1. Us

...

Justin's POV.

"Hey watch it. Nerd," the high school jock, Brandon, said as he purposely bumped into me in the hallway, making me drop all my books, that were in my arms seconds, fall onto the ground. I quickly fell to my knees to pick them all up. 

Of course, to put me in my misery, he carelessly stepped on my hand, then spit on my books. Then, they casually walked away.

 I looked back at Brandon who was surrounded by his friends, the other jocks. They were all laughing, high-fiving him and patting on his back like he just won a pokemon battle or something.

Well no. He did not.

I sighed as I took out my pocket hanky to wipe off Brandon's DNA off of my books. I smiled once I got all my books in my arms, they were safe again. I'm actually surprised my hand doesn't hurt, the over night video game hand controller sessions are paying off. 

The bell rang. I quickly dashed across the halls going to my favorite class of the day; math.

I walked in the classroom which was empty. I was the first one there, like always. I took my usual seat at the front of the room. "Good morning Mr. Jones, sorry I couldn't bring you an apple today," I said apologetically.

Mr. Jones, who was seated at his desk, reading the newspaper looked up from his reading and let out a deep, husky laugh. "Ah, you're a good kid Justin. Thank you but I got my coffee!" He said while waving the mug to me.

I chuckled, "Aw. I guess I'll just bring you two apples tomorrow to make up for today."

"You know you really don't have to..." Mr. Jones said but I cut him off.

"No, I would like to, you teach my most favored subject!" I explained. "Oh, and I apologize for cutting you off Mr. Jones."

Mr. Jones only laughed, "Well, okay Justin and I accept your apology." He took a sip of his coffee, "I swear, you're such a good boy. Why don't you have a girlfriend yet?"

Good thing it was a rhetorical question so I didn't need to answer. Our conversation died down when other students, or to say, my classmates walked in the room and took their seats.

I was thankful that Brandon wasn't in my math class. Otherwise, he'll ruin all the fun of math for me, like how he always ruins my moments. One time I bought this super cool beanie with pikachu stitched on the side, but he said it was "lame and only stupid ten year old boys wear them."

Then, he snatched it off of my head and threw it into the dirt. I mean, talk about rude! I sighed, being the nerd was great and all but when people pick on you for some odd reason, it sucks.

But I don't care anymore since it happens everyday. That's a bad thing, according to the principal but whatever.

I watched as everyone entered the classroom. They liked to come late to class for some reason. I guess they think it's considered cool, but I don't know. I looked to see the last person enter the room; Ashley. 

Ah, I'll make an exception for Ashley coming late since she is a goddess. 

My eyes trailed her as she passed by me. I gave her a small smile while she responded with a little smirk and a wink. "Ew, you can't smile at Ashley," Jenna informed to me. 

Jenna was apparently Ashley's 'friend' but the truth was she only uses Ashley's popularity so she's popular as well. Ashley doesn't even like Jenna, she's just too nice and awesome to let an irritating person down. 

I frowned as the two walk to the back of the classroom where they usually like to sit down. Ashley's never sat next to me in class. She doesn't want people to find out we're dating either. 

My frown got deeper, was Ashley ashamed of me being her boyfriend?

 

Ashley's POV.

I frowned as Jenna disapproved of Justin smiling at me. I bet Justin was thinking that I was ashamed of him or something. I'm not though, I promise. The truth is, I don't want people to find out about our relationship is because I don't want Justin to get hurt. 

Yes, that is the truth, I'm not making it up. 

Okay, so everyone knows that I'm kind of popular. Yes, I am. And there is a lot of guys at my school who ask me out very often but I always turn them down since I'm taken already. 

And if the school hears about me going out with Justin, who is technically a 'nerd', they aren't going to get mad and hate on me, they'll go after Justin, and I don't want that to happen. 

"Class is about to begin!" Mr. Jones announced to the class. "Let's start of the day with a nice pop quiz!" Everyone groaned, including myself. But of course, the only happy one is Justin. 

Ah, he's so cute. I don't get why people hate him so much. Since when was it wrong to like math? 

"Please pass them back," Mr. Jones instructed as he handed a worksheets. "I'll give you twenty minutes. You may begin." I thanked the person who handed me the test. 

