When Fernando woke up that morning, he remained in his bed for a couple of moments, not wanting to step out of the comfort. He was nervous about coming back to school after taking a day off, but excited to spend time with Khan. Despite his loss of hope, Fernando still wanted to be around him. He loved spending quality time with his friends, especially Khan. The day before felt empty from his lack of socialization. However, he could not risk his true feelings getting out. Fernando knew he wouldn't be able to handle the sight of his crush and his enemy together after only one day, and he still wasn't sure if he could. He received several texts checking on him, even one from Khan. However, nobody who texted him knew what really troubled him. Fernando was glad Cassie had ended their fake relationship, since he could use the breakup as a cover for his true feelings. After a couple of moments, he accepted the day ahead of him and climbed out from under his covers, trying not to think about Khan and Lian together.

Fernando stumbled into the kitchen to make himself a quick breakfast. Nobody else was awake yet. Usually, when he woke up, his mother was rushing around and his father was getting ready for work. But this morning, the heart of the apartment, the kitchen and living room combination, was empty. Just Fernando. He prepared a bagel sandwich, struggling to find the ingredients in the mess that was the cupboards and counters of his family's kitchen. In fact, everything was a mess in their apartment, but somehow, they still managed to be productive. After warming his creation in the microwave, Fernando ate, thoughts of Khan lingering in his head. He loved it all: his eyes, his face, his voice, his laugh, his distinct personality. Even when he first met Khan, he felt a slight attraction to him. He smiled softly as he headed back to his room to get ready for school.

His room was a mess. Used tissues sprinkled on the bed, an empty container of ice cream, an unmade bed, clothes on the floor, all remnants of his depressive episode the previous day. He ignored them and searched his drawer for clothes. After he decided on his outfit, a red shirt, a black jacket, and jeans, he took off his pajamas and changed into it. Then, he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. Usually, he would dance or admire himself in the mirror, but he was not in the mood today. He slicked his hair back like he did every day, and sprayed a bit of cologne. He always felt the need to smell good, even if it was considered over the top. He winked at himself in the mirror, headed back to his room to pick up his bag, then left to walk to school. Fernando closed the door behind him, not sure what to expect from the day ahead of him.

As soon as he arrived at school, he got his textbook and headed to his first class. He felt no need to socialize with his friends at the moment; he did not want to be late and he still felt slightly embarrassed. Biology was nothing special, although the teacher, Mal'Damba, was fun to annoy. He was one of the strangest teachers Fernando ever had, but his tablemate, a shy girl named Ying, was nothing special. She never said anything to him and would always work on her own, even in a lab or group project. She was already there studying out of a notebook when Fernando sat down. Fernando decided she would be suitable to talk to, since they had a couple of moments to spare.

"Hola, Ying," he greeted.

"Oh, hi Fernando."

"How's your morning going?"

"It's fine, and you?"

"Well I think today is going to be a great day!" Fernando grinned. Deep down, he knew today might be challenging. His heart still hurt over Khan. But he recalled one of the most important things he learned from his family: to be positive. Even if times were hard, they always stayed optimistic. Fernando applied this to his own hardships, always smiling and staying positive through his own internal struggles.

"Oh, well, I think you're right," Ying responded.

"Ying, I know I am." She giggled.
"Well, alright then, today will be a great day!"

He smiled as the bell rang. That short conversation cheered him up. Being hopeful almost always made him feel better. Mal'Damba stood in the front of the classroom, waiting for the rambunctious students to quiet down. Fernando stared down at his desk, noticing some graffiti someone had etched into the desk. "This class is shit," it read. That made Fernando chuckle. Agreed, he thought to himself as he turned back to the teacher. The slender, dark-skinned man cleared his throat.

"Alright, I hope you all know your lab report is due today," he started. Some students started to frantically search their backpacks. Ying turned to Fernando and mouthed, "Do you have yours?" Fernando shrugged in response.

"You guys knew about that, right?" the teacher teased. Fernando didn't. Or did he just not remember it?

"Put your lab reports in the tray on my desk, and then we'll start the lesson." Fernando searched his backpack, but found nothing. He decided to ask about it after class, hoping he could get an extension. Ying gave him a concerned look when she sat back down and realized that he had not turned anything in. After that, Mal'damba started his lesson. Class was pretty uneventful, but Fernando decided to take notes and pay attention, since there was nothing better to do. Right before the bell rang, when Mal'Damba had already ended the lesson, Fernando approached the desk.

"Yes, Fernando?" the teacher asked, a slight tinge of annoyance in his raspy voice.

