The Disruptive Duo

"Ugh math class is the worst…"

"Yet you're the best in the class. Truly something isn't adding up!"

"Pffft, your jokes are so bad!"

"Hey, that's mean…"

Amidst a chilly classroom still reeking the smell of cleaning products, there was a silver-haired girl and an athletic looking guy engaging in their usual shenanigans.

Both were sitting in the last row next to the window; the perfect location to fool around without the teacher noticing.

The soothing warmth from the morning sun on their skin alleviated some of the classroom's coldness. This delicate heat made them more dynamic unlike their half-asleep classmates.

Though, in no way did this explain the weird energy they seemed to possess whenever they were together.

"Because of you my world shattered Alix… I always thought I was the funniest guy around…"

Léandre was looking away, his right hand on his chest, a dramatic expression written on his face.

This exaggerated pose of his didn't fail to get Alix laughing – holding her stomach and lying her head on their still-cold table.

Likewise, he incurred giggles around the class, as curious students sometimes threw glance at them.

Hence, Léandre couldn't help but crack a smile himself; totally breaking his previous theatrical masquerade.

This sudden surge of noise disrupted the shrill noise of chalk rubbing against the board.

Then, the teacher's monotonous and dry tone gave way to an ominous silence; one that only the occasional bird singing would dare go against. 

It seemed for an instant everyone lost their ability to speak, like it was replaced by one of feigning innocence.

The professor scanned through the class with his eyes underlined by dark circles, his hand holding the chalk trembling ever so slightly. His gaze didn't let through any hint of life – almost like a zombie of sort.

"Guys, I haven't had quite enough coffee this morning to deal with your fuss."

There wasn't a single hint of anger in the teacher's voice. His mouth only let out a feeble sigh as he threw one brief glance toward the back of the classroom. A single twitch animated his lips – as if words were going to erupt – before he went back to chanting his explanations.

It was a simple and calm warning, but without a doubt an effective one.

At least, if we didn't take Léandre and Alix into account. 

Their faces were etched with an expression of innocence; so much one would think they were angels.

Although, this act of theirs was quick to fall apart as they shared a glance and grinned. 

Just by locking eyes they understood each other – a technique akin to telepathy born from their long-standing friendship.

'Haha, he's funny when he's upset!'

'Right? But let's be a bit quieter.'

The wordless interaction lasted no more than half a second. Such a power would be any teacher's archnemesis, had the duo not have a sense of guilt.

After all, their boredom stemmed from their unnecessary presence in this class. 

They had already reached the top of their school's academic rankings and were now awaiting graduation. 

Hence, the duo had already embarked on a journey toward new 'helpful' skills.

Léandre wore an expression of utter seriousness, focusing on his own personal project: mastering the art of pen spinning. It was a challenging road he was treading through, his eyes filled with determination as he let the pen fall from his hand.

It seemed figuring how to keep the pen from gravity's vicious pull was a tough nut to crack.

Meanwhile, Alix was observing this unsuccessful endeavor, her rosy lips failing to contain her laugh as she heard the clang of the pen hitting the ground.

"You're not quite good at this, are you?"

Alix harbored a wide smile as she couldn't help but tease her friend – eying his face as she awaited his flustered reaction.

"Not yet."

Much to her disappointment, Léandre's answer was brief as he faked being oblivious to her taunts. 

What he couldn't hide however was his pale skin growing ever-so-slightly redder.

This brief interaction of theirs sparked the fire of gossip in the souls of their bored classmates, slaying the hushed silence previously established. 

"When will those guys finally confess to each other?"

"Indeed, they go along so well."

"Yeah, and I bet twenty bucks they would go out by the end of this year."

"Apparently Alix rejected him though."

Youthful passion was set free in the teens' heart as rumors and bets flew across the room.

The class's unofficial couple never failed to absorb everyone's attention – like an oasis in a desert of boredom.

Them embodying the cliché of childhood friends was of no help either; it only set alight the imagination of the romance-starved students.

Some were even fidgeting and attentively listening to hearsay; almost like their lives – or at least purses – were on the line.

Catching on the agitation revolting against the previous calm atmosphere, the teacher's wrist twisted, loosening his grip on the chalk, letting it fall to the ground.

It happened in a matter of seconds. 

'I warned them.'

A brief thought ran through his mind as he gritted his teeth, letting out a small creaking sound.

His previously lifeless eyes now bore a stern look; like the chalk when it hit the ground, he snapped. 

He was quick to brandish another chalk, before channeling his anger and care for his pupils into coming up with a harsh challenge. 

They needed to realize the cruel reality exams would expose them to.

His movements were fast and efficient, like his hand was dancing to the rhythm of the chalk's screeches.

This unusual chorus the professor was playing distraught the teens; their eyes were now glued onto the board, as concern was etched on their faces.

They could feel a shiver crawling down their spines – unrelated to the chilly air – as they struggled to understand what was being asked of them.

Fear and apprehension encroached on their minds as only one thing was for sure: they hoped someone would save them from public embarrassment by volunteering themselves.

Then they all jumped on their seat when the teacher swiveled toward them.

His furrowed eyebrows and creased forehead instilled into every witness a feeling of guilt.

"So, any volunteers?"

The question was direct, yet for only answer stood a dreadful silence. 

Exchanges of glances occurred across the classroom – scrutinizing and begging for a potential savior to rescue them.

"Psst, Miss 'I don't like maths' yet is the best, dare to volunteer?"

