Something Mirabel noticed about Lucas and his friends is that they seemed to protect Riley from the outside world. When she first met Riley, she quickly noticed that the girl was sheltered, naïve and innocent. It wasn't a bad thing, but it was strange to Mirabel that Riley hadn't been exposed to the harsher side of life yet. She thought it was sweet how her friends wanted to keep her innocent for as long as possible, and how they had her best interest at heart.

Mirabel wasn't as innocent as Riley, having grown up on a ranch with her large and loving family. She wasn't sheltered like Riley, having been exposed to the harsh realities of life and the darker side of the world at an early age. But, she was still kind and compassionate, and she wanted the best for her new friend. She had to admit she was surprised that Riley hadn't been exposed to certain things, but she respected her friends' efforts to protect her innocence. She thought it was sweet and heartwarming, but she knew Riley would have to be exposed to the harsh realities of life at some point.

Today in History class was a debate day. Riley and Farkle stood at the front of the class behind podiums, they were arguing about the sun shining during the day and night. Mirabel found it interesting and amusing. "'The sun shines during the day'." Mr. Matthews starts. "Ms. Mathews will argue the affirmative"

"Good morning, everybody." Riley smiles, folding her hands and resting them on the podium. "You know why people say that in the morning?" She slams the podium with one hand before walking over to the wall of windows. She pulls open the blinds, letting the sunlight stream in more. She then gestures to it with a grin. "Poom!" She walks back to the podium with a bow. "Nailed it."

Mirabel chuckled quietly at her antics. She didn't have anything against the girl, but sometimes she wondered if the girl was always that cheerful. She knew she was a positive and bright person, and that was admirable. But she also wondered how the girl could be so happy all the time.

"How can you possibly lose?" Maya grinned, amusement shining in her eyes.

"Like this." Smackle dramatically gestured to her boyfriend, smiling at him as he spoke.

"First of all, let's understand that day and night are merely words invented by human beings to communicate simple conceptual constructs apropos of nothing." Farkle started. Mirabel had to admit she barely understood what he said. She was smart, but Farkle's level of intelligence was on a completely different level. She was a bit jealous honestly, he was basically a genius. She noticed Riley was rolling her eyes and shaking her head. She chuckled quietly at her reaction.

"Ooh!" Smackle grinned, her face turning red. Everyone glanced at her with mix emotions, some confused and some amused.

Farkle leans on the podium, smirking at her. "Apropos."

"Rawr." Smackle grinned. Mirabel couldn't help but smirk at the interaction. She knew they were dating, but seeing it in person was different. She couldn't help but think Farkle and Smackle were adorable.

Mirabel leans over to Lucas to whisper, "I feel like we're intruding on a private moment between the two."

Lucas chuckles quietly, nodding his head in agreement. "They're something, aren't they?" Mirabel nodded in agreement and sat back in her chair. She had been sitting besides Lucas in every class they shared together. It was something they did without realizing. They gravitated towards each other, always finding a way to be near each other.

"Thank you. Thank you very much." Farkle smirks at his girlfriend before standing up straighter and facing the class. "Anyway, science tells us that the sun is always shining and what appears to be day and night is merely our angle of proximity at a particular time to the Earth's revolution." An amused smile forms on Mirabel's face as she watched Riley's antics. She messed with her hair and made funny faces, silently mocking her opponent. "And for extra credit, there's no such thing as time." Farkle added.

"Time!" Riley raised her voice, using the signal football coaches used when they wanted a time out. She turned to face Farkle as he continued.

"Our debate topic therefore is fasle. The sun does not just shine during the day, it also shines during the night, just not on us." Farkle finished with a smile.

Riley scoffs, facing the class with a smile. "I win."

"How do you win?" Mr. Matthews asked his daughter.

"Because I have high hopes. Because when you believe passionately-"

"And our debate winner is Farkle Minkus!" Mr. Matthews interrupted her and everyone applauded him.

Riley stands up straighter, looking at her dad with confusion. "I don't understand. I said what I believed. How could that be wrong?"

"There is no wrong, Riley. But there are rules to a debate." Mr. Matthews told her.

"Okay, who cares about the rules when the sun shines during the day?" Riley questioned, raising her eyebrows.

"That's interesting, isn't it?" Mr. Matthews comments, turning to face the class. "How often do we get so lost in what we think, that we refuse to listen to what the other side has to say, huh? You guys know why we debate in history class? History teaches us that most wars start because we don't listen to the other point of view."

Riley shakes her head. "I'm not trying to start a war. I just think it's okay to feel strongly about what you believe in."

"Riley, it's not enough to go through life without considering the other point of view." Mr. Matthews informed her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. The sun was in my ears." Riley dramatically spoke.

"Riley." Mr. Matthews started.

"Cory." Riley voiced in a mocking tone.

"Here we go." Lucas muttered, an amused smile appearing on his face.

"I love this class so much." Zay admitted with a grin. Mirabel chuckled at her friends' reactions.

"Being passionate about what you believe in is the only way to live." Riley continues. "I don't need your facts," She glances over at Farkle. "And I certainly don't need your points of view."

"Switch." Mr. Matthews said, causing his daughter to look at him with confusion.

"Huh?"

"Switch sides. Argue the other side. Farkle?" Mr. Matthews gestured for Farkle to start and the two teens switched places.

"The sun shines during the day. You know how I know?" Farkle walks over to the window, opening another blinds on a different window. "Poom!"

"Hey!" Riley frowned.

"POOM is my acronym for 'Polar oscillation in orbital motion'." Farkle continued.

"Is it hot in here?" Smackle wonders, tugging on her shirt as she blushes. "It's hot in here, right? What's happening?" Mirabel smiled at her with amusement.

"Farkle, what do you really believe?" Riley asked Farkle.

"The sun shines all the time. When we see it, it's day. So for us the sun shines during the day." Farkle replied as he walked back to the podium.

"How do we know what you really believe if you can switch sides that easily?" Riley questioned.

"I'm not changing what I believe. But a good debater needs to be able to argue both sides." Farkle answered.

