Lucas is a creature of habit. I know his routines, his strategies, and his arrogance. Today, I'll use them against him for the first time.
The school cafeteria is packed, the dull roar of conversations echoing off the walls. I spot Lucas at his usual table, surrounded by his entourage. Amanda sits close to him, her hand brushing his arm as she leans in to laugh at something he's said. His smug grin tells me everything I need to know: he thinks he's untouchable.
I grab a tray of food and head toward the table, weaving through the crowd. The chatter quiets slightly as I approach, students glancing at me in surprise. Lucas notices me just as I reach the edge of the table, his brow furrowing.
"Ethan," he says, his tone neutral but curious. "What's up?"
I set my tray down on the table, meeting his gaze. "Mind if I join you?"
The room goes even quieter. This isn't something the old Ethan would've done. Lucas's confusion is obvious, but he recovers quickly, smirking as he leans back in his chair.
"Sure," he says, gesturing to an empty seat. "Why not?"
I sit down, my movements calm and deliberate. The others at the table exchange confused glances, unsure what to make of this. Amanda looks me up and down, her curiosity piqued.
"You're... braver than I thought," Lucas says, his smirk widening. "Or maybe just stupid. You do know this isn't exactly your crowd, right?"
I pick up a fork and spear a piece of chicken, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I figured it was time to change that. You've got the best seat in the house. Who wouldn't want to sit here?"
He laughs, but there's an edge to it. He doesn't like being caught off guard. Good.
"So, what's the plan, Ethan?" Amanda asks, leaning forward. Her voice is sweet, but her eyes are sharp. She's already trying to figure me out.
"No plan," I say with a shrug. "I just think it's better to sit with people who get things done. Hanging out with the background extras wasn't working for me."
The comment earns a few laughs from Lucas's crew. Amanda smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. Lucas, meanwhile, studies me carefully.
"You're different," he says after a moment. "Didn't think you had this side to you."
I smile faintly. "Guess you don't know me as well as you thought."
By the end of lunch, I've planted the first seed. Lucas sees me as bold, maybe even reckless, but not as a threat. Amanda is intrigued, though wary. The others are indifferent for now, but that will change.
As I leave the table, I catch Jordan's eye from across the room. He's sitting with his usual group, watching the interaction with interest. When I pass by his table, I give him a nod. He returns it, his grin widening.
Everything is falling into place.
The next part of the plan requires Samantha. After school, I find her in the library, hunched over her notebook. Her brow is furrowed as she scribbles equations, completely absorbed in her work.
"Hey," I say, sliding into the seat across from her.
She looks up, startled, then relaxes when she sees me. "Oh, hi."
"I wasn't kidding about needing help with math," I say, pulling out my textbook. "You've got some time, right?"
She glances at the clock, then nods. "Yeah, I guess. What are you struggling with?"
"Everything," I admit with a sheepish smile.
She laughs softly and starts explaining the basics. I listen, but my focus isn't on the math—it's on her. Samantha's voice is steady, confident when she's in her element. She doesn't realize it yet, but she has a strength no one else sees.
After an hour, we pack up our things. As we walk out of the library, I turn to her.
"You're really good at this," I say. "Not just math, but explaining it. Have you ever thought about teaching or tutoring?"
She shakes her head quickly. "No. I mean, I don't think I'm that good."
"You are," I insist. "People just haven't noticed yet. But they will."
Her expression softens, and for the first time, she looks at me without the usual shyness. "Thanks, Ethan. That... means a lot."
We part ways outside the school, and I watch her leave, my mind racing. Samantha will be an invaluable ally. She just needs the right push to realize her potential.
Later that evening, I find myself at the park again. Jordan is there, as expected, shooting hoops with a few friends. This time, I don't wait for an invitation. I grab a ball and join the game, seamlessly blending into their group.
Afterward, we sit on the benches, sweaty and tired. Jordan leans back, wiping his face with his shirt.
"You've been showing up a lot lately," he says, his tone light but curious.
"Figured I'd get to know you guys better," I reply.
He smirks. "Not a bad move. We're the best squad in school, you know."
"Is that why Lucas hangs out with you sometimes?" I ask, keeping my tone casual.
The smirk falters slightly. "Lucas?" He shrugs. "Yeah, I guess. But he's not really one of us. He's... different."
"Different how?"
Jordan hesitates, then shakes his head. "Forget it. He's just Lucas, you know? Always has to be in charge, always has to win."
His tone carries a hint of resentment, and I file it away for later.
"I don't think anyone has to be in charge," I say, tossing the ball between my hands. "It's better when everyone works together, don't you think?"
Jordan nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. I guess you're right."
Another seed planted.
As I walk home, I replay the day in my head. Lucas thinks I'm harmless, Samantha is starting to trust me, and Jordan is beginning to see me as a friend.
The pieces are moving, and soon, Lucas won't know what hit him.