The only thing I've ever wanted was to eat my lunch in peace. Well, too bad peace doesn't last for long when distractions and interruptions are always lurking around in every corner. I watched in disbelief as a girl I've never encountered before kept squealing and muttering gibberish to herself while reading a Shakespeare play. She sat on a nearby bench across the sidewalk as she flipped through a few pages furiously, an idiotic grin plastered across her features.

Okay, is it just me or does she look like she's performing a spooky ritual right now?

"Aha! Found it!" She exclaimed in delight as she stood up and cleared her throat.

"Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge." She recited poetically like a spokesperson, making exaggerating hand movements while doing so. I was slightly amused upon hearing her unique accent.

"We got a hardcore Shakespeare fan right there," I muttered. Meredith only hummed in response beside me.

"How come I've never seen her before?" I asked as I observed her closely. She looked like a fangirl swooning over a fan fiction story as a giddy expression contorted her features. Meredith took a sip on her canned soda.

"Rumors say she's an exchange student from Scotland. Apparently, her family decided to move here and she just transferred today." I perked up in interest.

"An exchange student, huh? Well, that explains her accent. She must be British. You're quite the eavesdropper, Meredith. Never knew you had it in you. For all I know, you're the type of girl who doesn't give a shit about anything." I tried to hold back a chuckle when she glared at me.

"It's impossible not to pick up those rumors when a bunch of idiots was practically gossiping loudly at the hallways. Seriously, what's the point of gossip when they're being heard?" I shrugged.

"Touché." Meredith glanced at me briefly with a smirk.

"Speaking of gossip, I heard quite a lot of rumors about you too." I groaned.

"Please don't remind me." She rolled her eyes.

"No can do, I need answers." She demanded. I sighed and turned to her lazily.

"Since you insist Ms. Gossip Girl, I'll summarize everything. Apparently, I kicked Levi's ass as payback for hitting me on the face." I began. Meredith stared at me in disbelief.

"That's very shallow if you ask me. I can't believe you'd do that for an invalid reason."

"Before you make up any assumptions, at least let me finish dumbass." I ignored her signature glare and went on.

"I was doing my English essay while waiting for Soren's soccer practice to finish. Unfortunately, while I was minding my own business, that narcissistic bastard just kicked the ball right to my face! And he's saying that he's the star athlete in the team?! Ha, don't make me laugh." I grumbled scornfully.

"If it wasn't for your stupidity, that wouldn't have happened in the first place."

"Excuse me? So you're on Mason's side too, huh? I was just trying to look out for my brother like a good sister, for Pete's sake." I protested.

"I'm not siding with anyone, just stating my opinion."

"Whatever, Ms. Know-it-all."

* * * * *

"Alright class, I'm sure some of you may have already heard about the news but we have a new student joining us today." Murmurs and whispers filled the classroom as I glanced up from my notes in interest.

"Ms. Clarke, kindly introduce yourself." Ms. Smith gestured to a female brunette in front and I immediately recognize her as the Shakespeare fangirl from earlier.

"Why certainly, ma'am!" She chirped enthusiastically and I had to flinch from her loud, modulated voice. I could hear 'ooh' sounds in the background as everyone stared at the new student in awe, impressed at her magnificent accent. The brunette turned to the whole class with a bright smile.

"Hello, the name's Yssie Clarke! Apparently, my family moved here from Scotland due to business matters but I'm starting to like this country so I do hope we'd be good friends! As for my hobbies, I love reading books a lot and listening to punk rock 'cause why not?" Everyone chuckled in amusement at her lighthearted behavior as a small smile played across my lips, growing immersed in her way of speaking.

"I've been a huge fan of classic literature since I was little and one of my top favorite stories is Macbeth, Frankenstein, The Iliad, and The Cask Of Amontillado! As for punk rock, my favorite band would be My Chemical Romance because yes, so anyway it's nice to meet you all, countrymen." She ended her introduction with a bow before sitting back down on her seat, snickering to herself in a giddy manner. Literally, the whole class clapped and whooped loudly.

"Now, that's one heck of an introduction!" One student hooted.

"You rock, Yssie!" Another one cheered. Yssie glanced over her shoulder, her ears beet red as she regarded us with a shy smile. A quiet titter escaped from my lips as I stared outside the window.

Things are about to get livelier now that she's here.

I couldn't find English any more exciting during Ms. Smith's lecture. For some reason, the classroom's atmosphere has become more carefree and relaxed. Occasionally, a series of laughter would be shared among the class every time Yssie would make a side comment like, "Achilles and Patroclus deserved to be together." and "Paris is a coward."

The class was paired up randomly for the oral expression after the discussion. I'm guessing luck was on my side today since I got Yssie as my partner.

"What's up, mate?" I jumped on my seat in surprise as I heard a familiar accent behind me.

How did she get here so fast?

"Oh uh, hey." I glanced to my right timidly and gave her an awkward wave. Yssie gave me a friendly smile.

"It is an honor to meet you, my fellow countryman." She said with an acknowledging nod. I snickered at her formal way of talking which may be the cause of her reading exposure in Shakespeare's works. I had a feeling she was trying to ease my nervous tension as I took note of her relieved smile when my shoulders slumped down. I cleared my throat, deciding to play along.

