Sydney sat in the back of the band room, scribbling equations on her AP Music Theory homework. She looked up and smiled at the clock; drumline practice was almost over. The senior stood up and gathered her things, glancing at the opening door.

The cacophony of noise that followed the drumline burst through the door, consisting of sticks clinking rims and several teenage boys rambling about everything from food to what the indoor show might be.

Noah, the only tenor drum player, broke out of the line and rushed over to Sydney.

"Hey there, beautiful," he greeted her with a wink. "Just let me put up Steve and we can hit up somewhere for pizza. You need a break from homework." He gestured to the three textbooks in her arms, and then waddled over to the percussion room.

The brass player smiled. No one knew her better than Noah.