Hal moaned with the rest of the class. Sure, he was a great test-taker, but that didn't mean he enjoyed it.

He slid the books he'd just pulled out back under his desk, waiting for the test to come around. At least he's studied last night. It had been one of his soda-fueled reading and drawing binges, and he'd churned out product last night. Thankfully he'd thrown the Chemistry in after he was done with his YA novel and comic books. It was his primary comfort at home, considering his father was a YA novelist. At least that had worked out in his favor.

Hal scribbled chemical equations onto the lines, carefully measuring the balance mentally. He may be a bit of a rebel at home, but he recognized the importance of good grades and tried not to come off as a delinquent. The clock ticked as time went on, Hal completely oblivious to it, truly 'in the zone,' as it were.