"Friendship Trap"

The next day, almost everyone in the classroom gathered around Matt to thank him for donating air conditioning units.

"We are all grateful for your generosity, Matt," Greta said with a sweet smile, and her underlings nodded as she spoke, "We are all lucky to be your classmate."

"That's right," Juana the class president added, "With your kindness, it's no wonder that I like you… I mean, we all like you!"

"Don't lump me in with you. I obviously hate Matt," Sydney, who had just arrived, said as she approached her seat in a grumpy manner. She was still in a bad mood because of her check-up last night. "Move aside, Juana."

"No. Why are you ordering me around?" Juana questioned her as she crossed her arms.

"But my seat is behind you. How can I sit, then? The super strict Ma'am Brentvale will be here, soon."

"I'll suggest to the homeroom teacher to switch our seats. I can be Matt's guide because you are a worthless seatmate. You were never helping him adjust in our class anyway, so let's switch-"

"No. Sydney will stay beside me."

Juana turned her head and saw Matt glare at her. He said in a cold tone, "I want her beside me. Go back to your seat, Miss President."

Suddenly, Miss Aira Brentvale, the science teacher, entered the room and gave three loud bangs on the door, "Why are you all standing there? Go back to your seats!" and everyone panicked as they did what they were told to do.

As soon as Sydney sat down, Matt told Sydney in a low voice, "Hi, Sydney. Good morning."

"There's obviously nothing good in the morning," replied Sydney as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Why? You didn't like our newly air-conditioned classroom?"

"I have… a lot of things in my mind."

"Like what?"

"It's personal-"

"SYDNEY MCKEE. GET OUT. NOW!" Ms. Aira yelled when she saw her talking to her seatmate, and Sydney came rushing out of the classroom.

Matt raised his hand, "I was the first one to talk to her. You should punish me too, ma'am."

"How can I do that to you? The principal said that you're a VIP, and you shouldn't be punished... whatever happens."

"I insist. Please tell me to get out of here, too."

And all his classmates were puzzled by it...

Outside, Sydney was standing beside the door, and while she was spacing out, she was startled when Matt appeared, "Why are you here?"

"I have to be punished, of course. I was talkative," Matt replied and then leaned on the wall, just beside Sydney."

"Ah… Finally, you were punished. It's the first time... That's great news."

Matt noticed that Sydney kept on staring at the floor, and it was obvious that she's feeling gloomy.

"I know you said that it's personal, but you can talk to me about it."

"Why should I? You're my enemy. You kicked me out of the Music Club..."

Even though they were conversing normally, Matt didn't like it when she's having low energy. He was concerned about her, and he was curious about what made his cute orc lady like that.

"I told you. I'll bring you back if you agree to be my friend."

Sydney facepalmed and couldn't believe he would still mention it, "Why do you insist? Everyone except me can be your friend. Why me of all people?"

"Because you're very interesting. And I think I won't get bored by being with you," replied Matt, "How about this. Tell me what's bothering you. I'll listen to you and keep your secrets. And then I'll get you back on the Music Club."

"Isn't that the same as being a friend? You think I'll fall for that trap of yours?"

Matt laughed it off, "Come on," he quickly went in front of her, held her chin, and then raised it up, "Meet my eyes. Tell me your frustrations, your problems… Anything you want to tell me aside from not being my friend."

Sydney couldn't help but form a subtle smile on her face. His annoying seatmate was being annoying again, but for what reason? To make her fall for his friendship trap?

She hit Matt's hand to the side, "Don't touch me... We're not close..."

But she was surprised about what Matt did next. He held the hand that pushed him away and said while looking serious, "Sydney. You can tell me what's bothering you..."

As he held her hand, Sydney felt something weird inside of her. Her natural reaction should be to be disgusted as she was touched by the guy she hated the most, but at that moment, she felt happy that someone was there to listen to her.

While Matt was holding her hand, Lenoir just came down from the upper floor and saw them.

'Why is that guy holding Sydney's hand…' he thought as he felt jealous.

Sure, they knew each other because of the Music Club, and they got closer when they went to the sweets store, but he had never held Sydney's hand.

Lenoir spied on them while he peeked from the corner. Although he couldn't hear what they were talking about, what he wanted to do was to guard the guy if he would do something inappropriate. He was observing if Sydney would be against him holding his hand, but what he saw was different.

Sydney smiled at the guy.

"Fine, I'll tell you," Sydney said, and Matt finally released her hand, then came back to leaning on the wall, beside her.

"I'm listening."