossed, math books in the middle.

Minutes dragged by as I 'listened' to Roxas' lectures. I could tell that Namine's being there was making him feel uneasy, but I also knew that he didn't want her to leave. He'd had the most adorable crush on her for what seemed like forever, and this was probably the closest they'd ever really got.

"Ugh, I hate math so much..." I complained, about half an hour in.

"I know you do." Roxas said, growing a bit more comfortable with Namine there. "But if you wanna pass, you better pay attention."

"Yeah, yeah..." I was trying to pay attention. Really, I was. And usually I could, but today... My mind was just a bit elsewhere. And to be perfectly honest (and I have no idea why) but I kept on thinking about that stupid Riku and what he'd said to me earlier. He called me a bitch... And then pointed out that he was 'just kidding'. And I don't think he was lying, either. Something about those turquoise eyes of his had told me that he was speaking genuinely, even if he was an obviously fake, plastic person. And by plastic, I mean 'perfect', like, I dunno... He's good at everything, everyone likes him... You get the idea. Anyways.

"To be honest," Namine began, nervously fidgeting with her fingers and ending my trail of thought, "I'm not all that good at math either." She looked to Roxas. "But the way you explain it makes sense to me..."

I smirked, amused as his face went as red as a beet, and he smiled to her. "T-Thanks." He fumbled. "Glad I'm helping..."

The three of us continued to go through math reviews, and yes, I remained inattentive (but pretended I was listening). The only thing in the room I actually could focus on was the shocking chemistry I was noticing between my two blond friends... To be honest, I kinda felt like a third wheel... But perhaps, Roxas' wishes were finally coming true?

Hmm, I wonder if that's gonna happen to me anytime soon...

Author's note: Hey everyone, thanks so much for the lovely reviews! :) And so sorry for the late update, I was having writers block D:.

Review pleeeease!!