I looked to the front of the room where Mr. Jones's front desk was. Hm, no apple today? I guess Justin must have been carrying a lot of books. He'll probably give him two apples tomorrow or something. He's so sweet. 

I now stare down at my test. Algebra. I never understood it since I didn't like it. Ugh, I'm going to fail this quiz. 

"Alright pencils down! Tests need to be passed upwards," Mr. Jones shouted. I glumly passed my test forward since I knew I failed it. Oh well, it can join the rest of my failed tests. 

I leaned back on my seat and waited for Mr. Jones to correct our quizzes. It shouldn't be that hard since it was multiple choice. Once he was finished, he moved to the front of the class with a smile. 

"Class, you know what time it is now~" Mr. Jones said. Everyone groaned in response, well with an exception of Justin. It was that time when Mr. Jones announces to the class who had the highest and lowest score. 

The highest score has to tutor the one who did poorly on the test. Then, the person gets to re-take the test so they can prove to Mr. Jones that he or she was tutored. 

Usually the tutoring is about 2-3 days, depending on how fast the person could obtain all the information. 

Mr. Jones clears his throat and spoke loudly, "Okay, first. The person who scored the highest is...drum roll please!" Some people started to hit the desk like a drum. "It's...Justin!" 

No. One. Clapped. 

It made me sad to see how much he was hated. Mr. Jones tried to ease off the awkward atmosphere by giving him a smile and a slight pat on the back, but that just made it more awkward. 

"Now the person who scored the lowest!" He begins. "We don't need a drum roll for this. It's... Ashley!" All my classmates began to clap and holler, whistle and scream. 

Are you serious? I didn't even pass and they still cheer for me. "Ashley, Justin, you two know what this means, am I right?" 

"OooOoOOOoo!" The class said in unison. I chuckled to myself slightly, "Yes Mr. Jones, Justin has to tutor me now, correct?" I asked but I already knew the answer. 

"That is right!" He said promptly. "Justin must tutor Ashley in order for her to pass the test!" Then the bell rang. "Class dissmissed, no homework for tonight!" Mr. Jones said before people ran out the door to lunch. 

Jenna tapped on my shoulder. "What's up?" I asked while I packed my things. 

"You have to work with the loser, I feel bad for you," She said while giving a disgusted look. 

"No, it's fine. Justin is smart, he'll be a good tutor," I defended before throwing my bag strap onto my shoulder and leading the way out. I stopped at Justin's desk, where he was still seated. 

He usually eats lunch in Mr. Jones's class to avoid any bullies throwing his lunch away. 

"Hey Justin," I greeted with a smile. "I hope you tutor me well. Are you okay with coming by to my place after school?" I asked. Justin looked up from the text book he was reading. 

"Oh Ashley it's you," he said with a forced smile. "I'll see what I can do." 

Why is he sad? "Ashley! Come on, don't waste your time talking to the dweeb, let's go!" Jenna called from the door.  

"I'll be there in a minute. Just leave without me, I'll catch up." I shouted back.

"Yeah okay!" Jenna said. I made sure I heard her foot steps quiet down. Then my attention went back to my boyfriend who was now slumping in his seat and tapping his pencil on the desk. "Justin, is there something wrong?" 

It was just us in the classroom. Mr. Jones went out to get his lunch like he always does. He won't be back until another half an hour or so. I took the chair from an empty desk and placed it front of Justin's so I could see his face. 

"You didn't answer me," I said in a low voice. "Are you mad at me?" 

Justin finally looked at me with a strong gaze. "A little." 

"What? Why?" I asked. 

"It's nothing, you probably don't care." 

"Yes I do. If I didn't then I wouldn't be talking to you right now," I answered. "Please tell me."

He sighed, "Are you ashamed of me being your boyfriend?" He blurted out. 

"What!? Are you crazy, no I am not," I said. 

"Then why can't you tell your stupid annoying bitch ass mother fucking friend, Jenna to shut up and tell her that I'm your boyfriend?" he said. "Sorry I cussed," he mutters. 

I nodded, "No, you can swear and call her names, I don't care. She's not important. I don't listen to her opinion about you. Her opinions are nothing. If it makes you feel better, I won't hang out with her." 

Justin shook his head, "It's not that." 

"Then what is it?" 

