Joi groaned. "Of all the tables in the whole room, you had to sit here?" She reluctantly sat down in the chair next to him and pulled out her science book, a notebook and a pencil. Looking up at the board through her dark lashes, she started to write what the teacher had already written. I'll just ignore him. She thought about Michael who seemed to just be sitting there. He's even smiling, what a freak. Without meaning too, Joi laughed quietly and looked over at him. This is going to be harder than I thought.

Michael watched as Joi diligently took notes in neat, curt hand writing. "Well," he said. "If I loose my notes, I'll know who to call." To escape her gaze, he turned and opened his own bag, took out a very business looking notebook, and began to copy the notes. His handwriting was barely readable. Well, he could read it - no one else could. "Have I done something to anger you?" he asked suddenly, feeling a pang of guilt.

Joi looked up from her notes to meet Michael's smoke-grey eyes and instantly regretted it. He seemed to be asking so sincerely that Joi answered, "No, of course not. Why would you think that?" She shook her head and forced herself to look back at her notes. She stared at the page in front of her, then up at the board and began writing again. After a minute of pure silence, she threw down her pencil and nudged Michael in the side. "You want to know what you did wrong?" she said in a angry whisper. "You invaded my life. Just because you think you're so good-looking, doesn't mean that every person in this school is going to fall head over heals for you. That goes double for me!" Unaware that her voice had risen during her speech, Joi jumped when the teacher said, "Joi, is something wrong?" There were murmured laughs around the room, as the blood rushed to color Joi's cheeks. She straightened her back and said through a fake smile, "No, everything is fine. I was just helping Mickey here with his notes. Sorry to interrupt the class." The teacher nodded and grumbled for her not to do it again, then turned to write something more on the board. Joi took this opportunity to glare at Michael - she fought the urge to stick out her tongue. At least lunch is next. Joi thought, turning her focus once again to her notes. I'll be able to forget about him once I talk with Peter. Joi smiled as she thought about her clumsy friend. They had be put together since childhood, and were often thought to be dating - an idea that amused her, seeing Peter's stance when it came to relationships. I wonder if Michael is Peter's type? she thought absently. His last boyfriend was a real jerk. she laughed quietly, Then again, Michael's a real jerk too. I wonder... She peered over at the boy sitting next to her, who was taking note intently. I wonder... she thought again as the bell rang.

Michael looked at his notebook, and began writing notes again, with a scowl on his face. She’s making fun on me? he thought. And here I thought I was being nice. He turned to look at her, to glare at her. He opened his mouth to made a snide comment, when he heard her laugh. A knot formed in his stomach, forcing him to swallow all the words he had planned to say. The bell rang and he reached out without thinking to grabbed her arm. “Joi,” he blurted out, his fingers grasping their target. “What class do you have next?” He didn’t want her to leave his sight; not until he could straighten out all these emotions he was feeling.

Joi gasped as Michael’s fingers closed around the top of her arm. His touch felt electric, and sent a shot of heat coursing through her body. “Lunch.” she said quickly, trying to jerk her arm free. “Why do you care?” Most of the other students had left the room, leaving only a handful to witness the scene that was taking place. They mumbled in their groups and stood on the edges of the classroom, watching. Joi sent a glare to every single one of them, and they all made their way - one way or another - out of the room. In the silence, Joi looked back at Michael. “Would you please let go of me? I’m meeting someone, and he’ll be worried if I’m late.”

Michael squeezed Joi’s arm. “Is is that guy?” he said, “The one with the red hair? Is he your boyfriend?” Realizing what he just said, he was taken aback and let go of Joi’s arm. He ran his finger’s through his hair, then turned and packed his things into his bag. After standing and slinging his bag over his shoulder, he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. It’s just, I felt...” he laughed. “You’re such a little minx.” He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I can’t help but be fascinated by you.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done - said - what I did. Can you find it in you heart to forgive me?” Great. He thought. Now I sound like a freak. Dammit, I really need a cigarette. He reached for the pack in his pocket, then put it back remembering he was in a school building.