"Right." Mr. Matthews agrees. "And as you continue to grow, you'll find a benefit to understanding the other side of an argument. Because if you know what you're up against, you'll be ready for it."

"Oh, I don't think I'll need to be ready to argue something as simple as whether the sun is out or not." Riley scoffed.

"Our people naturally good or evil?" Mr. Matthews inquired.

"Good." Riley didn't hesitate to answer, causing Mirabel to raise her eyebrows. She knew for a fact not everyone was good. She knew that from her own experience. She's seen the dark side of the world and the harsh realities of life. Heck, on her first day she bumped into a rude girl and some prick tried to take advantage of her. She admired Riley's positivity and optimism, but she also worried that the girl was in for a reality check.

"All of you will argue good." Mr. Matthews continues as he glances at the class. "Only one of you will argue the other side. Ms. Matthews..."

"You wouldn't dare." Riley gave her father a death glare.

"You will make the case for evil." Mr. Matthews told her. Riley crossed her arms and leaned her head on her arms on the podium as the bell rang. Mirabel looked at the girl with sympathy, feeling bad for her. She knew the girl had a big heart and she had a good moral compass. It was going to be hard for her to argue the opposite. Mirabel grabbed her backpack and stood up to leave the classroom. Everyone else began to do the same, but Riley stayed at the podium.

Zay leans over to Mr. Matthews on his way out. "Boy, you have killed us all."

"Yes, yes, I have." Mr. Matthews grimaced and the two ran out of the classroom.

Mirabel stood up, grabbing her bag and walking towards the door. But, she stopped at the sight of the girl sitting at the podium. She frowned, wondering if she should check on her or not. She noticed that everyone else had already left and it was just the two of them in the classroom. Well, Maya was in the classroom as well, sitting on the edge of a shelf near the windows. Lucas had stopped out in the hallway when he realized Mirabel wasn't following him.

Mirabel walks over to Riley, looking at her with concern. "Hey, Riley? Are you okay?"

"How could anyone possibly be evil?" Riley qustioned, turning her head to look at her with a frown.

"I don't know, man." Maya responded, picking up the printer by her. She looked around to make sure no one in the hallway was watching as she left the classroom. Mirabel raised her eyebrows at her, slight amusement in her eyes as she looked at the blonde. Maya really was something. She was a little bit of a wild card, unpredictable, but still a good person.

"Riley, look." Mirabel speaks up, catching the girl's attention. "I know it's hard for you, but I think it'll be good for you. You'll learn a lot from this, and I think you'll become a better person for it."

"How will I become a better person from arguing evil?" Riley raised her eyebrows at her.

"Look, the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a cold, dark, and cruel place. Life is never easy, and the sooner you learn that, the better off you'll be. It'll prepare you for the harsh realities of life." Mirabel explained to her, a frown forming on her face as she thought about the darkness of the world.

"But how can anyone be evil?" Riley questioned.

"Evil exists, Riley," Mirabel replies softly, her tone carrying a hint of gravity. "It's not that everyone is inherently evil, but people are capable of doing terrible things. Sometimes it's out of desperation, sometimes it's out of greed, and sometimes it's just because they choose to do harm."

Riley looked troubled, her usually bright demeanor dimmed by the weight of the conversation. "But I don't want to believe that. I want to believe that everyone has goodness inside them."

"And many do," Mirabel agrees, trying to balance realism with optimism. "But pretending that evil doesn't exist won't make it go away. Understanding it, acknowledging it, that's the first step in being able to combat it."

Riley sighs her shoulders slumping slightly. "I guess I just don't want to lose faith in people."

"You don't have to," Mirabel reassures her. "Believing in the goodness of others is important. But it's also important to be aware of the darker aspects of humanity. It's about finding that balance."

Riley nodded slowly, seeming to contemplate Mirabel's words. "Thanks, Mirabel. I'll try to keep an open mind."

Mirabel smiles warmly at her friend, glad to see her receptive to the discussion. "Anytime, Riley. We're here to help each other navigate through life, remember?"

Riley returns the smile, a spark of determination lighting up her eyes. "Right. Together."

As they exited the classroom, Mirabel felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that she had helped her friend confront a challenging topic. And as they walked side by side down the hallway, she knew that no matter what obstacles they faced, they would always have each other's backs. Mirabel left the classroom, surprised to find Lucas waiting for her in the hallway. He was leaned against the lockers, arms crossed and a small smile on his face. Mirabel felt her heart flutter at the sight, his smile was so attractive.

"Everything okay?" Lucas asked, his expression shifting into a more serious one.

Mirabel nods, a soft smile on her face. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just helping Riley come to terms with the fact that evil exists."

"I heard what you said to her, that's sweet of you." Lucas smiles, his eyes shining with admiration. "I think you're right though, she needs to be prepared for the harsh realities of life." He sighs. "We're probably part of the problem, protecting her too much. But, it's hard not to when she's so...Riley."

"Yeah," Mirabel chuckles, shaking her head fondly. "She's definitely something. And I get it. But it's important for her to understand the complexities of the world, even if it's difficult. And I'm glad I could help her see that." Mirabel's smile softened as she looked at Lucas, feeling grateful for his understanding and support.

"Yeah, you always have a way with words, mi sol." Lucas grins, pushing himself off the lockers to stand next to her. Her heart fluttered at the nickname, his eyes full of warmth.

"And you always know just what to say, hombre de mis sueños." Mirabel responded, smiling at him. She wasn't sure where that came from, the nickname just slipped out. But judging by the way his face lit up and his eyes shone, she knew he liked it.

"Did you just call me the man of your dreams?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his face. Mirabel had been hoping he didn't know what it meant, but apparently he did.

Mirabel felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at her slip of tongue, but she didn't let it deter her. Instead, she met Lucas's gaze with a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. You'll never know." She teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow, trying to play it cool.

Lucas chuckles, his smirk widening. "Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea." He leans a little closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "And for the record, you're the woman of my dreams too."