"Uh, I was absent yesterday, I think I missed the lab report," he started. Mal'Damba sighed.

"I told you all about it when we started the lab on Monday. Yesterday was a day to finalize results and start the report," he explained.

"Oh, well, can I get an extension?"

"No."

"Why not? I missed a day," Fernando argued.

"This is the third time you've missed a lab, don't try to pull out any new excuses," the teacher spat. Fernando decided it wasn't worth it to argue anymore, even if his grades suffered.

"Alright then." He headed out of the classroom, into the hallway, to his locker to put away his textbook, and onto the next class, English.

Fernando hated English the most out of all of his classes. To him, words did not have consistent rules, unlike math or his other language, Spanish. He hated the class because it felt impossible to master the rules of the English language. Also, it was boring. About fifteen minutes into class, he pulled out his phone and browsed social media. He decided to send Cassie a text. He wanted to talk to her before hanging out with Khan later that day.

"Hey," he wrote.

"Sup," she responded.

"Nothing. I just need some advice."

"Okay, well, I'm trying to take notes right now. Maybe we can talk during lunch?"

"Bien, ¿dónde?"

"The alleyway by the gym. If people see us talking, they might get suspicious."

"Alright, sounds good to me."

"Pay attention, Fernando."

"Whatever, mom."

Fernando giggled at himself, but then realized he should probably listen to his friend. His grades were all subpar, and in some classes, on the verge of failing. Especially Math and English. He was not fond of either, but he decided today would be the day he started to participate more. Fernando put away his phone and tuned into the teacher's lecture.

/

Fernando always looked forward to art class, since he loved to draw and paint, ever since he was a child. He walked into class, observing the supplies set up for the day, and sat down at the table he usually sat with. Khan smiled at him, while Skye and Lian ignored him. Pendejas. He turned to Khan.

"Hey Fernando," he greeted.

"Hola, ¿cómo estás?" Fernando responded.

"Estoy bien." That surprised Fernando.

"Ah, ¿cómo te la pasaste ayer?" Khan gave a puzzled look.

"Never heard that one before," he responded nervously. Fernando chuckled.

"It's like, uh, I actually don't know if there's an exact translation of it," he explained, "It's kind of like asking what you did yesterday."

"Oh, well, I didn't do anything." Lian gave him a dirty look.

"You went on a date with me, idiot," she cut in.

"That was hardly a date," he argued. She glared at him, and then he submitted. Gloom washed over him as he looked down at his desk. That made Fernando's heart hurt. He didn't like seeing Khan being bossed around by someone as insecure as Lian. Fernando hoped her attitude wouldn't rub off on him.

Suddenly, the bell rang. "Alright class, today, we have our painting lesson, and then you'll get more time to work on your project," Inara started. Fernando, for once, felt prepared for class. He had worked on his sketch for the project already, and was ready to start painting. He absorbed the information Inara gave in her lesson and when it was over, applied it to his project to bring his ideas to life.

He started by painting the smooth, beige sand and the blue ocean water lapping against it. White streaks would mark the crests of the waves. Solid light blue represented the clear sky, with no clouds in sight. The bright Summer sun would beat down on the sand, warming the land. Colorful umbrellas would be dotted on the shore. One in the foreground would shelter three friends. They ate watermelon and sandwiches, enjoying the freedom of summer with each other. All wore smiles on their faces. However, Fernando could not fit all of that detail in one short session. One step at a time, he thought to himself.. He started with the basic shapes and colors and would add final touches later. After finishing the background, he took a break to glance at Khan's work.

The details of Khan's sketch astonished him. The football game in the background sparked a special feeling in Fernando. Football was one of the most important parts of Autumn to him, and Khan had perfectly captured why. The excitement, the emotion, it all was in his sketch. His painting was only just beginning to bring his concept to life. Fernando felt his part of the project was now overly simple.

"Wow, Khan, that's really good," he commented.

"Oh, thanks," Khan responded, turning to him. "Yours is good too. You've gotten pretty far, too."

"Gracias," Fernando said, grinning, "I like to think art is my strength." He winked at Khan.

Khan giggled and quickly turned down to his painting to return to working. Fernando smiled. He loved to make Khan giggle like a little girl. Suddenly, Lian looked up at them, giving a suspicious look. Fernando stared at her blankly, and then continued to work on his painting as well.

After class, it was time for lunch, so Fernando headed to the alley where he and Cassie agreed to meet. She checked her phone and leaned against the wall. When he arrived, she looked up and put it away. Fernando leaned against the opposing wall to her.

"So, what brings you to me?" she started.

