The clock on the wall ticked the minutes slowly, and the monotonous voice of the physics teacher filled the air like a constant hum.
Most of the students struggled to stay focused, but Ryan seemed strangely concentrated, his gaze fixed on his notes and his body relaxed in the chair.
Bonnie tried to stay attentive, but her mind wandered. From time to time, she cast short glances toward Ryan, observing the way he handled everything, the tranquility, the natural way he fit in, as if he had never left. It was irritating and at the same time... comforting.
Elena forced herself to focus on the board, but the sound of low laughter behind her and the constant murmur of her classmates made her drift into distant thoughts. What Caroline had said still echoed in her mind. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, the memory of the accident and Ryan's brief hug came back like flashes.
"Miss Gilbert."
The teacher's voice pulled her out of her reverie. Elena blinked, quickly raising her gaze.
"Yes?"
"Can you repeat the last formula I just explained?"
She froze for a second. Before she could say anything, Ryan turned his body slightly, whispering almost inaudibly just for her to hear:
"ΔE = mc²."
Elena breathed a sigh of relief and repeated aloud:
"ΔE = mc²."
The teacher nodded, satisfied, and continued the explanation. Elena shot a quick glance at Ryan, who just smiled out of the corner of his mouth, turning back to his notebook as if nothing had happened.
Bonnie, who saw the exchange, shook her head, holding back a discreet smile.
"Show-off..." she murmured softly, just to herself.
The rest of the class dragged on at a slow pace until, finally, the familiar sound of the bell echoed through the hallways. Chairs scraping, papers being put away, and conversations mixed in a light chaos at the end of the period.
Voices and laughter filled the room as the students hurried to leave. At that moment, Matt stood up, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and started walking toward the exit. When he passed Ryan's desk, he stopped for an instant, an indecipherable expression appearing on his face.
He approached the boy with Asian features and said:
"Hey, man... sorry for not inviting you to lunch with me and Tyler earlier. I saw you were pretty engaged with Elena and Bonnie, and I didn't want to interrupt."
Matt scratched the back of his neck, a bit awkward, before continuing:
"Anyway, it was something I was going to tell you during break. You should try out for the football team; practice is tomorrow, after classes."
"Don't worry about it, Matt. I don't hold grudges..." Ryan looked up, a slight smile appearing on his lips: "As for football... I'll check it out tomorrow."
"Cool, then." Matt nodded, giving a small smile. "I think the coach will like seeing you play. If you're still the same as before, you'll quickly be the star of the team..."
He was about to continue speaking, but his gaze shifted for a moment to Elena, who was leaving her seat with Bonnie. The expression on his face changed to that mix of discomfort and reminiscence. Without saying anything else, he just waved quickly at Ryan and left the room.
Ryan followed his friend with his gaze, but something on the other side caught his attention. The new student, the same one who had joined the class today just like him, stood up in silence. A boy with a calm gaze and almost impeccable posture.
For a second, the two stared at each other.
The boy gave a slight nod with his head, something respectful, discreet.
Ryan returned the gesture with a short smile, almost imperceptible, his green eyes shining with a malicious emotion. And then he also stood up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
Elena and Bonnie were already approaching, the two stopping beside him.
"What did Matt want?" Bonnie asked, adjusting her hair while casting a curious glance toward the hallway.
At that moment, only the three of them remained in the classroom, the distant sound of footsteps and laughter from the other students echoing through the now almost empty hallway.
"Ah, nothing much..." Ryan replied casually: "He told me to try out for the football team..."
Elena arched an eyebrow, surprised. "You playing football again? I thought you'd given up those things to be a model and all that..."
Ryan gave a light laugh.
"I guess you can't lose the knack, right?"
Bonnie, leaning against the desk beside him, crossed her arms and looked at him with an expression between skeptical and amused.
"Hmm... are you going to tell me now you want to play the popular athlete again?"
"Me?" He raised his eyebrows, feigning offense: "I never stopped being popular."
Bonnie let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Three years away, and you still have the same irritating confidence."
Ryan smiled out of the corner of his mouth. "It's good to know I still irritate you, Bonnie. It makes me feel at home."
Elena watched the two with a light, but discreet smile.
Bonnie shifted her gaze to Elena, and Ryan followed.
"By the way...." She said in a tone too casual not to seem planned: "Elena is still on the cheerleading squad."
Ryan turned his gaze to the girl with brown eyes, his smile growing slowly. "Really? So if I join the team, I'll have you cheering for me?"
Elena blinked, surprised, feeling her face heat up. "Ah... I-don't know. Maybe."
"Maybe?" He tilted his head, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I'll take a 'maybe.' But it would be good to see you in that uniform again. Seriously, I think that would be the only good part of the games."
Elena looked away for a moment, feeling her heart race. The way Ryan looked at her—that tranquil confidence, almost provocative—made the words seem to tangle on the tip of her tongue.
"I..." she began, her voice coming out lower than intended. "After the... accident, in the summer with my parents..."