"Indeed. The name's Ash if you haven't heard. A pleasure to meet you, countryman." I said with a two-fingered salute.

"Likewise. So," She began as she slammed her hands against my desk, catching me off guard.

"What scene will we be doing in The Iliad? Paris and Helen running away from Sparta like cowards? Zeus screwing with mortals? Oh, I know! Maybe we could do the one-on-one sword battle between Achilles and Hector!" Yssie squealed excitedly as she clasped her hands together in delight.

"Woah, there. Slow down, girl. You specified a bunch of good options, well excluding the Zeus screwing with mortals thing. So anyway, are you in for the Achilles versus Hector scene? I'm quite fond of their battle if you ask me." Yssie's eyes lit up at my suggestion.

"Hell, yes! We'll do that scene in one condition, I shall be Achilles." She declared, crossing her arms. I smirked.

"Fine by me. I'm quite a huge fan of Hector anyway. "

"Perfect! So, how do we start off? Like, Achilles would be the first to enter the scene then he goes screaming Hector's name?" I hummed in agreement.

"That's how it goes in the movie anyway so we can use that as our guide."

During the remaining minutes of the period, Yssie made a suggestion to type down the script on my laptop. In less than ten minutes, she was able to finish a two-page script and I didn't have to be surprised knowing her expertise in classic literature.

"That was fast. I'll email you the script once I get back to my dorm. Sounds good?"

"Absolutely. It was an honor working with you, countryman." I waved a hand dismissively.

"Jeez, if you're gonna keep doing that, you'll end up turning into Shakespeare 2.0." I joked.

"I surely don't mind that."

* * * * *

"Psst. Jack Ross." I called out, poking his knee with the edge of my paintbrush.

He wouldn't budge.

"Math genius."

Silence.

"Nerd."

Still nothing.

"Dork."

"Number freak."

Reaching out, I pinched his nose. "Cutie."

He yelped timidly and put a palm over his nose, his cheeks a burning shade of scarlet as he stared at me, utterly flabbergasted.

"Ash, what was that for? I was sketching the final graph!" He protested unassertively.

"I knew you'd be flustered if I call you that!" I exclaimed triumphantly. Jack frowned as he adjusted the black beanie on his head.

"Stop beating around the bush. You wanted to say something, right?"

"Sharp as usual, I see. Anyway, did you hear about the exchange student?" I asked.

"Yeah, I encountered her in bio class. She's quite the lively and optimistic type which is why she grew likable amongst the students and teachers." Jack said as he began outlining the graphs using colored pens while I polished the painting of crossroads.

"I shouldn't be surprised that an exchange student came to our school. Although I'm still fascinated since it's my first time encountering a British student."

"Right, you were homeschooled." I hummed in response.

"May I ask why?" He asked hesitantly, giving me a nervous glance. I fidgeted with the hem of my hoodie as I looked away.

"Nothing out of ordinary, really. Just felt like it." I answered immediately. Jack raised an eyebrow skeptically before releasing a sigh.

"You're like an open book, Ash. You're too easy to read. But you don't have to tell me now. Just remember that I'm here for you, okay?" He mumbled softly with a coy smile as he ran a hand over his slick dark bangs awkwardly. I quirked up a smile.

"Gee, thanks math genius," I said, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

* * * * *

Today has been pretty hectic for me and I'm dying to go back to my dorm to get my beauty sleep. But if it wasn't for Soren forcing me to come to watch his soccer practice, I wouldn't end up sitting on the bleachers looking like a lifeless zombie right now. I sighed.

Why can't peace be on my side even just for once?

I watched lazily as the boys' team were doing dribbling drills from one cone to the other. I glanced up at the goal area at the far end of the field to see Soren was doing spectacularly as usual. He kept receiving continuous curveball and knuckleball kicks from his goalkeeper coach and yet he saved it all without breaking a sweat, executing graceful dives from side to side at that.

Soren really is amazing.

I looked up at the clear blue sky longingly, a solemn expression contorting my features. Once more, flashbacks of my younger self as a soccer athlete crossed my mind. Before I knew it, warm liquid cascaded down my cheeks.

If only I was good enough, I didn't have to experience that.

"Ash!" I snapped back to reality before I could further delve into my past. Immediately, I wiped my tears with the sleeve of my hoodie. From the sidelines, I could see Penny running up to me along with some of her teammates.

"Uh, hey Penny." I waved awkwardly when she made it to the bleachers.

"Yo! So, are you gonna start training with us today?" She asked eagerly. My hands quivered as I hid them behind my back, giving her a forced smile.

"Well, could you give me more time to think about it?" Penny frowned.

"What?! Are you kidding me?! But it's been two days! Come on, I can't wait to see you play!" She pleaded as she began pulling on my arm. I grew alarmed and yanked myself out of her grasp.

"I don't have a sports attire with me so---"

"That's fine! I have an extra one, you can borrow it!"

No thanks!

