The oven door whooshed open as Aiden pulled out the trays of golden-brown cookies. He set them on cooling racks, steam rising as cold air met the heat, sending a warm, sweet aroma drifting across the classroom and into the hall.
Haley and Angela, his assigned partners for the class, leaned over the trays.
"Ooh, they look amazing," Angela said, eyes wide. "I thought we were going to bomb this."
"That's because Aiden did all the work," Haley added, grinning. "I nearly dropped the first tray."
"I just followed the recipe," Aiden replied, brushing flour off his apron. "Timing helps too."
Students from nearby tables drifted over, gazing at the cookies with curiosity and envy. A blackened sheet of burnt chocolate discs on a neighboring station only added to the contrast.
"Wow," one guy muttered. "You guys crushed it."
Angela nudged Aiden playfully. "Look at you, tall, calm, and can bake. Dangerous combo."
Aiden shook his head with a faint smile and began scooping dough for the last round.
As the next batch baked, he cleaned the workspace. The girls stood nearby, chatting while touching up their appearances—Angela dabbing on lip gloss, Haley casually fixing her braid.
"So," Angela said, lowering her voice. "You going out this weekend?"
"Maybe," Haley said with a shrug. "Nate from basketball asked, but…"
Angela gave her a look. "Didn't you have a thing for him last week?"
Haley smirked, then tilted her head toward Aiden. "Tastes change."
Angela giggled. "You're shameless."
"Hey, if I can snag someone who can bake and looks like that?" She shrugged. "Nate, who?"
Before Aiden could react, the oven timer rang. He pulled out the trays and set them beside the others.
"We should bag these before the bell," he said, already reaching for plastic bags.
They split the cookies evenly, setting one aside for the teacher. As the bell rang, Aiden cleaned the last cookie sheet, grabbed his bag, and headed toward the door.
Waiting just outside was Rosalie.
She had a sharp elegance to her shoulder-length golden-blonde hair and eyes like polished amber. Her posture was poised, expression unreadable.
"Aiden Wells," she said smoothly.
"That's me," he replied, curious. "Something I can help you with?"
"Rosalie Hale," she said. "We're in French together. Miss Hoff's assignment is due next week, and for the sake of the project…" She gave him a cool smile. "I'd prefer to speak in French."
"Ah, oui, je me souviens…" Aiden nodded. "Quand voulez-vous commencer?"
("Oh, yes, I remember… When do you want to start?")
Behind him, Haley had paused, watching. Her expression had dimmed slightly, but she stayed quiet.
Rosalie tilted her head. "Après l'école. Peut-être au café en bas de la rue?"
("After school. Maybe the café down the street?")
"C'est un peu trop bruyant. La bibliothèque serait mieux—moins de distractions," he offered.
("It's a little too noisy. The library would be better—fewer distractions.")
Rosalie's lips curled into a slight smile. "Je suis d'accord."
("I agree.")
Haley cleared her throat softly, reminding him she was still there.
Aiden turned back to her. "Sorry, Haley. To answer your question, if I do go to the party, I'll see you there."
She gave a small nod, masking her disappointment. "Okay. Cool. See you."
Once she walked off, Rosalie said with a glint in her eyes, "Est-ce que j'ai interrompu quelque chose?"
("Did I interrupt something?")
Aiden shook his head. "Non, pas vraiment. Veuillez continuer."
("Not really. Please continue.")
As Rosalie turned to leave, she glanced over her shoulder.
"Mlle Hoff said you'd be a challenge. I hope she's right."
She walked away, hips swaying slightly, her subtle smirk lingering in Aiden's mind.
He exhaled with a quiet laugh, then whispered to himself, "Tout est juste en amour et en guerre."
(All is fair in love and war.)