Troy's Point of View:

As I parked my car into the student parking lot, I pulled down the overhead mirror and gave a myself a quick examination and some personal confidence.

Alright Troy, it's just another day of school. Just like any other day. Just don't think too much. You're going to be fine.

I grabbed my duffle bag and got out of the car. I aimed my keys at it and pressed my lock button. A small chirp emitted from the car; signaling it was locked and under alarm. I headed towards the gym to meet up with the rest of the team. We were supposed to be talking about working on new plays and about having more drill exercises during the next two weeks. We were having another game and we needed to think of productive ways to win. Besides depending on me all the time.

Man, it's going to be a long day.

Ryan's Point of View:

Sharpay and I parked in our usual spot that was closest to the gym. We both simultaneously pulled down our overhead mirrors and started to adjust ourselves like we always did. It was our routine, per say. I took off my hat to fix my hair under it. I noticed how unkempt it was today. I reached for the glove compartment and pulled out some hair gel.

I squirted some into my hand and ran it through my hair; trying to keep it looking as neat as possible. Sharpay was busy putting on earrings and brushing her hair.

It must be great to be able to multi-task. I thought to myself.

I finished my hair and waited for Sharpay to be done with her touch-ups. I placed my beret carefully back on my head just as Sharpay finally put the brush down. We turned to face each other.

"Do I look good?" We both said at the same time.

"Yes." Once again in unison.

"Remember, we have to talk to Darbus right after school. Don't forget, okay?" Sharpay sounding as serious as a mountain lion.

"Yes, Sharpay." I said in my false, polite voice.

We got out of the car and gave each other our usual hugs and kisses. I waved goodbye and headed towards the gym; it was a shortcut to my next class. I started ruffling into my messenger bag and kept walking at the same time. I was trying to find my latest script when I bumped into someone. I fell to the ground with a small thud; my supplies and things have fallen astray amongst the pavement. I looked up to apologize to whoever I bumped into. It was none other than Troy Bolton himself. My voice fell short.

Troy's Point of View:

As I was looking into my duffle bag for our team's scheduled practices, I didn't see where I was going because someone had suddenly bumped into me. Luckily for my build, I didn't fall as easily as the other person. He looked up from the floor and it was Ryan Evans, Sharpay's acting partner and brother.

I smiled and started to help him with his things. I guess the impact was a bit much because all his stuff went everywhere. After I helped him pick up one last notebook, I lent out a hand for him so he could get up. He looked at my hand at first like it was some kind of dangerous weapon but reluctantly he reached over and I pulled him up. He was pretty light for a boy my age. He started smoothing out the wrinkles on his shirt. I decided to make conversation.

"Hey Ryan. Still into acting I see?" I pointed to the script he was holding in his hand. He must've been trying to find it while he was walking, just as I was with my schedule paper.

He gave me sort of a quizzical look.

"Yes I am. I see your still into football." He responded as he slipped his script back into his bag.

"It's basketball." I responded with a hint of satisfaction in my voice.

"Well, whatever it is, it doesn't matter to me. I'm sorry for bumping into you. I didn't see where I was going." He sounded a bit agitated, like it was hard to talk to me.

"Hey, are you okay? You seem different than from the last time we saw each other." I started to remember the last time we hung out. It was when we took our final bows at the Twinkle Town musical. We had all held hands and took a bow. I went to talk to Gabriella and when I turned around to congratulate everyone else, Ryan and Sharpay had already left.

Ryan took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry. I'm just caught up with tons of stress and my acting. I can't seem to find the time to just relax and be myself. You know?" He started to fidget with his bag strap.

"Yeah, I know what that's like. I mean, the pressure I get from basketball, and trying to have a social life and a major reputation. to uphold. I could never fit any fun time into my schedule." I scratched my head.

"At least you have a reputation. Everyone just knows me as 'Sharpay's Shadow' or that drama geek. It's like nobody knows who Ryan Evans is." He started to adjust his hat, which looked really good on him. "I bet you don't know what that's like. Everyone looks at you and says 'Wow, it's Troy Bolton, star player of East High.' I wish I had something like that to live by."

I looked down at my sneakers and felt bad for sounding so conceited. I wasn't even aware of how people like Ryan felt about me. I thought of an idea that might help.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up alright?" I put my hand on his shoulder and gave it a light, friendly squeeze.

"I'll tell you what, are you doing anything later? We should get together and hang out. Would that be cool?" I smiled brightly.

"Yeah, that would actually sound nice. What time?" He responded back with a smile of his own.

"How about right after practice?" I replied.

"When does that end? I have to talk to Darbus after school." He replied as he started to search through his backpack.

"We end at around 6:30. Is that cool?" I took my hand off his shoulder, it felt strange having to let go of Ryan's shoulder.

"That sounds perfect. Sharpay and I usually end with Darbus around 6:15. Where do I meet you?" He pulled out a pencil and a small note pad and started to jot something down.

"How about here in front of the gym? It's closest to the student parking lot." I nodded.

"Great." He ripped out a piece of paper and handed it to me, along with his note pad and pencil. "Write your number down."

I quickly jotted my number down and handed him back his note pad and pencil. The first warning bell rang.

"Uh-oh, I got to hurry. Coach doesn't like me being late." I spoke quickly.

"Yeah, my Geometry teacher is a real prick about tardiness." He responded just as fast.

I ran into the gym as I waved goodbye. He ran down the opposite hallway and waved goodbye to me as well. For some strange reason, I didn't want our conversation to end.

Most of all, I felt more comfortable talking to Ryan than I ever did with anyone else, not even with Gabriella. Could he be what I was missing all along?

I walked into the locker room and started to dress, thoughts of Ryan in the back of my mind...

A/N: Oh, this is getting good.