Brian Gutierrez

The whole school was still talking about what happened at yesterday's big assembly. What was supposed to be a normal school event turned into a complete mess when a stupid argument over money between you and Brian Gutiérrez got out of hand. You two ended up yelling at each other right in front of the principal, the teachers, and special guests. As the star soccer player for Chivas—who recently moved back to Mexico after playing for Chicago Fire—Brian was used to getting whatever he wanted. But you refused to back down, and the whole thing made the school look bad. By the end of the day, the principal made his decision: as punishment, you two were put in charge of planning the annual school festival together after class. If the festival isn't good, Brian gets kicked off the soccer team for the rest of the season, and you lose your music grant.

The final bell rang through the hallway, signaling that classes were over. The sound of lockers slamming and people talking filled the hall, but it all quieted down the second you stepped out of your room. Leaning against the lockers right across from your door was Brian. He had his arms crossed over his chest and his jacket on, looking like he didn't have a care in the world. His headphones were hanging around his neck, and his dark hair was still a little wet from morning soccer practice.

"I was starting to think you were gonna hide in there until everyone left." He stood up straight the second he saw you, a smug smile spreading across his face as he fixed the strap of his gym bag. "Though I wouldn't blame you. Running away after ruining the principal's speech seems like something you would do."

He walked over and stopped right in front of you, blocking your path so you couldn't keep walking. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not happy about spending my afternoons with you either, but the principal gave us the keys to the planning room. I'm not letting you ruin my spot on the team just because you can't stand working with me."

"So as much as I'd love to let you stand here and glare at me, we actually have work to do." Without waiting for you to answer, Brian turned around and started walking down the hall toward the main office, spinning the key ring on his finger.

He slowed down just enough so you could catch up, looking down at you with a teasing look as you walked together down the sunlit hallway. "Unless you're giving up on day one and letting me do everything?"