"So, when I call out your name, check the list to see who you are paired with. Some new students are already among us and know who their Buddy is, so don't be shy to approach them as they go towards the list."
With that the Headmaster began calling out names. I relaxed as I knew I'd be further down the list, watching everyone instead. About fifty people from each year group volunteered to become a Buddy, a larger number than last year. I had one myself when I first started at Durham, and although she wasn't the most pleasant, it was good having some form of support.
"Fallon Ibrahim." I was distracted out of my thoughts at the sound of my name. As I walked towards the list, I heard the Headmaster say, "who is lucky enough to be paired with our student body president?"
I cracked a smile as I passed him. "Not the president quite yet, Sir."
He waved a hand. "We both know there's no competition."
Holding back a pleased blush at the praise, I checked the list for the name of my 'buddy'.
Kairos Andino. 
Looking at the crowd, no one seemed to be approaching me. I even called out his name for good measure, to be met with no response. 
The Headmaster called out the next name and I shrugged, moving back to my seat. Guess I'd have to meet him another time. 
My meeting with the school counsellor went according to plan.
Well, my plan.
He regretfully informed me that Business was full and taking on no more students. I'd pleaded, quite convincingly but there was no way I could start the subject.
What a shame.
It was hard to hide the bounce in my step as I moved towards Luca's car. But I had to do so in order to convince him this was the worst news I'd heard.
"Hey, L." I greeted as I entered the passenger seat. He looked up from his phone and regarded me with a smile.
"Hi, gorgeous. How was the Welcome buddy meeting?"
"Good, although my person was  a no show." I shrugged. "I'll try and seek him out tomorrow."
"Him?" Jealous tone made a quick appearance. 
I placed a hand on his knee in an attempt to sooth him and nodded. Luca's dark brows furrowed.
"What is his name?"
"I don't remember, but it was Greek and really nice." I couldn't forget that name if I tried.
He looked at me dubiously. "You don't remember the name but know its origin?"
"Mhmm." I nodded convincingly with a sweet smile. 
He sighed and started the car. "I don't want you working with a guy. He's going to be all over you."
"Luca."
"You're a pretty girl, Fallon," He continued, reversing out of the parking space. "And sometimes too friendly for your own good. He'll feel comfortable enough to try it on you."
"What do you mean by 'too friendly for my own good'?" I asked, attempting to remove my hand but his large one covered it.
"I mean, half the school not only knows who you are but adores you. Those two year eleven boys you spoke to the other day practically had love hearts in their eyes."
"I'm involved in a lot of things, and I make an effort to know everyone, that's why I'm well known. Would you rather be dating a nobody?"
Luca heaved out a sigh so I continued. "Plus, what does your dad always say to you? 'There's no such thing as too many allies."