Mirabel's heart skips a beat at his words and the sudden closeness. Her breath hitches and she feels her pulse quicken, her body reacting to the proximity of him. He was so close, she could feel the warmth radiating off his skin and smell the faint scent of his cologne. "Smooth," She manages to say, trying to regain her composure. "But seriously, thank you for waiting. It means a lot."

"Of course," Lucas replies, sending her a soft smile. "I'll always wait for you, mi sol." His words send a rush of emotions through her, the sincerity and affection evident in his voice. She knew he meant it, he always did. Lucas was a man of his word, and his words were always spoken with honesty and intent.

"And I'll always be there for you, hombre de mis sueños." Mirabel wasn't sure where the boldness came from to use the nickname again, but she didn't regret it. The way Lucas's eyes lit up and his lips curved into a wide grin, was worth it. Even though her face was still red and her heart was beating wildly, she knew she would never get tired of making him smile like that.

The pair fell into a comfortable silence as they walked down the hallway, their sides brushing together every so often. Each touch sent a jolt of electricity through Mirabel, her body hyperaware of his presence. And if Lucas felt the same, he didn't show it. His expression was calm and relaxed, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. She didn't know how he managed to stay so collected when she was practically melting from his touch, even though he barely touched her. But, then again, Lucas had always been the calm and collected one. Though there had been some times where his temper gets the best of him, he's usually pretty level-headed. Mirabel envied his composure and hoped one day she would be able to have the same.

As they reached her next class, Lucas pauses, glancing at her with a hopeful expression. "Hey, would you like to have lunch with us today? Or do you have plans with your new friends?"

Mirabel couldn't help but smile at his consideration, his question giving her butterflies. Since moving to this city, she had decided to join the band to have some extracurriculars on her college application. She had found some interesting people there, but none quite as intriguing and attractive as the boy standing in front of her. As she looked into his hopeful green eyes, her answer was obvious.

"I'd love to." Mirabel replies, her voice filled with affection. "I'm sure my new friends won't mind. They're cool people."

"Cool." Lucas smiles, a hint of relief in his voice. "Well, I'll see you after class, mi sol." He waved as he walked away, sending her one last smile over his shoulder.

Mirabel watches him walk away, a soft smile on her face. Lucas had a way of making her feel special, like she was the only person in the world who mattered. And as she turned and entered her next class, her mind was filled with thoughts of the handsome Texan. She couldn't wait to have lunch with him and their friends, and the rest of her day suddenly seemed a lot brighter.

"Wow, you've got it bad, huh?" Zay teased as Lucas entered the classroom, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Lucas just rolled his eyes, trying to hide the smile on his face. "How did you know I was with her?"

"You have that dopey smile on your face, the one that says you're smitten." Zay chuckled, a smirk appearing on his face.

"Don't know what you're talking about." Lucas scoffed, though his blush gave him away.

"Yeah, right." Zay laughs, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just admit it, man. You're crazy about her."

"Fine, okay? I am. Happy now?" Lucas sighed, giving in to his best friend's teasing. His face grew warm at admitting it out loud, his heart racing a little faster. But, it felt good to finally admit it, even if only to his best friend.

"Very." Zay grins, satisfied with his victory. "So, you gonna ask her out?"

"What?" Lucas choked out, his eyes widening in surprise. He had been thinking about it, but he didn't expect his best friend to bring it up so casually.

"You heard me." Zay replies, his smirk growing. "You like her, she clearly likes you. So, why not? I'm getting tired of watching you two pine after each other." He added with a chuckle.

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair as he considered Zay's words. He knew Zay was right, but he couldn't shake the nervousness that came with the idea of asking Mirabel out. What if she didn't feel the same way? What if he ruined their friendship?

"I don't know, man," Lucas admits, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, what if she doesn't feel the same way? I don't want to ruin what we have."

Zay nudges him with his elbow, giving him a knowing look. "Come on, Lucas. You two have something special. I've seen the way she looks at you, and trust me, it's not just friendship. And even if she doesn't feel the same way, your friendship is strong enough to withstand it. But, you won't know unless you try."

Lucas lets out a sigh, his shoulders slumping a little. He knew Zay was right, and a part of him longed to be more than friends with Mirabel. But, he couldn't deny the fear that lingered in the back of his mind, the fear of rejection. The fear of losing Mirabel completely.

"I'll think about it." Lucas finally responded, not entirely convinced.

"That's all I ask." Zay shrugged, patting him on the back.

Lucas just rolled his eyes as he walked over to his desk. He was grateful for Zay's encouragement and advice, but he was still unsure of how to proceed. Only time would tell if he would muster up the courage to take the next step and ask Mirabel out.

Meanwhile, Mirabel found some of her fellow band mates in her next class to sit next to, and the teacher didn't care who sat where. She smiles as she sat down next to her new friends, already feeling at ease. The trio greeted her warmly, and Mirabel settled into her seat, feeling content.

"So, how are you liking NYC so far?" One of the girls, her name was Maleah, asked her curiously. She was a short, dark-haired girl, with hazel eyes and olive skin. Her black hair was cut in a choppy bob, and she wore a band t-shirt and ripped jeans. She wore some rings and bracelets and had her ears pierced. She looked very punk rock, which Mirabel admired. She was never bold enough to dress in a way that drew attention, but she had always admired people who did.

In band, Maleah was in the percussion section, normally playing the snare drum, and Mirabel had to admit, she was pretty talented. She had a natural rhythm and a fierce energy that made her stand out during rehearsals.

"I'm loving it so far!" Mirabel replies enthusiastically, a smile spreading across her face. "It's such a vibrant city with so much to see and do. And the people here are amazing!"

Maleah grins, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, there's always something happening in the city. It never gets boring, that's for sure."

"Oh, I'm sure." Mirabel laughed.

"So, how are you liking band?" Another girl, named Jazmine, spoke up. She was tall and slim, with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes. She wore a pale yellow sundress, which matched her warm, sunny personality. She reminded her a lot of Riley, but without the constant sunshine and rainbows. Jazmine had a spunk to her that Mirabel found refreshing, and she enjoyed spending time with her during band rehearsals.

