Littlest Pet Shop: High School AU

Chapter 4: Lab Partners

Russell quickly took a seat next to Zoe, who was in the same science class.

"Oh no you don't, Russell. You KNOW Minka is in this class too! I know what you're trying to do." Zoe took a piece of gum from her pocket and chewed it.

"Zoe I can't! I'll be distracted all year! I just want to focus. Besides, I won't look smart if I'm working with her. You know I can't think straight when I'm around her! You HAVE to let me be your partner instead!" Russell panicked. She rolled her eyes.

"Russell, darling! You're being over dramatic. You've acted normal around her before! So why is this any different?" Zoe took out a hair brush and started grooming herself. Russell shifted in his seat.

"I'm nervous. It would just be me and Minka... I don't think I will be able to handle that. Plus, I know I'll make a fool of myself," Russell mumbled while putting his head on the table.

"Oh relax. She's the last person who would call you a fool. Besides, I'm sure you really want to be her partner," She smirked. "But that's just my opinion, right?"

Russell gave a deep sigh. He really did want to be Minka's lab partner, but he was too shy to make a move.

"You know what? I'll do it!" Russell stood up and moved to a different table.

"There you go," Zoe smiled, "and right on time, too!" She pointed towards Minka, who was walking through the door. Russell gulped. He glanced back at Zoe, and she gave him a thumbs up.

"Okay, Russell... Don't do anything stupid..."

"Hiya Russell!" Minka waved.

"S-SCIENCE!" Russell shouted. Behind him, Russell could hear Zoe chuckling. The boy was actually startled by Minka. She stood there for a moment, then smiled. Pumping her fist in the air, she yelled back, "Yeah! Science!"

Russell already knew that his face was burning red, but he hoped that the pink-haired girl didn't notice.

"I guess I'll sit here then!" Minka cheerfully said, setting her stuff down next to Russell's things.

"Aren't you excited? You love science, right?? I'm not that great at it, but it'll be fun if I'm with friends!"

Well, if that didn't make his face any redder...

"Heh... Yeah! I am excited."

The lesson had already started before Russell realized. He quickly got out a piece of paper and started taking notes.

Drats. I was staring at Minka again, he thought to himself. It's not like Minka was paying attention either, because she was just doodling on her paper and not writing notes at all.

The teacher announced that there would be a lab tomorrow and that each student must work with who they're sitting with. Minka popped her head up at that. She turned her head towards Russell and smiled.

"Wow! I'm lucky I get to work with you, Russell! It'll be fun! I guess that makes you and me... LAB PARTNERS!" She clapped her hands together.

Lab partners.