"Well, I have good news and bad news, what do you want to hear first?" he said.

"You were absent yesterday. I'm assuming that's because of bad news. Tell me that first." Fernando hesitated. He looked at his feet, then back up at Cassie.

"My worst nightmare came true," he started, his eyes somber.
"God, you're so dramatic, spill the beans already."

"Khan and Lian are dating," he said quickly, turning his head away to hide his grief. Cassie's indifferent expression turned to shock.

"No way."

"Yes way. He told me."
"I… don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry." She moved closer to Fernando and hugged him.

"Is that why you stayed at home?" He nodded.

"Well, I hope things get better. Maybe being with her more will allow him to realize her true nature?"

"Possibly. She was being a jerk to him today in art." Cassie nodded, then spoke again.

"Alright, now for the good news."

Fernando smiled. "I'm going to his place after school today." Cassie gasped.

"W-That's great, Fernando!"

"I know, right? The best part: it was his idea!" he said, excitedly. Both grinned.

"Oh my gosh, that's so awesome! Good luck with him," she said.

"Thank you, but I don't need it," he responded, winking. She rolled her eyes.
"Alright, alright, let's go back to the cafeteria. You go first." Fernando nodded and left, walking towards the cafeteria and to his table when he entered. Vivian and Lex were sitting at the table, as well as Khan and Lian. Khan, who was sitting next to his partner, greeted Fernando as he arrived. Lian gave him a cold look when he sat across from the couple.

"Hey Fernando, where were you?" he questioned.
"In the bathroom." He hoped Khan wouldn't see through his lie.

"You take a long time-" he started, but was interrupted by Fernando.

"I was just fixing my hair and stuff. Gotta stay looking sharp," Fernando explained quickly, trying to hide the truth. He added a wink and a grin for good measure.

"Alright then," Khan responded. Both him and Lian gave Fernando a suspicious look.

"So, how's your day been?" Fernando asked.

"It's been alright, I guess. You?"

"Nothing much. I actually paid attention in class." Khan chuckled.

"You? Paying attention? I'm shocked." Suddenly, he grunted, then put his arm around Lian. She smirked at Fernando, which made him squirm. The three sat in silence. Then, Skye, who had been absent from the table, returned. She quickly felt the tension in the air.

"Hey, I'm back, woah woah, what's going on over here?" she asked.

"Nothing," Lian responded. She then moved Khan's hand onto the table, revealing that the couple's hands were interlocked. Fernando could see Khan's face turn red as he looked away from the table. He could feel the pain of rejection inside of him. Skye squinted at the couple, then sat down next to Fernando.

"Where were you, anyways?" Lian continued, acting as if nothing was wrong.

"Oh, do you really want to know?" Skye smirked. Lian raised her eyebrows.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do." Fernando locked eyes with Khan. They knew this tone from Lian and Skye was never a good thing.

"Well, I was spending some time with Viktor…" Lian jumped up from her seat, an enraged expression on her face.

"You what?" she shouted.

"I was with Viktor-"

"You can't do that."

"Why not?"

"That's against girl code. You're a whore."

"Fuck you, you can't tell me what to do," Skye spat. Fernando winced. He hated to see his friends fight like this. Khan's eyes narrowed, then he got up, clearly irritated.

"Enough! You two did this yesterday. Stop arguing, it gets really annoying," Khan commanded. The two girls looked at the much taller man, then sat back down, still glaring at each other. Then, Lian did the most unexpected thing she could have possibly done. First, she looked at Skye, then Fernando. Then, she jumped up and locked her lips onto Khan's.

Both Fernando and Skye gasped, shocked by the sight before them. Khan seemed surprised too, his eyes wide and face red. Then, suddenly, he closed his eyes and fell into the kiss naturally. His brief shock reminded Fernando of an actor messing up his lines, almost as if Khan had made a mistake and was trying to cover it up. He thought he had cried all of his tears yesterday, but he was clearly wrong, since he had a hard time holding back more. He couldn't take it. She owned him.

Lian broke the kiss, then smirked at them both. Nobody said a word. The whole lunchroom was staring. Skye frowned.

"Well, at least I don't have to lie to everyone to get them to like me," the purple-haired girl reacted. Then, she walked off, countless gazes following her out the door. Lian didn't even look at her, instead, she made eye contact with Fernando. The three sat down. Fernando sighed, trying to absorb what just happened. Khan frowned, but kept his arm around Lian. She seemed to have total control over his friend, which disturbed Fernando. Something seemed off about this relationship, and it wasn't just his wishful thinking talking. He could feel it.