"I'm really enjoying it!" Mirabel replies with a smile. "Everyone's been so welcoming, and the music we're working on is great. It's nice to be a part of something creative like this."

"Yeah, the band is like a little family," Jazmine agrees, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "We look out for each other and support each other through everything." Mirabel nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of warmth at the thought of being a part of such a tight-knit group. It was something she had missed since moving to New York, and she was grateful to have found it in the band.

"So are you and Lucas dating?" The other girl amongst the group asked curiously. She had curly dark hair, hazel eyes, and caramel skin. She was taller and curvier than the others, and she had a confidence about her that was infectious. Her name was Kaelyn and she was a talented flute player.

Mirabel blushes at the question, feeling her cheeks heat up as she tried to find the right words. "Uh, no, we're just friends." She replied, hoping to keep things casual.

Kaelyn raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Are you sure about that? Because the way you two look at each other says otherwise."

Mirabel felt her face grow even warmer at the accusation, her heart racing at the thought of her and Lucas being more than friends. Was it really that obvious? She knew she liked him, and she was pretty sure he liked her, but she didn't want to assume anything. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the thoughts that were running through her head.

"I, um, we're just best friends. We grew up together, and I've known him almost my whole life. That's all." Mirabel says, trying to sound casual, but her voice falters. She wanted to be more than just friends with him, but she was scared of ruining what they had. "Besides, I'm sure he has plenty of other girls who are interested in him." She added, trying to convince herself as much as the others.

"Well, I'm sure he does, but doesn't mean he's interested in them." Kaelyn replies, a playful glint in her eyes. "Trust me, I've seen the way he looks at you. There's definitely something there. And if you don't make a move, someone else will."

"I've heard that Laila likes him," Jazmine comments, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And she's pretty bold when it comes to getting what she wants."

Mirabel's heart sank at the mention of Laila, the beautiful and popular senior. She was girl who she bumped into the first day she was here and since then the two haven't been on good terms. It seemed like Laila was out to make her life miserable, and Mirabel wasn't sure why. She apologized for bumping into her, and tried to be friendly, but Laila always responded with hostility. It was strange and frustrating, and Mirabel was starting to think she did something to deserve it.

"She's been trying to flirt with him every chance she gets," Maleah adds, rolling her eyes. "He's too polite to shut her down, but I can tell he's not interested."

Mirabel sighs, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah, I've noticed. But, it's not my business. If he likes her, then that's his choice." She tried to hide the disappointment in her voice, but it was hard. The thought of Laila and Lucas together was enough to make her heart ache, and she had to resist the urge to groan out loud.

"Oh, come on! He's not going to choose her over you!" Kaelyn scoffed, her tone laced with disbelief.

"Yeah, Laila may be pretty and popular, but she's not a good person," Jazmine interjects, her nose scrunching up in disgust. "She's a mean girl, and Lucas is too sweet to go for someone like her. Besides, he clearly has a thing for you."

"I don't know," Mirabel mutters, biting her lip. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

"Ugh, you're too modest," Maleah groans, shaking her head. "Seriously, I don't know how you do it. If I were in your shoes, I'd be throwing myself at him. I'd want everyone to know I'm his girl."

Mirabel couldn't help but laugh at that, despite her nerves. "I'm not really the 'throwing myself at boys' type. Besides, Lucas is my best friend, and I don't want to mess that up. Our friendship is too important to me."

"Fair enough," Jazmine relents, nodding her head. "But, just so you know, if I were you I would ask him out first before Laila gets her claws into him."

"Yeah, she'll steal him right from under your nose if you're not careful," Kaelyn adds, her eyes narrowing. "Trust me, I've seen it happen before."

Mirabel sighs, running a hand through her hair. She was thankful for the advice, but she was also overwhelmed. The thought of asking Lucas out was scary, and the thought of him rejecting her was even scarier. But, she knew her friends were right, she had to do something before it was too late. She just hoped that she would be able to muster up the courage to actually do it.

"Thanks for the advice," Mirabel says, sending them a grateful smile. "I'll keep it in mind."

The bell then rang, signaling for class to start and the classroom grew quiet as the teacher started talking. As the teacher gave her lecture, Mirabel couldn't focus. Her thoughts were filled with images of Lucas, and the conversation they had just had. Should she ask him out? Would he say yes? Her stomach did a flip as she considered the possibility.

Mirabel wasn't the most confident when it came to relationships. She never had a boyfriend before and she wasn't experienced in that department. But, her friends' words echoed in her head, encouraging her to take a leap of faith and ask Lucas out. If she didn't, she could miss out on a chance to be with the boy she had been in love with for years. She didn't want to lose that opportunity.

As the minutes passed by, Mirabel made up her mind. She was going to ask Lucas out. No matter what.

Lunchtime couldn't come sooner, and once the bell rang, Mirabel rushed towards the cafeteria, hoping to catch Lucas. When she spotted him, he was standing in line to get his lunch, and she made a beeline towards him. Her heart was pounding and her palms were sweaty, but she pushed those feelings aside and focused on her goal. But her heart dropped and she froze when she saw Laila walking towards him.

Laila's dark brown hair was curled and flowing down her back, and she was wearing a cute skirt and blouse combo. She was a beautiful girl, and Mirabel couldn't help but feel insecure as she stood there. She felt herself wanting to shrink away and hide, but she steeled her nerves and walked towards Lucas, determined not to lose him to the popular mean girl.

"Hey, mi sol." Lucas smiles, his green eyes lighting up at the sight of her. Laila tried not to show how annoyed she was that Mirabel had interrupted their moment.

"Hey." Mirabel responds, her voice shaky with nerves. "I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about something in private."

"Well, actually, I was planning on talking to him before you interrupted." Laila interjects, a scowl appearing on her face. "It can wait."

Mirabel tries to hold her tongue, not wanting to cause a scene. "Actually, it's really important."

"It can wait." Laila repeated, her tone laced with irritation as she sent Mirabel a glare. Mirabel felt herself shrink back a little, not used to dealing with mean girls. She had been the victim of bullies before, but not to this extent. She always tried to turn the other cheek and walk away, but Laila was making it hard.

