Elliot, still the same lonely boy he always was, hates being the center of attention and has expressly asked that his birthday not be turned into a huge party. So, when he blows out his candles, only the people who are most important to him gather around him to wish him a happy birthday.

Now a teenager, Elliot is even more of a perfect copy of his father, mixed with a few traits from his mother, while carrying within him Isabelle's gloominess.

Some time later, at school, Elli finally found his mark and, above all, his favorite room: the music room. He can play the piano in peace without anyone ever coming to ask him anything before class. So he lets his fingers fly over the keyboard, without even thinking about the tune he's playing.

But today is not his lucky day, as two people interrupt his usual tranquillity by barging into the room. A girl and a boy, probably brother and sister, as the tone they use with each other reminds him of the one he, Daph and Simon use every day. When the pair finally realise that Elliot has stopped playing the piano and is now staring at them, the latter raises an eyebrow, astonished to see people here so early in the morning. To everyone's surprise, the three young people get on extremely well.

Calia and Isaac are actually quite relieved. They were able to attend this school thanks to a scholarship, and finally being able to talk to someone who doesn't look at them with contempt and who even seems to enjoy the same things they do makes them feel much more at ease.

Sadly, Daph had more important problems to deal with. Her leaving prom with Andy had quickly spread among the students, and the cheerleaders, not the girl's biggest fans, were not about to refrain from gossiping about it. She tried to act like she didn't care, but inside she was seething with rage.

But Andy hadn't said his last word, and refused to let people bitch about them like that. So, leaning against the archway, he delivered some cutting remarks to the two girls, while giving them dirty looks… And a final middle finger to top it off.

Daphne was surprised to see him defend her like that, but couldn't help smiling slightly, reassured to see that their friendship hadn't suffered too much from the end of their “ agreement”. The young girl isn't close to many people in her life, and knowing that she can always count on Andy means a lot to her. But when she hears his latest comment, she can't help but roll her eyes, slightly amused : same old Andy…

CHAPTER FIVE : Unexpected turn of events

The day always starts the same for Daph. She meets with Andy in the designated classroom of the day to make out before their first class. It's easy but she can't lie to herself, it became quite 𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙚, a task you do without thinking as you start your day.

And there is one thing she wants to respect above all: 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 should surprise them like this. Andy can’t help but raise an eyebrow, since clearly their whole class knows about them meeting like this, but Daph won’t budge. The young man can't help but think that she's ashamed of him, but she dismisses his concerns with a gesturing hand. However as she leaves the room, she can't help to wonder if he might not be a little right. He's still that goofy boy she met as she started high school and he never really changed…

CHAPTER FOUR : Experimenting

At school, Daph decided to deal with the 𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙮'𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢 by… avoiding him. But of course it could only last for a time and when she hears his footsteps coming in the library, she knows she's good for a serious discussion about whatever is happening between them. But things take an unexpected turn, and Daph kisses him. Gently, a little shyly, so that Andy grabs her by the waist and spins her round to lean her against the bookcase. Daph can't help but let out a little laugh, even though she's afraid they'll be caught.

As Andy suggests they stop if she's uncomfortable, she silences him with a kiss. But this time there's nothing gentle about it. It's hurried, hungry, just like the ones at the party. And it's a good thing no one catches them, because their hands are once again wandering more than they should… When they both stopped to catch their breath, Daph was adamant that this could not happen again. She refuses to break his heart like that for her own pleasure. But Andy doesn't seem to agree, seeing things from a different angle, one that is particularly pleasurable for a young man…

Elliot takes the opportunity to bring Erica back to her home, even carrying her bag. The latter is a bit embarrassed, without really knowing why, and involuntarily slows down the pace. Elliot noticing it, extends a hand to her, which Erica accepts without hesitation.

The walk to her place is short, 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 for her taste. So when Elliot hands him her bag, she leans towards him, and decides to kiss him on the cheek without trying to think too much about it. Elliot, caught of guards, begins to blush and stumble, not knowing what to say anymore.

As for Elliot, the small group had ended up making the room above the music shop their favourite hangout. Nicole's uncle was often away, and the place was more than suitable for teenagers. They could chill out in peace, listening to loud music without anyone complaining.

Elli was the one who stayed the longest, lost in guitar solos or playing the piano. Nicole often stayed by his side when she didn't have to handle the shop, and the teenagers grew close during these moments spent alone together. Elliot enjoyed her company and her personality, chill but determined.

Obviously, spending so much time together brought them closer than just friends, so Elliot allowed himself to tease Nicole a little and gently grabbed her leg. She tried to hide her interest, but when he held on to her like that, her heart couldn't help but skip a beat.So when Elliot suggested she shut him up, she didn't miss the moment.

As he broke the kiss, the words came out of his mouth before he even had time to think twice. But to him, it made sense. His parents spent their time kissing and had been married forever, so why not make it official with Nicole after that one kiss, right?

END OF PART EIGHTEEN

During class, Andy took a liking to Elliot, who endured his presence more than anything else, especially when Andy began recounting his sexual exploits to Elliot, who would have preferred not to get out of bed that day rather than hear such horrors. When Andy realises his mistake, it's already too late and he looks at Elliot in horror. When Daphne realises what her idiot ex is saying, she can't help but come to her little brother's rescue.

She'll never know what got into her to give Andy a chance, but one thing is certain: she was this close to getting up and smacking him in the back of the head.