"Integration is the reverse of differentiation… So, if you're integrating X to the power of n—"

  Eddie's voice echoed through the empty school lounge, each word bouncing off the walls and drilling into Nathan's head. Supposedly, they were here to revise for math.

  The finals loomed over them like storm clouds, and tension hung in the air. Everyone was nervous. Not surprising. Except Eddie—he was the only one actually interested in studying. It made Nathan wonder, from time to time, how they were even friends.

  "Nate!"

  Nathan flinched as Ryan shouted directly into his ear.

  "What?" he asked, rubbing the side of his head.

  "Everything okay?" Ryan's usual playfulness was missing, replaced by something close to concern.

  "Of course." Nathan sank deeper into the bean bag. "It's early. Give me a break," he muttered, voice thick with fatigue.

  "You know, if you guys put even a little bit more effort—"

  "We get it!" Lucian groaned, snapping his book shut and tossing his calculator on top of it. "I would put in more effort, but I'm—"

  "Too lazy?" Ryan cut him off with a smirk.

  Blood rushed to Lucian’s face as he forced a smile. "I swear, I’m gonna bury you one of these days."

  Nathan stretched as he got up from the bean bag. "You two lovebirds keep at it. I need coffee."

  Eddie ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "Why the hell did you guys even ask for help if you weren’t gonna use it?"

  "Come on, Eddie. You should know us by now." Ryan pulled out his phone—his unofficial signal that he’d be mentally unavailable for the next fifty minutes. "There’s no point in us being here."

  "Whatever." Eddie slung his bag over his shoulder, already moving to catch up with Nathan.

  Just as they were leaving, a girl walked into the lounge, waving. "Hey, guys!"

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Nathan didn’t even glance her way, heading straight for the door.

  "Hey," Eddie replied.

  "Bad mood?" She tilted her head, eyes flicking toward Nathan as he disappeared down the hall.

  "Nah, he’s just like that nowadays." Eddie shoved his hands into his pockets, posture stiffening.

  "Oh." She watched Nathan for a moment, brows slightly raised.

  "Yeah… I should probably go make sure he doesn’t do something he shouldn't." Eddie chuckled nervously.

  "Right. See you." She turned and walked deeper into the lounge. Eddie exhaled, lips pressed together as he watched her go.

  ~~~

  The cafeteria was empty. Quiet. Nathan stared out the window, eyes unfocused on the distant city skyline. These days, just thinking about it gave him a headache—the engines roaring, the screeching tires, the endless hum of movement. Maybe it was stress. Maybe not. But lately, he’d noticed how even the smallest vibrations irritated him.

  He took a sip of his coffee—pure black. Bitter. The taste barely registered. With a sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to silence the noise in his head.

  "You sure you’re okay?"

  Eddie dropped his bag onto the table and took the seat next to him.

  "Yeah, I’m fine. Probably just stressed about exams." Nathan groaned. "The teachers act like it’s the end of the world."

  "I mean… it could be." Eddie shrugged.

  "Okay, shut up. Not helping." Nathan rolled his eyes and took another sip.

  "Maybe you should stop being so dependent on coffee."

  Nathan turned his head slowly, jaw dropping in mock offense. "How dare you. I am a proud caffeine addict. Lemme be."

  "Suit yourself, man. Just saying."

  Nathan knew Eddie wasn’t wrong. He’d been drinking way too much coffee these past few days. Normal blends barely did anything anymore—black was the only thing strong enough to get him through the first few classes.

  Eddie leaned forward. "Also, what was that with Lacey back there? You basically ignored her."

  Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

  "I mean, she said hi. It’s basic etiquette to say it back, no?"

  Nathan chuckled, his lips curling into an amused yet warm smile. "Does it bother you that I didn’t say hi?"

  Eddie stiffened. "What? No! Don’t get any ideas."

  "Whoa, relax. I didn’t say anything." Nathan’s laughter grew louder.

  "Yeah, but you were thinking it!" Eddie hissed.

  "Dude, the only thing I’m thinking about is the physics homework I forgot to do."

  Nathan paused. His expression blanked.

  "Oh, shit. I forgot about that."

  In one swift motion, he downed the rest of his coffee, shot up from his seat, and sprinted off.

  "See you later, Ed!"

  Eddie sighed, leaning back in his chair. He stared out the window, watching the city breathe.

  "See ya.”