The words stuck. Even so long after, the simple act of mentioning it made her stomach tighten. Bonnie lowered her head slightly, her expression softening. Ryan, on the other hand, just kept his gaze on her, without interrupting, as if encouraging her to continue.
Elena took a deep breath and forced a small smile. "I never stopped to think about going back to those things. The cheerleading squad, the parties, the gym... it seemed like all that had been left behind."
There was a brief silence. The air in the room seemed lighter and, at the same time, heavier. Ryan leaned his body slightly forward, resting his weight on one hand on the desk.
"But it would be good," she completed, glancing at him. "Maybe it would be good to try again."
Ryan's smile grew, slow, almost imperceptible, but full of meaning.
"There it is," He said in a low tone, satisfied. "That sounds more like the Elena I knew."
Bonnie let out a small sigh, the kind of sound that mixed exasperation and laughter. "You really don't change, do you?"
Ryan raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "What now?"
"You seem to still have that irritating gift of making people say what you want to hear." She looked at him with a half-smile: "And the worst part is that it works."
"Oh! That? I prefer to call it natural charisma." He replied with a shrug.
Elena laughed, a bit awkwardly, trying to disguise the blush on her cheeks. Bonnie glanced at her sideways, noticing the detail.
The tension hanging between the three was subtle, almost invisible to anyone looking from outside, but evident to those who were there.
Ryan adjusted his backpack on his shoulder and looked toward the door. "Shall we? If we stay here one more minute, the janitor will think we're planning a nighttime invasion."
Bonnie laughed. "With you involved, I wouldn't doubt it."
He winked at her. "I'd call it a reconnaissance mission."
Elena slung her backpack over her shoulder, still smiling. "Reconnaissance mission for what?"
"For the new generation of Mystic Falls High," he replied, walking toward the door. "I have to see if the school spirit is still the same."
Bonnie followed right behind. "You mean: see who still remembers you."
Ryan gave a low laugh, opening the door with a calm gesture. "I'd say that's a bonus."
They stepped out into the illuminated hallway, now silent except for the distant sound of voices coming from the courtyard.
The hallway was bathed in shades of gold and shadow when the three began to walk.
The late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, reflecting off the old school walls and tinting everything with that warm, nostalgic glow typical of Mystic Falls.
They passed through the double doors that led to the school courtyard. The evening air enveloped them immediately, fresh, with the distant smell of freshly cut grass. The three walked unhurriedly through the front courtyard toward the parking lot in front.
The front school parking lot was already starting to empty, the engines of cars and the sound of teenage laughter echoing in the distance.
Bonnie pulled her phone from her pocket, typing something quickly. "Caroline wants to know if we're going to the Grill later. She's putting together a group."
Elena sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't know if I'm in the mood to go out today..."
"You're never in the mood," Bonnie retorted, with a light smile. "That's why you need to go. A milkshake and a portion of fries can work wonders."
Ryan put his hands in his pockets and watched them discuss, his tone soft, almost nostalgic. "Does the Mystic Grill still exist?"
Elena looked at him, surprised.
"Of course it does. It's practically a city landmark."
"Then I think I'll show up there too." He shrugged, casual: "It might be good to see some familiar faces."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure? After all the drama of coming back and everything?"
Ryan laughed softly. "Bonnie Bennett, still trying to protect me from my own decisions?"
She stared at him, amused. "Someone has to do it."
"Relax, Bonnie," Elena interjected, smiling. "Ryan has always known how to handle himself."
"True," he agreed, turning to her. "And I promise to behave. More or less."
Elena laughed, shaking her head. "More or less is never a good sign coming from you."
"Then it's settled," Bonnie announced with a smile: "Eight o'clock at the Grill. And please, don't be late. Caroline will freak out if her 'welcome reunion' plan doesn't work out."
Ryan feigned a military salute. "Yes, ma'am."
Bonnie huffed, but the corner of her mouth betrayed a smile.
While the two "played" like in the old days, Elena felt the strange sensation of normalcy returning, the kind of moment that seemed too simple, but which, for some reason, was what she had missed the most.
"It hasn't changed much...." He commented, sighing.
When they reached the parking lot, the place was almost empty. Only a few cars remained, scattered among the long shadows of the evening.
The light wind made Elena's hair move softly, and the distant sound of an engine echoed before ceasing completely.
It was then that Bonnie stopped, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait... are you serious?"
Elena followed her friend's gaze and there, next to Bonnie's car, was a black Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, so shiny it looked like it had come straight out of a commercial. The paint reflected the golden sunset, and the elegant, aggressive lines of the car imposed presence.
Ryan continued forward calmly, and the discreet sound of the metal keychain swinging in his hand confirmed what they were still processing.
"No..." Elena whispered, frowning. "Don't tell me this car is yours."
Ryan cast a glance over his shoulder, a lazy smile forming on his lips. "Why so surprised? Did you think I'd come to school on a bicycle?"
Bonnie blinked, incredulous. "Ryan! That's a Skyline R34! This car is like... a legend."