"It's just..." He sighed, "I'm not the coolest guy. I'm not the popular jock either. I'm not as loved like you are by our classmates. I'm just the regular nerdy kid who loves math and plays video games all night, not to mention the leader of the chess club and I--" 

"--that's the reason why I liked you in the first place," I cut in. Justin's silence signaled to continue talking. "You are smart. Yes you do video games because you like it. And chess club must be lucky to have an awesome person like you to be their leader." 

"What are you trying to say?" 

"I'm saying; you're different," I placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "And that's what I fell for. I don't care if you're a 'nerd' and I don't care if people misjudge you, what they say isn't true. If I don't believe what they say, then why should you?"

Justin held onto my hand suddenly and kissed it's knuckles. "I won't, and thank you."

I smiled, "Are we good now?"

He smiled back, "Yep. I can't for our tutoring session, now we get to see each other!" 

I laughed, "Yeah, so are you okay with coming by after school?" I asked. 

Justin nodded, "Sure thing." 

"I better go now, Jenna is probably waiting for me at the cafe..." I pointed towards the door but then I changed my mind, "You know what, screw Jenna, I'm staying here with you, is that okay?" 

"You're always welcome to eat in here with me," he replied while bringing out his packed lunch in his pokemon plastic wrap. I don't know why, but he had this thing for pokemon. "We can share," he offered. 

I smile got wider, "Okay," He passed me one of his neatly cut sandwich and we both ate happily. 

 

Justin's POV.

I swear, this has got to be the best day ever! 

I can't wait for after school!

 

Ashley's POV.

After school, I excused myself from Jenna and walked home. As I was walking, I heard a bell from a bike ring. I turned my head around to see Justin pedaling as fast as he could. 

"Ashley! Wait up!" He shouted. 

I stopped walking and waited for him to catch up. "Hey Justin," I waved. 

He gave a smile, "Climb on the handlebars, it can take us home faster!" he suggested. 

I laughed, "Okay." 

 

We arrived at my house a lot more quicker thanks to Justin and his bike skills. 

"I don't think my parents are home from work yet so it's just us," I smiled over at Justin. 

"Well isn't that something," He chuckled, "Come on, we should start studying, I really want you to pass the test."

I couldn't help but let out the most girlish giggle since he cared about me. "Make yourself at home, I'll be right back with some snacks," I waved then went into the kitchen. 

 

"I don't get it. So if the value of 'x' is -10...then why is the answer...why are you looking at me like that?" I questioned Justin who stared at me like he was a hungry wolf.

He shrugged and licked his lower lip, "I just find it cute how you are trying to solve a dramatical error that won't ever be solved. It's a trick question actually, the answer is 0."

I stared back at him then took the opportunity to throw a couch cushion at his face. "You decide tell me that now!?" 

Justin laughed, "Aw I'm sorry, can I kiss you to make it better?" he offered. 

Ew, this sweet talker. Honestly, who can say no to that? Plus, who can hate a such a perfect human being. I quickly nodded before leaning forward to his face as he cupped my cheeks. 

I unconsciously closed my eyes and waited for his soft lips to land upon mine. But, nope, I didn't. I frowned as I opened my eyes to see Justin taking a photo of my kissy face. 

"Hey! I thought I you were going to kiss me, you jerk!" I stuck my tongue out at him and threw another cushion at his face.

"I really do want to kiss you Ashley, but you need to be tutored right now. I really want you to pass that test," he said sincerely. "Besides, that photo I just took of you is my new wallpaper for my phone!"

"You're so--"

"Irresistible. I know," Justin cut my sentence off and gave me a greasy wink. 

I faked a gag, "No, just no." I shook my head and looked down at my textbook. My body quickly melted and I felt my face grow hot when I felt him place two small kisses on my temple and cheek. 

"Will you study now?" he asked, "how about we make a deal? Every time you answer a question incorrectly, I'll kiss your hand and when you do get it right, I'll kiss a part of your face."

I gasped, "Deal! I'll try get everything right!" Justin knows I hate it when he kisses my hand. It feels weird. I always think of a dog licking my hand, so this was a fair deal.

 

Justin's POV.

Making out with Ashley has to be one of the most heavenly thing to do in the world!

