Chapter 2: A Little Trouble

Well, not intentionally.

Nidal was walking beside me through the university corridor, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just survived my company for an entire lecture.

“So, where are we going?” he asked.

“Somewhere interesting.”

“That's not an answer.”

“It's the only one you're getting.”

He shook his head.

“You're always like this?”

“Like what?”

“Annoying.”

I gasped dramatically.

“Excuse me? I'm delightful.”

“Debatable.”

I laughed and continued walking.

We eventually reached the student noticeboard. A large poster advertising an upcoming university event caught my attention.

I stopped.

Nidal stopped beside me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“That never means nothing with you.”

I noticed a marker sitting on the table beneath the noticeboard.

An idea immediately popped into my head.

A mischievous one.

I picked up the marker.

“Blossom.”

I glanced at him. “Nidal.”

“Put it down.”

“Why?”

“Because I know that expression.”

I smiled.

“Then you should know better than to stand next to me.”

Before he could respond, I started writing in the blank space at the bottom of the poster.

He leaned closer.

“You cannot be serious.”

“I'm always serious.”

“That is probably the biggest lie I've ever heard.”

I finished and stepped back to admire my work.

Unfortunately, someone else seemed interested in my artistic contribution.

“Can I ask what exactly you're two doing?”

I turned around.

A member of university staff stood behind us, staring directly at the poster.

I looked at Nidal.

He looked at me.

I smiled.

“Good morning!”

The staff member didn't smile back.

“Would you both mind coming with me?”

I opened my mouth to respond.

“Of course,” I said, before Nidal could say anything.

He turned towards me with an expression that practically screamed, Are you serious?

I gave him my most innocent smile.

A few minutes later, we were standing outside the principal's office.

Nidal folded his arms.

“I knew it.”

I looked at him. “Knew what?”

“That you're trouble.”

I tilted my head.

“And yet you followed me.”

“I was trying to stop you!”

“Sure you were.”

He shook his head, but I noticed the small smile he was trying to hide.

The office door opened.

“Blossom and Nidal? Come in, please.”

I stepped forward, trying to look as innocent as possible.

Nidal followed beside me.

“This is all your fault,” he muttered.

I leaned closer.

“You're welcome.”

He gave me a look.

I had known this boy for barely any time, and somehow we'd already ended up outside the principal's office together.

I couldn't help smiling.

Maybe I was trouble.

But at least I wasn't going to be bored.