"She's right, it can wait." Mirabel mumbles, feeling like she couldn't compete with Laila's beauty and confidence. "Just forget about it. And Lucas, I think I'll just sit with my friends from band today. See you later." She added quickly before walking away. She mentally scolded herself for giving up so easily, but Laila's presence had made her feel like an insignificant bug. She hated feeling that way, and she knew she would have to work up the courage again to ask Lucas out.

Lucas watches her walk away with confusion and concern, a frown tugging on her lips. "I wonder what that was about." He muttered, more to himself than to Laila.

Laila just shrugged, not seeming to care. "Who cares?" She puts her hand on his arm and leans in closer, a flirtatious smile appearing on her face. "Anyway, there's something I wanted to talk to you about. Oh, and you should come sit with me and my friends today. They're all dying to meet you."

Lucas just nods absentmindedly, not really listening. He was still wondering what Mirabel had wanted to talk to him about, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was important. He was concerned and worried about her as he glanced back at Mirabel. He could tell she had a mask on, a forced smile, but her eyes told him that she was hurting and upset.

Meanwhile, Mirabel tried to hide the tears threatening to fall as she went to the table where her new friends sat.

"Are you okay, girl?" Maleah questions, frowning when she noticed Mirabel's sad demeanor. "What happened? I thought you were gonna ask Lucas out."

"I tried, but Laila interrupted us and I couldn't compete," Mirabel mumbles, her eyes downcast. "She's so pretty and popular, and I'm just...Me." She hated that she let Laila get under her skin, but the truth was, she wasn't wrong. Mirabel was too timid and shy to have the confidence that Laila did. She didn't stand a chance against someone like her. She felt embarrassed and disappointed, but mostly, she felt foolish.

"You are so not just you!" Jazmine exclaims, her eyes widening with disbelief. "You're an amazing girl, and any guy would be lucky to have you. You just need to believe in yourself a little more."

"Yeah, don't sell yourself short." Kaelyn adds, patting Mirabel on the back. "Laila is just a bully. And Lucas is crazy about you. He wouldn't care how you look. He just cares about who you are. So, chin up and don't let some mean girl bring you down."

"And if she gives you trouble again, tell us, and we'll deal with her." Maleah threatens, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "We can be pretty scary when we want to be."

Mirabel couldn't help but laugh, despite the pain and anxiety coursing through her. Her friends were the best, and she was grateful to have them in her corner. Their support meant a lot to her, and it gave her the courage she needed to try again. She couldn't help but glance around the cafeteria, looking for Lucas. Her heart clenched at seeing he was sitting with Laila and her friends and she was draped all over him. She was laughing and talking animatedly, leaning close and touching his arm. Mirabel felt sick, jealousy coursing through her, but she swallowed it down, trying to be rational.

She had no right to be jealous, not when she didn't have the courage to speak up and tell him how she felt. She sighed, turning back to her friends. "Well, if he likes her, there's nothing I can do about it." She said, trying to sound indifferent, but the sadness in her voice was apparent.

"Don't be stupid, that's Laila's tactic." Kaelyn scoffs. "She's just trying to make you think that he doesn't like you. Trust me, he's just being nice. He doesn't want to hurt her feelings. But, it's clear to everyone that he has a thing for you." She gestured to the table where Laila and her friends were, and Mirabel couldn't help but peek.

Lucas was smiling politely, but it was obvious that he wasn't comfortable. He was fidgeting with his hands, his body language tense. His eyes kept darting around the room, looking for something, or someone. He was distracted, and it was evident that his attention wasn't on the conversation. Laila didn't seem to notice, or care, and she continued her endless chatter, oblivious to his discomfort.

"He looks miserable," Mirabel comments with a frown. "I don't want him to be unhappy."

"Well, you're his best friend," Maleah replies, shrugging. "You could go over there and talk to him." Her eyes lit up as she grins. "You should go over and pull him away from her. It would serve her right for trying to steal him from you."

Mirabel bites her lip, hesitating. "I don't know. I don't want to make a scene." She pauses, considering her options. On one hand, she wanted to confront Lucas about what happened earlier and see if they could talk in private. On the other hand, she didn't want to cause any unnecessary drama, especially in front of Laila and her friends. Taking a deep breath, Mirabel makes a decision. "You know what? You're right. I'm going to go talk to him," she declares, determination in her voice. "I can't let Laila get in the way of my friendship with Lucas."

Her friends look surprised and impressed, nodding their heads in approval. "Good luck!" Kaelyn says, grinning. "You got this!"

Mirabel takes a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "Thanks. Wish me luck." She stands up, gathering her courage and walking over to the table where Lucas was. She could feel her heart beating fast, and her palms were sweating, but she pushed those feelings aside, focusing on her goal. As she got closer, she could feel Laila's eyes on her, glaring daggers, but she ignored it. Her heart fluttered when she saw Lucas' eyes light up when he saw her, a smile forming on his lips.

"Hi, sorry to interrupt, but Lucas, can we talk in private for a moment?" Mirabel asked, trying to sound calm and casual, despite the fact that her stomach was doing somersaults.

Lucas's smile widens at Mirabel's request, relief evident in his eyes. "Sure, Mirabel. I was actually hoping we could talk too." He glances over at Laila, offering her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Laila. Can we catch up later?"

Laila's expression turns sour, but she nods curtly, clearly displeased. "Fine, whatever." She muttered, shooting Mirabel a venomous glare before turning her attention back to her friends.

Mirabel felt a surge of triumph as she watched Laila's reaction, but she quickly pushed it aside, focusing on Lucas. She gestured for him to follow her, leading him away from the crowded cafeteria and towards a quieter corner of the hallway. Once they were out of earshot, Mirabel turned to face Lucas, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm sorry about earlier," Dhe began, her voice soft. "I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation with Laila. It's just...I really needed to talk to you."

"It's okay," Lucas reassures her, his tone gentle. "I was actually glad for the interruption. Laila is...a lot." He pauses, chuckling nervously. "Sorry, that was rude-"

"It's not rude if it's true." Mirabel blurts out before she could stop herself. She blushes, her cheeks turning a bright pink as she averted her gaze. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. But, well, I think everyone can agree that Laila is...Challenging."

