The heat of August snuck into the cracks between the bricks that built Ridgeline High, causing the walls to swell and each classroom to fill with humidity and stickiness. Being one of Denver's first high schools, the building hadn't yet experienced an AC renovation even though everyone was begging for it. Teachers resorted to opening windows and purchasing fans, while students were forced to learn in an environment similar to a greenhouse.

"I thought my house was bad this summer, but I've been proved fucking wrong," Niall laughed as he caught up to Harry at his locker.

Harry gave a chuckle as he rummaged through his books. "You'll get used to it, and that's kind of what you get for showing up a week after the first day."

"Hey! It's not my fault dad planned a surprise out-of-state trip," Niall argued, "Y'know I would've been here if my mom was in charge, but dad insisted on keeping it secret and fuck'd up the dates."

Harry teasingly rolled his eyes, and Niall pushed him on the shoulder. "You haven't missed much anyways," Harry offered. "Just another week of-"

"Hell."

"No, not hell, just school."

"Ugh, Harry, why'd you gotta be such a goody-goody?"

"I'm not!"

"Are to. Look at your locker," Niall claimed, gesturing toward the perfectly organized space filled with books - most not required for school reading.

"What about it?"

"It's full of all these books. Like, Jesus Christ, are you ever going to read The Fountainhead, really?" Niall asked, flipping through the hefty book.

"Well, I -"

"Be honest with yourself, Harry."

Harry yanked the book out of Niall's hands and placed it back in its given place. "I'd like to."

As Harry slammed the locker shut, Niall placed his arm around Harry's shoulders. "You aren't going to get anyone with all those books. They're a distraction, Harry. They keep you from really living in the moment."

Harry shoved Niall's arm away as they started to walk toward their first period class. "Maybe I don't want anyone right now, Niall. Maybe I need a chance to escape from here."

Niall gave him a look as he held the door open to the Social Studies Department. "What's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with here?"

Harry sighed, "it's stupid." They took their seats at their group of desks.

"No, you can tell me. What's up? Did something happen?"

"I just -"

"Alright everyone, the bell has rung," Ms. Gee interjected, "Good morning and welcome to week two of sociology!"

Harry glanced at Niall as they opened their books, and he mouthed, "Later."