In the morning, Matt opened his eyes lazily. Okay! It felt strange that Matt was too lazy to go to school. It's not that Matt likes school. No, he didn't! Matt wasn't that keen and weird to like school. It was just that something was making him too lazy to move from his bed. Matt wasn't sure he wanted to see Avril Marie Mohler. It seemed that if Matt took one step out of his room, he would run into her.

After what happened last night, Matt had decided that Avril was a dangerous species that needed to be eradicated from Matthew Connor's little world. How could he not? After Avril left last night and Matt finished his movie last night, the man had trouble sleeping. For the first time in his life, Matt felt like his day was a little long and there was a lot to tell in a day. From Avril finding him, Avril catching up with him, and even what Avril said last night. Another crazy thing, Matt couldn't stop thinking about Avril's sweet smile and her defense that Matt wasn't a loser at all.

Isn't that a good thing? Matt had gotten his confidence from Avril's words. The truth is, it's not that easy. With Avril, Matt had hope again. Matt felt like he wasn't stupid and that wasn't good news. Usually, even within a week, there wasn't much to tell Matt. It felt like Matt was playing with his comfort zone.

Matt intends to spend the rest of his school days in the coolest way he can think of. Moving as light as the wind, and as fast as a cheetah. That's right! Matt just wanted to hide his aura as cool as a ninja. It was the most perfect plan in Matt's opinion and he still wanted to do the same. No one would bother him, not even Avril Marie Miller.

With that confidence, Matt got out of bed, made his bed, and walked out of the room. Who was Avril to interfere with Matt's little world? As soon as Matt opened the door, the excitement he felt just faded away. Apparently, his world was being tested.

"Oh, Matty!" Avril exclaimed excitedly.

Avril wasn't wearing her clothes from last night anymore. Avril was now wearing Johanna's adorable cherry-print nightgown. Johanna didn't like it the most, even though their mother had bought it for her. Johanna says it's not her style at all but she still accepts it to start a good relationship with her stepmother.

Matt agreed. Johanna didn't look good in it at all with her strapping body and slightly large size. Unlike Avril. Even though the dress was oversized for Avril, it made the girl look even cuter. Not to mention Avril's loose hair and adorable bangs.

"Good morning, Matty!" continued Avril. Now the girl was standing right in front of Matt.

Matt didn't answer and as usual, Avril didn't take offense at all. Instead, she stepped closer, watched Matt still with her trademark smile, and then glanced at him. Next, Avril stood on her tiptoes and grabbed Matt's hair with difficulty.

"You're tall too," Avril said but still tried to reach Matt. "It's a little messy in here. I'll tidy it up for you."

I don't know what happened at that moment, but Matt couldn't stop Avril at all. All he did was look closely at Avril's face. How could this girl look as cute as ever even when she just woke up? It felt like the whole world was on Avril Marrie Miller's side.

"Neater. You look good" Avril said. Matt must be crazy right now because he felt Avril's eyes glowing.

Unfortunately, the compliment wasn't a good thing for Matt either. He never considered himself handsome at all. Was Avril complimenting him? Or was she just mocking him? But, Avril's eyes looked so honest right now.

"What exactly are you guys doing?" Johanna snickered. "Don't make me throw up in the morning."

At that moment, Matt realized. He walked backward and quickly moved away from Avril while the girl just put on a smile and innocent face.

"I was just helping Matty with his hair" Avril said lightly.

Johanna raised her eyebrows and closed the small book she was currently reading. She even adjusted her glasses and looked at Matt sarcastically. "Really? Matty? You're ridiculous."

Matt glanced at Johanna. "I'd never allow it."

Avril nodded. "But, I don't need permission at all."

Wanting to get out of all this embarrassment, Matt finally took the first step and walked towards the bathroom. Matt could hear footsteps coming down the stairs behind him. Johanna must have taken Maddy to breakfast.
Matt snorted. He already knew that Avril was bad news for him. So, what the hell was that? Why couldn't Matt even say anything?

Once in the bathroom, Matt cursed himself. How could Matt lose to a tiny girl? Okay! This is a war for her! Matt won't let Avril do whatever she wants anymore. Matt will protect his little world! Matt gripped the edge of the sink tightly. As he watched his reflection in the mirror, he also took in his appearance. Well, it looks like Avril's taste isn't bad either! Oh, my! Avril is definitely the most dangerous distraction.

Meanwhile, Johanna and Avril were having breakfast together. Avril was stirring her porridge while holding back her smile. Avril wasn't so stupid as to not realize how Matt's expression was. Matt didn't even say anything at that moment. Avril even realized that Matt's attention was only on her. Somehow, Avril liked it when Matt only paid attention to her.

"oh, come on, you're giving me the creeps," Johanna quipped.

Johanna sat across from Avril. Her hands were marking the book she was reading as her eyes watched Avril with an appraising gaze.

"Since when have I not given you goosebumps?" said Avril crazily.

"Right! I wonder why I'm this crazy for staying friends with you" Johanna quipped again. Johanna closed her book and sipped her tea slowly.

"It's the same with me. I can't believe I'm friends with a bookworm. I wouldn't be surprised if you marry a book later" Avril retorted amused.

Johanna shook her head. "What a shame! One book isn't enough to commit me"

Avril laughed amusedly. "This is why I remain friends with you. You're a little crazy!"

Johanna shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I could say the same thing. But, you're so crazy, Avril! Not a little."

Avril nodded. "I'll accept."

Johanna put down her cup and her eyes watched Avril. "I don't like him."

Avril knew she meant Matt. She remained silent as she listened to Johanna. The girl was now watching Avril more intently than before.

"But, if you want to play around, I'm sure he's not the right person, A. I saw how he was watching you earlier" said Johanna.

"You're defending him?" said Avril amused.

"He's my stepbrother! I don't want this house to be horrible because of his crying!"
Avril chuckled and then she smiled meaningfully. "You know, J. I'm always serious about something. Matty counts too."

Yes! Johanna knew that when Avril started something, she always meant it. Avril never half-assed anything. That was also what made her like Avril.

"In that case, I'll just be a spectator" Johanna said.

Avril smiled slightly. "Watch me, J!"