"That's one way to put it." Lucas laughs, shaking his head. "But, anyway, I'm glad you wanted to talk. There's something I've been meaning to tell you, but I guess I'm a bit of a coward." He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression nervous.

Mirabel's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat at Lucas' words. Was he about to confess his feelings for her? She didn't want to get her hopes up, but the butterflies in her stomach were going wild. She takes a deep breath, mustering her courage. "I, uh, there's something I've been meaning to tell you, too." She stammered, her hands shaking. Her heart was racing and she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. She glanced over at her friends nervously, wondering if it was too late to back out. They gave her encouraging smiles and nods, silently urging her to continue.

Lucas notices Mirabel's hesitation and reached out to gently grasp her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "You go first, mi sol." He encouraged, his voice soft and warm.

Her heart flutters at the nickname and his touch, butterflies swarming in her stomach as she looks down, watching as he intertwines his fingers with hers. She can feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she takes a deep breath, steadying herself. She can't help but stare into his gorgeous green eyes, his gaze filled with tenderness and affection. "Okay," She murmurs, her voice barely a whisper. "So, um, Lucas..." Her gaze scans the cafeteria nervously, her heart pounding in her chest. They were standing off to the side near the door, but it wasn't that private. The thought of asking Lucas out was intimidating and frightening. She didn't want to ruin their friendship or embarrass herself in front of everyone, but she knew she couldn't keep her feelings bottled up any longer. "Can we talk privately? Not, um, not here." She stammered, her voice barely audible as she struggled to find the right words.

Lucas's eyebrows furrows with concern, but he nodded understandingly. "Of course, Mirabel. We can go somewhere quieter." He squeezes her hand gently, offering her a reassuring smile. "Let's go outside, it's quieter there."

Mirabel felt a wave of relief wash over her at Lucas's response, grateful for his understanding. She nodded in agreement, her heart pounding in her chest as she followed him out of the cafeteria and into the fresh air of the courtyard. Once they were away from the prying eyes and ears of their classmates, Mirabel took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say.

"Lucas, I..." She pauses, her voice catching in her throat as she struggled to find the right words. She glances up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of his kind, attentive gaze. "I wanted to talk to you about...us." Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, but he remained silent, waiting patiently for her to continue.

"I know we've been friends for a long time, and I value our friendship more than anything," Mirabel began, her voice trembling slightly with nervousness. "But lately, I've been feeling...Um, different. Around you, I mean."

Lucas's expression softens with understanding, and he reaches out to gently brush a stray lock of hair away from her face. "Different how?" He asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mirabel's cheeks flushes with embarrassment, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, her heart racing with uncertainty. "I've been...Thinking about you a lot," She admits, her voice barely audible as she struggled to voice her feelings. "And not just as a friend. I mean, I've always cared about you, but lately, it's been...More than that."

His hand lingers on her cheek, pausing as he processes her words. "Mirabel..." He murmured, his tone tender and filled with emotion.

"I've been so scared to tell you because I didn't want to lose our friendship," Mirabel continues, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "But I can't keep this bottled up inside anymore. I like you, Lucas. A lot. More than a friend. And I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I just had to tell you how I felt. And I know I had no right to feel this way, but I hated seeing Laila hanging all over you." She continues to ramble, her face turning bright red as she confessed her feelings. "But I promise, if you don't feel the same way, I won't bring it up again and we can go back to being friends-"

Before Mirabel could finish her sentence, Lucas had leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, silencing her. She was shocked for a moment, her mind reeling as she realized that Lucas was kissing her. It took her a moment to process what was happening and she melted into the kiss, her heart soaring with happiness and relief. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as they shared a sweet, tender moment together. It was everything she had ever dreamed of and more, and she never wanted it to end. His free hand came up to cup her cheek and tilt her head to the side, his thumb stroking her jawline. Her fingers tangled themselves in his dark curls as the world seemed to fall away around them, leaving just the two of them.

They stayed like that for a few moments, lost in each other's embrace, until they finally broke apart, gasping for air. Their faces were flushed and their hearts were racing, but their smiles were radiant with joy and happiness. They rested their foreheads against each other, gazing into each other's eyes.

"Does this mean you like me too?" Mirabel asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas chuckles softly, his voice full of tenderness and affection. "What do you think, mi amor?" He teased, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead before he leaned in to kiss her again before she could respond.

Mirabel let out a surprised squeak as he suddenly kissed her again, but she soon melted into the kiss, losing herself in his arms once more. One of his hands moved to the back of her head, holding her in place as his lips moved against hers. His other hand slid down to the small of her back, pressing her body closer to his. Mirabel was overwhelmed by his touch, the feel of his body pressed against hers, and she was powerless to resist. Her hands moved to rest on his shoulders, gripping him tightly as their kiss deepened. Her mind was spinning and her heart was pounding, and all she could think about was him and the feeling of his lips on hers.

They finally broke apart, both gasping for air, but neither of them could stop smiling. Lucas looks at her with an adoring gaze, his green eyes full of warmth and love. "Mirabel, I've liked you for a long time," He confessed, his voice filled with emotion. "I was just too scared to say anything. But now that I know you feel the same way, I don't want to waste another minute. I want to be with you, mi sol. If you'll have me."

Mirabel's eyes were wide, her heart skipping a beat at Lucas's confession. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. Happiness, relief, excitement, and love flooded her being as she gazed into his earnest eyes. "Of course, Lucas," She whispers, her voice filled with emotion. "I want to be with you too, more than anything."

Lucas's face lit up with a radiant smile, his eyes sparkling with joy. Without hesitation, he pulled her into another embrace, holding her tightly against him as if he never wanted to let her go. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her arms wrapping around his waist, as they basked in the warmth and love of their newfound relationship.

Mirabel felt a rush of exhilaration and a surge of confidence at the revelation. She had been so nervous to confess her feelings, but now that Lucas had reciprocated, she felt invincible. "Does this mean I can keep calling you hombre de mis sueños?" She asked teasingly, pulling away slightly to look up at him.

