The Boy I Wasn't Supposed to Love

The morning of the science trip buzzed with restless excitement. By the time Catherine and I arrived, the school compound was already alive with students hauling packed backpacks, voices overlapping as everyone prepared for the overnight adventure at the arboretum. We had planned to arrive much earlier, hoping to secure good seats and wait comfortably for Matthew and Mark. But between outfit changes, second thoughts, and mirror debates, we wasted far too much time at home.

We hurried toward the bus just as it was beginning to fill, only to spot Sophia stepping onboard moments before us. Catherine frowned instantly, but we kept going, silently hoping Matthew and Mark hadn't arrived yet. That hope vanished the moment we climbed aboard. Near the back of the bus, Mark and Matthew were already seated, talking quietly to each other. Disappointment settled over me, though Catherine seemed relieved at least knowing Sophia wouldn't get the chance to sit beside Mark.

"Come, Lucy, let's sit over here," she said.

We were just about to sit when Sophia's voice stopped us. She had turned toward Matthew.

"Matthew, could you sit over there? I'd like to sit with Mark."

Matthew hesitated, exchanging a brief glance with Mark. Then, without a word, he stood up and stepped aside. Catherine's patience snapped instantly. She rushed forward, shoved Sophia aside, and dropped into the seat Matthew had just vacated.

"Catherine get up!" Sophia yelled.

"No way," Catherine replied flatly. "I didn't see you on it."

"You literally just watched me ask Matthew to move," Sophia snapped.

"Oh really?" Catherine shrugged. "I didn't."

Sophia turned to Mark. "Mark, tell her to move."

Mark didn't answer. He simply looked away, his expression unreadable, then shot Matthew a sharp look. Without saying anything, Mark stood up and moved to sit beside Betty instead. Both Catherine and Sophia froze, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift.

Matthew hesitated, as though he meant to return to his original seat, but before he could, I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward a different seat. We sat together quietly. With no other option left, Sophia sank down beside Catherine. Both immediately turned their faces from each other, staring in opposite directions with stiff annoyance.

I glanced at them and couldn't help but smile.

"Aren't you worried they'd get into a fight if they sat together?" Matthew asked.

I glanced briefly toward Catherine and Sophia before answering. "They won't, I think they need to know that they like each other and it's possible to be friends," I replied.

"I guess you're right," Matthew agreed, though his voice sounded distracted, as if his thoughts were elsewhere.

I studied him more closely. There was something subtle but persistent. "By the way, you've not been looking alright for the past few days, are you okay?" I asked.

"What made you say so? I'm perfectly fine," Matthew responded almost too quickly.

I shook my head. "I don't think you are, something seems to be bothering you," I insisted.

Matthew