"That would be nice but--"

"Penny, can't you see that you're pressuring her? Leave the poor girl alone. Even if she declines our request, there are plenty of fish in the sea." One of her teammates pointed out.

"But Hailey, she's the cause of Levi's nose injury! The star athlete himself even mentioned about her amazing shooting skills. If there's a goldfish in the sea, it's her!" I stared at Penny, dumbfounded.

Say what now?

"What's going on here, Grayson?" A stern female voice called out. The girls' team moved out of the way as a woman of around her mid-twenties came walking through, eyeing me up and down and I had to fight the urge from cowering in fear at her intimidating demeanor.

"Ah, Coach Kramer! Perfect timing, this is our new recruit, Ash Rockwell. She's the one who kicked Levi's ass." My cheeks flared up in embarrassment as Penny went up beside me and pats my shoulder proudly.

"Wait, what? Hold on, this is some kind of--"

"Hm, I see. Never knew you had the guts to do that, little girl." Coach Kramer said nonchalantly as she stared at me stoically.

Little girl? Am I even that small?

"But next time, try not to mess with Coach Schneider's boys. He's tough to deal with whenever he goes berserk." Coach Kramer warned. I nodded timidly under her scrutinizing gaze.

"So, will you start training today Rockwell?" She inquired, raising an eyebrow. I gulped before answering.

"I'm still thinking about it as of now, coach."

"I see. Just to inform you, there will be training on Friday. Come in sports attire once you make up your mind." She said before turning away.

"Alright girls, jog around the whole field for thirty minutes for warm-up!" Coach Kramer exclaimed in an authoritative tone.

"Yes, coach!" They all chorused, forming into two lines to start their routine. Penny who was in front of the line glanced at me.

"You better train on Friday or else." She said before jogging off, with the rest following after her. I frowned.

That girl is so damn persistent.

The boys ended the practice game with a quick applaud as they walked over to one side of the field near the bleachers to cool down. I sighed in relief as I stood up and made my way towards them as Coach Schneider lectured about the upcoming tournaments. Eventually, he finally dismissed the team and I glanced around, looking for a sign of my brother.

"Hey, look! It's her!" A guy from Soren's team exclaimed as he pointed at me. Instinctively, I stepped back. Man, he caught me off guard.

"Oh, yeah! The girl who kicked Jackson's ass!" Another one hollered in amusement as he came up at me, running a hand through his dark hair.

"What's up, cutie." He said flirtatiously, sending me a wink. I scrunched up my nose in disgust.

"Take one more step and before you knew it, you'll have a bloody nose." I threatened with a cold glare. He chuckled.

"Man, you're quite feisty! Probably the reason why our star athlete wouldn't shut his mouth about you." Before I knew it, I was surrounded by the boys' team and I had to cover my nose.

They reek of sweat!

"Oooh, a hottie! Especially since she's a redhead!" I groaned, looking around frantically as I tried to find my escape route.

"Could you guys quit it? Stop gawking over my sister, jeez." I sighed in relief as Soren came squeezing his way through his teammates.

"Ah, that explains why you two look alike." One of his teammates said. Soren ignored their commentaries as he turned to me.

"You okay, sis? Sorry about them, you've been the main topic in the team after all." He says sheepishly.

"Nah, it's cool. Can we just get back to the dorm? I'm really--"

"What's the big commotion all about?" I fought the urge to blow a fuse right there on my spot.

What's up with people cutting me off lately?

"The girl of your dreams is right here, dude." One joked which made everyone snicker. I rolled my eyes.

Girl of his dreams, my ass.

The last person that I expected to see came into view, his red jersey damp as it clung onto his body and outlined his muscles. Sweat beads rolled down on his neck and face and his once neat hairstyle had become messy and wild as it tangled in different directions. His blue eyes glimmered as we made eye contact and I looked away, fighting to hide the blush on my cheeks.

Damn him for being hot as fuck.

"A little shy now, aren't we? It's just me, mute girl." He teased, a Cheshire grin playing across his lips. I refused to look at him and crossed my arms. I'm not about to waste my time with this guy. I turned my heel to leave the field but I felt a hand on my shoulder in a firm grip.

"Come on, talk to me mute girl. It's much more fun seeing you acting all feisty and vulgar than receiving such cold treatment from you." He cooed. I looked over my shoulder, glaring daggers at him.

"Fuck you," I growled venomously. Levi smiled in amusement.

"And there she is." He added. Unable to hold back my anger, I turned to him.

"You spread the rumors, didn't you?! That's why I got ambushed by your stupid fan club, right?!" I yelled angrily which surprised the whole team. Levi tilted his head to the side innocently.

"And what if I said that you're correct?"

"Then go to hell, asshole! What are you, a sadist?!" I shot back.

"Maybe I am. After all, it was fun watching you act all badass around those girls. It's quite interesting." I huffed in annoyance.

"If you're planning to make me one of your playthings then that ain't gonna happen, playboy." I snarled dangerously before storming out of the field.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

A/N: Sorry for taking so long, guys! I've been sick for the past few days but thankfully, I'm all better now! I pray for your safety if your country is affected by the coronavirus!
😷😷🙏🙏

Word count: 3104