"Tsk, you dare defy me, mortal?"

Then, a small pale hand ascended, swaying from side to side as if begging for attention.

Witnessing this, the professor's lips curled into a smile – a short-lived one – as he realized the identity of the lone volunteer.

"Will you all accept being saved by your class representative, again?"

The teacher's taunt hit his pupils like a shockwave – imbuing them with a sense of shame.

Nevertheless, everybody displayed their best poker faces, unwilling to let go their only hope for salvation.

"I got it, you can come solve the problem then…"

"I'll nail it, don't worry."

"That's the problem… How will they learn if you save them every time?"

"They'll figure it out themselves, don't worry sir."

The teacher wanted to pull on his non-existent hair in frustration; only letting out a sigh of resignation as he shuffled toward the back of the room.

Relief sprung forth on the students' faces as a chair ground against the floor, its unpleasant cry announcing their impending rescue.

The class representative's graceful figure then weaved across the rows of tables, leaving behind her a fragrance akin to the fresh blossoms of spring – a light yet sweet scent.

Each step she took exuded confidence and elegance, enchanting the few who were blessed with a glimpse of her stunning face.

Her bright green eyes were shining with determination, contrasting with her pinkish lips curled into an arrogant smile – showcasing her pearly-white teeth. 

"Heh, show off!"

"I'll show off if I want to!"

Unexpectedly the class's representative elegant act shattered as she answered in a flustered high-pitched voice.

Her pale skin was flushed red at the taunt coming from Léandre – rocking backward on his chair while spinning a pen in his right hand.

Indeed, the stunning class representative was none other than the carefree Alix.

How she was chosen for such a position – one with responsibilities – was still a wonder to Léandre.

Yet, for some reason, she never failed at her role, and even stranger, she was good at it. 

She had amazing problem-solving skills when it came to her peers' problems; comforting them and accompanying them toward a solution was something she excelled at. 

Legend even had it that she could bring peace to anyone who needed her help.

"We love you class rep!"

"Once again helping us, truly the best!"

"Please confess to Léandre class rep, I don't want to lose my twenty bucks!"

Every comment - save the last one - testified of her importance in her comrades' hearts – a standing exacerbated in those she helped.

Albeit, for some reason, Alix remained oblivious of how she was perceived - almost like she didn't give any second thoughts at this topic.

Seldom was she bothered by the image people had of her unless it was about some specific people.

One of them was a classmate – a close friend that loves to joke with her.

'I can't believe he thinks I'm showing off!'

In a swift movement she turned her back to the class and began solving the dreaded exercise.

'Tsk, is he dumb or what?'

Alix didn't feel embarrassed at his sarcastic comment – yet a pinch in her heart tried to convince her otherwise.

Her thin silver brows furrowed as she channeled this strange feeling into solving the problem.

Thus, in less than five minutes she provided a concise and effective answer – one that she was proud of.

"Again, what a magnificent answer! You can go back to your seat."

The professor who had given up long before waved his hand to dismiss Alix – his dark circles below his eyes seemed to have darkened.

Then, as if to mock Léandre she swept her finger through her hair – creating a breathtaking sight – as she went back to her seat.

Once again, her beauty instilled in all her classmates a sense of admiration as she took hostage the boys' hearts. It was a weird feeling, a soothing yet painful warmth in their stomach. 

Even if they believed she was out of their league something inside them wouldn't give up.

Even if they thought it was hopeless, they were still seduced by her stunning appearance.

Even if they knew they would be rejected, their gazes were glued on her cute face, as they daydreamt of her being their girlfriend.

Only one student stood unaffected as he rocked backward on his chair - spinning a pen on his right hand.

Léandre observed how his classmates – perhaps rivals – reacted to Alix showing off her blessed physique.

Plastered on their faces were look of desire or even resignation – which didn't fail to enrage him.

'They don't even see her as a human, those bastards only covet her beauty.'

His soul was set alight by the flames of anger – his stomach tightening as his thoughts cursed his peers.

He was aware of how beautiful Alix was - hell, he was since they were kids!

Léandre also knew full well how ignorant his dear friend was about this power of hers.

Truthfully, he wouldn't even be mad if they tried to understand and not just look at her!

She had the potential to be a model without a doubt – but this fact overshadowing her personality was something he couldn't accept.

'She's a prankster, arrogant, and sometimes just a lazy slug!'

His heart raced as he lost himself further and further into his own thoughts.

'And yet I…'

"See, I could do it!"

The sound of Alix's cheery voice snapped him out of his internal struggle.

"Yea… Of course, you could."

"What's happening? You seem weird. You sick?"

Alix's eyes were filled with a hint of concern at Léandre's sudden off-character reply – her lips twisting ever-so-slightly.

Noticing her concern, Léandre waved his hands to dismiss her worries; yet his eyes still held a slight impression of anger.

"I'm not joking. You can tell-"

Alix's serious plea for Léandre to be honest was cut short by their school's bell ringing – a disturbance which didn't fail to irritate her.

Agitation spread along with the bell's tone - as if it woke up the drowsy students.

However Léandre and Alix remained silent; stuck in a staring contest - a battle of stubbornness against genuine care.

As chaos took over, the teacher's lips twisted as he snapped toward the class - putting into words his accumulated frustration.

"Quiet down! Unless you want a surprise test! We still have one hour after all!"

With the teacher's upset declaration, the cold classroom was brought back to its former silence.