I don't want to talk about it// L.S.

Three

"No offense, but you're kind of a maniac—how do you still enjoy studying?" I sighed and sat up, forcing him to pull his hand back.

"It's my job, Harry. I don't have much of a choice. And I hate to break it to you, but if you decide to keep studying after high school, it only gets harder," I said, handing him the math textbook.

"Well, thanks for the heads-up. I never would've guessed," he replied sarcastically, taking the book. "I won't go to college. I'll just become the school secretary."

"All right, let's dive into functions, shall we?" I said with fake enthusiasm, opening my notes.
...

"I don't know how you're doing it, but I feel like I'm seeing some progress. He spent the whole day outside with us over the weekend," Harry's mom told me. She seemed to be leaving for work a bit later than usual today.

"Honestly, I see a change too. He doesn't have those moods so often anymore—where he'd sleep the whole day away. I just hope he's not having one of those days today... I need to head into town. If you don't mind, I thought I'd take him with me as part of a 'social outing.'" I remembered how empty my fridge was.

"That would be great. At least he won't be stuck at home all day. I've got to run—take care, and thank you," she said, waving goodbye as the door clicked shut behind her.

A second later, I heard the front door downstairs slam, and not long after, my own door opened.

"Good morning," I greeted him as I minimized a chat with Niall on my phone. I really should meet up with him—I'd been missing his dumb jokes.

"Morning. What's the plan for today?" I asked, noticing the unusually upbeat look on his face.

"Feeling pretty good actually. Why?" he smiled, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I thought maybe we could switch up the schedule a bit today—if that's okay with you."

"And what exactly does that involve?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"A shopping trip. Into town."

"You have a car here? I didn't hear you drive up." I gestured toward the window.

"Nope, no car. But I've got a scooter."

"That thing's gonna carry the two of us?"

"It'll have to," I laughed.

Two hours later, we were getting ready to head out. Parked in front of the house was a light blue scooter. My teacher walked over to it, and I followed.

"Here, take this helmet. Adjust it however you need, then hop on behind me."

"Do I have to do anything besides sit there? I've never ridden one of these before," I said, thinking out loud.

"Just hold on tight and don't let go—unless you want to eat asphalt," he said, handing me the helmet.

"Aye aye, captain. Understood." I gave a mock salute, then climbed on.

I felt the seat shift slightly and noticed a light pressure at the sides of my sweater.

I hope he doesn't fall off, I thought. He's barely holding on. But hey—my sweater's not made of paper, and I don't exactly ride fast.

"Ready to go?" I asked.

"Yep, let's do this!" he shouted from behind me.

"No need to yell! You probably can't hear yourself with that helmet, but I heard you loud and clear," I scolded.