She's such a natural, and here I am, struggling like a new born baby trying to walk. I could barely handle 10 seconds of her tongue in my mouth since I can't hold my breath too long. 

And what is more shocking is that once the deal was made, Ashley got every single question right. It's either she really doesn't want to get her hands kissed, or she really wanted me to kiss her. 

I decided to think it was the second option. Hehe. 

 

Ashley's POV.

I stood in front of Mr. Jones's desk at the end of class, with Justin standing by my side. He was currently correcting my re-take test. Usually the tutoring would take 3-4 days, but I only took a day, since Justin was a very good teacher. 

Mr. Jones rubbed a hand against his beard and I watched his lips curled into a smile. "Ah, Ashley. You've done well. You got nothing wrong." My eyes widened. 

"I GOT AN A?!" I asked, making sure I heard correctly. 

Mr. Jones nodded before handing the graded test as proof. "Justin, you must have been an excellent teacher to make Ashley actually pay attention," he joked. Justin laughed while I blushed thinking about the tutoring session and the deal.

"Well, she is actually very smart, but I don't think she likes to study," Justin commented while giving a small glance at me. Earning another husked laugh by Mr. Jones.

"You two are such a good pair. One day, you guys should go out," Mr. Jones remarked before giving a snarky grin. "But of course, I'm just thinking crazy. You two have the right to go out with whoever you want, this is just my opinion.

I chuckled, "You're right Mr. Jones. We should date," I admitted. I looked over at Justin who was giving me a 'what-are-you-doing' look. I held onto his hand and gave it a squeeze, "It's because we are," I confessed. 

Mr. Jones stayed quiet before giving us a smile, "See, I knew it would happen one day." 

Justin stared at the man, "How did you know?" 

"What?" 

"How'd you know we were dating?" Justin repeated.

Mr. Jones raised an eyebrow, "How'd you know I already knew?" 

"You did?!" I added. 

Justin nodded, "Ah, see I knew it. Your reaction wasn't as shocked at it should've been. And to answer your question sir, I read it in a book once when you can read what people are thinking just by the way they act and how the speak."

I held up my hand, "Wait. So you knew?! But how?" I asked my teacher. 

Mr. Jones's snickered, "I guess you could just say that it's obvious-well to me it is. You see, every teacher knows their class, they know their student and how the behave...I notice that you Ashley looks at you a lot during class."

I laughed, "Aha, I make it obvious."

"Not only that," Mr. Jones put his pencil down and clasped his hands onto his desk, "And Justin here likes to turn around and drop his pencil on purpose to give you a good glance, right?"

Justin looked like a deer in the headlights. "You're good."

"I know I am," Mr. Jones agreed as he took a sip of his beverage that was in a thermus. "Thanks again for these two apples," he said to Justin as capped his container and set it aside. 

"Your welcome sir. They're granny smith and fuji. Hope you like them. The granny smith apple was to make up for yesterday," Justin let out a little laugh. "I was going to bring you an orange, but that would be kissing up!"

"You two are already 20 minutes late for lunch, you guys can leave if you want," Mr. Jones said. 

"Ah sir, I usually--"

"--Eat lunch with me." I smiled, "We'll see you later Mr. Jones, bye!" Justin and I waved before I dragged him out into the hallway.

Justin's eyes were as wide as saucers. "You mean..."

I nodded, "Yup. Today is the day where our relationship can go public."

"But why? What about Jenna and all the...""

"Didn't I tell you that I don't care what other people think?" I said. 

"If you didn't care then why weren't we public a long time ago?" Justin asked.

I sighed, "To be honest Justin, I was afraid people would make fun of you and pick on you because...the social status thing...but anyways, today I realized that, it shouldn't matter. Yes, I want you safe, but it would be nice to be care free about it; show the world we are together! What ever people say to you that is hurtful, will be said to me. Then we can both fight the pain, together. "

"Thank you..." Justin whispered before pulling me into a hug, "for being such a good person to me."

I happily wrapped my arms around him and smiled in his embrace, "Justin...I love you."

I felt his chest tighten and his heart beat faster as he stuttered, "I-I love you too." Then like any other princess fairy tale, we kissed and walked to the lunch where everyone saw us. 

Together. 

Blah, blah blah. We didn't die and nothing bad happened...

so I guess we lived happily ever after. 

The End.