Lucas chuckles, his eyes shining with amusement. "I'd be offended if you didn't keep calling me that," He replies with a grin, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You can call me whatever you want, mi amor. As long as you're mine."

"Is that your way of asking me out?" Mirabel's face turned red as a shy giggle left her lips. She felt giddy with excitement and anticipation, unable to contain her joy.

Lucas smiles softly at her, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection. "Well, that was one way of putting it." He teases, his expression growing serious. "Mirabel Florres, will you be my girlfriend?"

Her heart was pounding in her chest and her stomach was doing somersaults. Everything in her was screaming to say yes, but a tiny voice in her mind still held her back, afraid that she would ruin their friendship. "Lucas, I..." Her voice trails off, her eyes scanning his face nervously. "Are you sure about this? I don't want to ruin our friendship. I-I mean, what if we break up and we can't stand being around each other? I don't want to lose you-"

Before Mirabel could continue her panicked rambling, Lucas silenced her with a kiss. His hand cradled her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against hers, and her worries slowly dissipated. When he finally broke the kiss, he was gazing at her with an earnest expression, his eyes shining with adoration.

"Mirabel, I understand your concerns, and I share them too. But I also believe that our friendship is strong enough to withstand anything. And besides, I've never been more sure about anything in my life than I am about wanting to be with you," He declares, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise to do everything in my power to make this relationship work, and to always be there for you, no matter what. So, what do you say? Will you take a chance on us? Will you be my girlfriend?"

The raw emotion in his voice and the honesty in his gaze was all she needed to see. Her heart swelled with love and affection, and she knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth. He meant every word, and there was no going back now. She was ready to take this leap of faith, and to take a chance on love. She smiles up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness and excitement. "Is this good enough of an answer?" She questioned before she leaned up and her hand gripped the collar of his shirt pull him down for another kiss, a long and passionate one, filled with the promise of a beautiful future together.

Lucas was taken aback for a moment before he melted into the kiss, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her closer. He was clearly surprised but not displeased. A wide grin spread across his face as he lifted her up, twirling her around and causing her to giggle while her arms wrapped around his neck. They continued to kiss with him still holding her up and Mirabel's feet dangling in the air, lost in the moment of pure bliss and happiness.

She couldn't believe this was real, that this was actually happening. Her best friend was her boyfriend now. She couldn't stop smiling, her heart fluttering in her chest. It felt like a dream come true, and she was never letting go. She was finally happy and complete.

When they broke the kiss, she gazed into his gorgeous green eyes, her face flushed and her heart racing. "Te amo, mi vida." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

His face turns red as he looks at her with adoration, his heart overflowing with love. "Te amo también, mi sol," He whispers back, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "More than anything." He sets her back on the ground carefully, keeping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.

Mirabel was giddy with excitement, her heart filled with joy and happiness. She could barely contain her smile as she stood there with him, her arms around his neck and his arms around her waist. It was everything she had dreamed of and more, and she never wanted this moment to end. They stayed like that for a few minutes, lost in their own little world before the bell suddenly rang, signaling the end of lunch.

Mirabel jumps, startled by the sudden noise. Lucas chuckles, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. "We better get going," He suggests, his voice filled with laughter. "Can't be late for class."

"Right." Mirabel nods in agreement, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "But question, are we keeping our relationship a secret? Or should we just tell everyone?"

Lucas smiles, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. "It's up to you, mi sol. We can keep it private for now, if you want. I just want you to be comfortable." He assured her, his tone gentle and reassuring.

Mirabel considers his words for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. On one hand, she was excited to share the news of their relationship with everyone. She wanted to shout it from the rooftops and let the whole world know how happy she was. But on the other hand, she was nervous about what people would say. She didn't want to deal with the gossip and drama that often accompanied relationships in high school. It was a tough decision, and she wasn't sure what to do.

"I think...I think I want to keep it private for now," She finally says, her voice soft but determined. "I don't want to deal with all the drama and gossip. And besides, our relationship is between us. I don't want to share it with anyone else. At least, not yet."

Lucas nods understandingly, his expression calm and unbothered. "Whatever you want, mi sol. You're the boss." He teased, his eyes shining with amusement.

She grins, her heart fluttering in her chest. "I'm the boss?" She asked with a chuckle. "You sure about that, hombre de mis sueños?"

He smirks, trying to ignore the way his face was turning red as he leans down to press a quick kiss to her lips. "Of course. Whatever you say, baby."

She blushes, her cheeks turning bright red as she ducks her head. She was still not used to him calling her pet names, and it made her heart race. "Okay then," She manages to squeak out, her voice trembling with nervousness. "If you say so."

He chuckles softly, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. "You're so cute when you're flustered." He teased, his eyes crinkling with affection.

"Shut up." Mirabel grumbled, her face burning with embarrassment. But despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but smile. She felt warm and fuzzy inside, like she was floating on cloud nine. She was finally with Lucas, the boy she had been in love with for years, and nothing else mattered. They could face whatever challenges came their way as long as they were together.

With that thought in mind, she leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, her heart fluttering in her chest. His face turned red at the sudden display of affection, his heart racing in his chest. He was clearly surprised but not displeased. She grinned, a smug expression on her face.

"You're cute when you're flustered, hombre de mis sueños." She teased him, echoing his words from before.

"Shut up," He mumbles, his face burning with embarrassment. But despite his embarrassment, he couldn't stop smiling. He was happy, happier than he'd ever been, and he knew that it was all thanks to her. "Let's get to class." He reluctantly pulled away from her and started walking back to the school. She giggled and followed him, unable to keep the smile off her face.

They walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other's as they headed toward their next class. Mirabel felt giddy with excitement, her heart overflowing with love and happiness. She couldn't wait to see where their new relationship would lead, and she was eager to share it with the world. But for now, she was content to keep it private, knowing that she would always have Lucas by her side.

