"My god, it's been a busy week," Preston breathed, collapsing on the bleacher seat. Max chuckled and sat down next to him. "Yeah, it has..." He looked out at the sea of freshman on the gym floor. "So, what were you planning again?"

   "Oh, right!" The older boy fished his leather notebook out of his satchel. He quickly flipped through the pages. "I wanted your opinion on something."

   Max raised an eyebrow. "My opinion? Wow. I'm honored, to say the least."

   Preston rolled his eyes at the smart comment and stopped on a page, skimming through it. "Calm down. It's just some more lines." He closed the notebook, using his thumb as a bookmark. "The only difference is that I've written these, and I need someone to practice on."

   The shorter teen smirked. "Fine by me. But expect me to adlib. Like, a lot."

   "I expected nothing less," he said playfully. He reopened the notebook and cleared his throat. "Ready?"

   Max shrugged. "Go ahead. We don't have all period."

   The drama kid ignored his crush's sarcasm and cleared his throat again. "You're like a rose-"

   "Yep, red with fury," Max murmured. He smirked at the look Preston gave him. "What? I told you I was going to adlib."

   He huffed, returning his gaze to the book. "You're like the moon-"

   "Shrouded in darkness? Definitely."

   He held back a frustrated sigh and glared at the boy next to him. The look on the younger boy's face was smug, but playful. Shaking his head, he went to the next line. "You're an angel-"

   "Bitch where?" Max cackled. He heard Preston's irritated sigh as he bent over laughing. He wiped a tear from his eyes and glanced up at the taller peer. "Yes?"

   Preston blew a strand of hair out of his face and sighed quietly. "Max."

   "Again, yes?"

   "Can you please just take the compliment and let me flirt with you?" He watched the surprise flicker in his crush's green eyes. His felt his face heat up.

   "Wait, flirt?" Max turned to face Preston, pulling his legs up on the seat. "Where those pick-up lines?"

   The overdramatic teen avoided his gaze. "Maybe they were. Maybe they weren't." He heard the other sigh, but stared at his notebook.

   Cautiously, Max stretched out his legs, laying them on Preston's lap. "...That's pretty cute. And sweet."

   He heard his crush's breath hitch and smirked. Preston finally locked eyes with him, returning the grin.

   "Can you believe the party's in a few days?" The shorter boy asked. His crush let out a breathy laugh. "As much as I've had to prepare, yes." He closed the notebook and slipped it into his bag. "I can't believe I have to wear a skirt, though."

   Max perked up. "A skirt?" He crossed his arms, a mischievous look on his face. "Oh really?"

   "Shut up. And yes, a skirt." Preston moved his satchel behind him before meeting the other's gaze. "Don't get too excited about it."

   "Can't promise anything," the black haired boy snickered. The older teen hummed sarcastically (If that's even possible) before the bell rang.