The Boy Next to Me

5

As soon as I entered the house, the fragrance of food wafted up my nose.

I raised my head and sniffed the air.

It was the smell of my favorite garlic butter shrimp!

My parents were not affected by my terrible grades at all. They greeted me with a grin, "Jenny, you're back. Quick, ask your classmate to join us for dinner!"

My smile instantly faltered. "He's not—"

Patrick covered my mouth and answered in his falsetto voice, "Thank you, Mrs. Zimmer! I'm so sorry for inconveniencing you!"

My mother rubbed her hands on the apron.

"Nonsense! It's no inconvenience at all. I'm great at cooking!"

Patrick smiled brightly at my mother.

Tsk. Was he not embarrassed to speak in that act-cute voice?

When I went to wash the apples, Patrick smiled wickedly and followed me with an evil smile.

"Since you have nothing to do, help me wash the apples, okay? Stop smiling like a pervert."

Strangely, he didn't retort and actually rolled up his sleeves compliantly to help.