He leaned lightly on the hood, as if it were a rare jewel. "I like to keep traditions. My dad always said a man needs a good car and a convincing excuse to arrive late."
Elena crossed her arms, trying to hold back her laughter. "And what's your excuse?"
"Ah, that's easy." He opened a provocative smile. "I got stuck talking to two of the prettiest girls in Mystic Falls."
Bonnie huffed, but couldn't hide her smile. "Here he comes again with that cheap charm."
"Cheap?" Ryan feigned indignation. "This charm has already won me international awards."
Elena arched an eyebrow, amused. "Awards?"
"Of course. Best casual smile. Category: devastating."
The two laughed, and the air between them seemed to lighten. Bonnie took a step forward and ran her hand over the hood of the car, examining the interior through the window.
"You really brought this to Mystic Falls? I thought you'd show up with an old Jeep or something like that."
"Jeep?" Ryan let out a short laugh. "Bonnie, I spent three years in Japan where I worked as a model. If there's one thing I learned there, it's that first impressions are everything."
Elena approached, looking at the car with curiosity. "So this is what happens when you have rich parents and good taste."
Ryan winked. "The good taste is my merit. The money... well, that's the least of the privileges."
Bonnie glanced at him sideways. "Ah, sure. Humility has always been your trademark."
Ryan looked at the two and a light smile formed on his face as he twirled the keychain on his fingers, the metallic sound echoing between them.
"So..." He began, his voice calm, almost playful. "I can offer a ride to you two. Three hearts fit in the Skyline, I guarantee."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Thanks, but I have my own car. And it may not be a Skyline, but at least it doesn't look like it came out of a 2000s action movie."
Ryan laughed.
"Typical of you, Bonnie. Always with the right comeback on the tip of your tongue."
"Someone has to keep your feet on the ground."
He looked at Elena, who was silent.
"And you, Elena? Want a ride home? I promise to drive slowly... more or less."
Elena hesitated, her gaze going from Ryan to Bonnie. "Ah... I don't know. I don't want to be a bother. And you just got back, you must have other things to do."
Ryan approached a few steps, opening the passenger door with a theatrical gesture and an exaggerated bow. "Miss Gilbert, the luxury transportation service of Mystic Falls is at your disposal. Consider it an honor to take you home."
Elena blinked, surprised by the gesture. "You're still the same clown as always."
"No, no. I've evolved. Now I'm a clown with a good car."
Bonnie let out a contained laugh, but her eyes betrayed something more, a twinge of discomfort that she quickly disguised. "Go, Elena. Accept it. I still have to stop by the pharmacy before going home, so it's better if you go with him."
"Are you sure?" Elena asked, noticing the slight forced tone in her friend's voice.
"Of course." Bonnie replied with a short smile, but sincere enough not to raise suspicions. "Besides, if he tries to drive like a maniac, it's better if someone keeps him under control."
Ryan placed his hand on his chest, feigning offense. "I'm an exemplary driver. That's an insult, okay?!"
Elena smiled lightly.
"I hope so...."
Bonnie watched the two in silence, the wind tousling the strands of her hair as the sun slowly descended on the horizon.
Elena took a step forward, her hand lightly touching the open door. She looked one last time at Bonnie, searching her face for any sign of discomfort. "Are you really sure?"
Bonnie nodded, a small smile, but full of affection. "Go, Lena. I'll see you later at the Grill, right?"
"Right."
She turned to get into the car, and in the instant she bent down to sit, Ryan passed by Bonnie and stopped right beside her. For a moment, his playful smile softened. He leaned slightly and, before she could react, enveloped her in a quick, warm, but unexpected hug.
"Hey—" Bonnie blinked, surprised.
"Don't get jealous, Bonnie," He said in a low tone, almost laughing, near her ear. "I promise I'm not leaving you out..."
Bonnie rolled her eyes, lightly pushing his shoulder. "You're impossible."
"And irresistible."
"More like irritating."
He gave a satisfied smile, pulling away with that provocative air that only he could maintain. He twirled the key on his fingers once more and went around to the driver's side. Elena watched him with a mix of curiosity and nervousness...
When he got into the car and the engine roared, a firm and full-bodied sound filled the air. Bonnie crossed her arms, shaking her head as the engine sound reverberated. "Of course his car would have to roar like he talks: too loud."
Elena laughed from the passenger seat, looking at her through the open window. "See you later, okay?"
"Go already before he decides to do a drift in the parking lot."
Ryan leaned slightly out the window, winking at Bonnie. "No promises."
She just huffed, but the corner of her mouth betrayed a smile.
The car began to move smoothly, and the golden reflection of the evening spread over the body as the Skyline gained distance. Bonnie stood still for a few seconds, watching the vehicle disappear around the curve, her heart beating in a strange rhythm, something between nostalgia and a twinge of something she preferred not to admit.
"Welcome back, Ryan." She murmured softly, before sighing and heading to her own car.
__________________
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