****

After school that day, Mirabel found herself at Topanga's, sitting by Lucas at the group's usual spot. They were quickly realizing it was hard to hide their relationship from their friends, as their constant glances and shared smiles were not exactly subtle. But the two had always been affectionate before so maybe they were just assuming it was nothing.

"Do you guys know what goes on out there?" Everyone nods in response to Riley's question. "Climate change, poverty, war?"

"Yeah." Lucas replied.

"This is the way that the world is?" Riley asked with a frown.

"We tried to keep it from you." Farkle admitted.

"You're all in on it?" Riley gasped.

"If it helps, I'm not." Mirabel speaks up, sending her a sympathetic smile. "I didn't know about it until I moved here."

"The Riley Committee." Maya spoke up with a smile.

"I pay dues." Farkle chimed in.

Lucas looks at Maya with confusion. "There are no dues-"

"Quiet." Maya hissed at him with a glare. Mirabel chuckled quietly, looking at the two with amusement

"It's worth it anyway. I think it's wonderful to have someone amongst us who looks for the good in everything." Farkle confessed.

"Well, that's over." Riley declared.

"Why?" Lucas asked her, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Because I've seen things. I'm not Simple Riley anymore." Riley responded.

"Riley, don't let reality change you." Farkle told her.

"Yeah," Smackle agrees. "Reality's only as powerful as you let it be. Sometimes you can create your own reality." She glances at Lucas with a smirk. "Right, me and Lucas in Hawaii?"

Mirabel's eyes widen and her smile dropped slightly. Lucas sits up straighter since he had been leaning forward as he looks at Smackle with surprise. "Smackle, inside your head voice." Farkle warned his girlfriend.

Smackle is quiet as she looks back at Lucas, raising her eyebrows suggestively as she smirks. She then adds doing the hula hand motion. Lucas stares at her with shock along with Farkle. Mirabel had to admit she was slightly amused, but a small part of her felt a twinge of jealousy.

"Knowing things changes you." Riley continues. "I'm supposed to argue that people are evil and now I can. I have started my research and I will continue down this dark journey that I can only call 'Riley Matthews: evil person'." Everyone snickers at that, causing Riley to look at them with confusion. "What, you guys don' think I could be bad?"

"Um, okay. Do the worst thing that you can think of right now." Maya suggested.

"Hi, to everybody but you!" Riley exclaims as she looks at Maya. She then covers her face out of shock, her eyes widening. She sits back and leans back against the chair. "I'm sorry." She apologized as everyone looked at her with amusement.

"It's okay, Riley. Guys, we're gonna be fine." Maya reassured her friends.

Zay suddenly ran into the resturant wtih a grin on his face as he held one cookie in his hand. Mirabel immediately knew who he got that from. "My cookie came." He said excitedly.

"Cookie day!" Lucas smiled, knowing what he meant.

"That's great, Zay!" Mirabel commented, smiling at her friend.

"Everyone say it!" Zay beamed, making everyone say 'cookie day'.

"What the-" Before Smackle could continue, Farkle quickly covered her mouth with his hand, stopping her from cursing. Mirabel chuckled, looking at them with amusement.

"I hold in my hand one Grandma Gandy cookie." Zay started to say.

"Grandma Gandy's cookies are the best." Mirabel complimented with a grin. She remembered the many times she had some of the delicious cookies with Zay and Lucas when they were younger.

"Yeah, they are, Mira." Zay grins. "Now, Grandma Gandy could send me a whole batch, but she doesn't 'cause then she knows I wouldn't appreciate it as much."

"Looks like she's right." Farkle noticed.

"I mean, grandma says that there's value in njust one thing, that you appreciate it more because there's just one. Maybe so because when I look at this, I think about her making it for me." Zay admitted with a smile.

"That's a good thing she does, Riley. Doesn't Grandma Gandy seem like a good person?" Maya questioned, glancing over at Riley and leaned back with furrowed eyebrows after seeing the look on her face. Riley was trying to look evil and Mirabel raised her eyebrows at her in amusement.

"My grandma's getting pretty old now. This could be the last cookie I'm ever gonna get." Zay continued.

Mirabel gasps as Riley suddenly stands and eats his cookie. "Riley!" Lucas' eyes widen as he stood out of shock.

"Are you kidding me?" Zay asked in shock, his eyes widening as he stared at Riley.

"Okay, that was bad." Maya murmured.

"Bad? What could she do worse than that?" Zay inquired.

"This cookie is only okay." Riley answered.

Mirabel's eyes widen in disbelief as everyone's jaws drop, staring at Riley in shock. Zay crumbled the rest of the cookie he had in his hand out of shock, his eyes wide as he whimpered, resting his elbow on Lucas' shoulder. Mirabel stood up and put her hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner, giving him a sympathetic smile. She was surprised Riley would go this far. She knew the brunette was being evil for her research for the debate, but she didn't expect her to take it this far.

****

Later that night, Mirabel went with the gang to Riley's to try and get her to apologize, but she wouldn't. She admitted there was something in her that liked doing it. Mirabel was worried for her, but she understood. Everyone had a devil and an angel on their shoulder, but it was up to the person if they choose to be good or bad. And sometimes, the devil wins. And in Riley's case, that was happening.

Mirabel went home after going to Riley's and was doing her nightly routine when her phone buzzed with a text message. She picked it up to see that it was from Lucas. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the message.

hombre de mis sueños🧡
hey, mi sol. Just wanted to say goodnight and that I had an amazing day with you. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Te amo ❤️

Mirabel couldn't help but smile as she read the message. She quickly typed out a reply, her fingers flying across the screen.

mi sol💖
goodnight, Lucas. I had an amazing day with you & I can't wait to see you tomorrow ❤️

With a satisfied sigh, she put her phone down and crawled into bed, her heart feeling full and content. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful day she had spent with Lucas and her friends. She knew that whatever challenges they faced, as long as they were together, they could overcome anything. And with that comforting thought, she closed her eyes and let herself fall into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the bright future ahead with the boy she loved.

A/N oof this is a long chapter but i loved it so much !! lucas & mirabel are finally together omg. it might be a little early but idc cause they're so cute