Max let out a sigh of relief as the bell rang. The video recap on the Pythagorean Theorem made him want to kill himself. He trotted down the hallway, taking a peek at his schedule.

   "Lunch, and then gym," he thought, sighing loudly. "How fun."

   He was one of the first students in the cafeteria. It took him only five minutes to get some of they so-called "food" and find a seat. He spotted Nikki and Neil waving him over and gave them a small smile.

   "Hey Max," Nikki said, flashing him a grin. He returned it. "Hey, you two."

   "So, how's day one been so far?" Neil asked, stabbing the slop on his plate with a fork. Max shrugged. "It's been."

   Nikki didn't follow. "Been...?"

   Max stifled a groan. "It's been alright," he murmured. Neil gave him a look of sympathy before changing the subject. "So Nikki, are you trying out for tennis in the spring?"

   The active teen shrugged. "Maybe. It's so... Quiet, though. I prefer loud sports." She took a bite of her food. "I'll think about it. Are you?"

   Neil glanced down awkwardly. "I'm considering it," he answered quietly. Max studied the boy's facial expression. "I think you should go for it, dude."

   The brunet's cheeks went pink and he changed the subject once again. "What about you, Max? Doing any sports or clubs?"

   "I swear I've been asked this already..." the shorter boy muttered. He leaned back and crossed his arms. His gaze flicked between his two friends. "I don't think so. Unless the opportunity arises."

   "Well then, you're in luck, Maxwell!"

   Max nearly choked on his drink at the use of his whole first name. Attempting to play it off, he whipped around to face the culprit. Of course, it was none other than- you guessed it- Preston Goodplay.

   The black haired boy stiffened, locking eyes with the other. "Oh. Hi, Preston."

   "Salutations," the boy said sweetly, taking a seat at the table next to theirs. Max noticed he was carrying a leather bound notebook, which he hugged tightly to his chest. Watching the boy for a moment, he came to a conclusion.

   "You want something. What is it?" He spoke calmly, trying to keep his voice level. Preston put a hand on his chest, looking both hurt and offended. "I don't know what you're talking about."

   Max had to admit, he was a good actor. And a cute one, at that. But the performance was easy to see through.

   "Cut the shit, Preston. In all the years I've known you, it's easy to tell when you want something," Max stated, getting annoyed. Neil nodded in agreement, while Nikki appeared lost.

   "Damn! My performance was flawed," Preston mumbled to himself. His gaze returned to the shorter teen and he sighed. "Alright, I have a proposition for you."

   Max cocked an eyebrow. "Go on."

   "Well..." He stared at his lap as he spoke. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining the drama club."

   His peer snorted. "You're asking the wrong person..." He watched the smirk appear on Max's face and waited for the next insult.

   "...but you've caught me in a good mood, so it's a maybe."

   Max watched the surprise form on everyone's face and grinned wider. "And three... Two... One..."

   On cue, the bell for next period rang.