Alex Morgan hurried through the crowded corridor, his backpack slung over one shoulder, still half-asleep from the early morning rush. "I can't believe I forgot my shirt," he[/@ch_1_d] muttered under his breath, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief in [@ch_1]his voice.

Lila Thompson, Alex's best friend, spotted him from across the hall, her eyes widening in surprise. "Alex, what happened? Why are you shirtless?" She exclaimed, rushing over to him.

"I was in such a hurry this morning. I thought I grabbed my shirt, but it turns out I didn't," he explained, shrugging with a helpless grin. "This is going to be the talk of the school for weeks!" Lila laughed, shaking her head.

Mrs. Daniels, the school secretary, looked up from her paperwork, adjusting her glasses. "Alex, I heard about your little wardrobe malfunction," she[/@ch_3_d] said with a chuckle, handing [@ch_1]him a spare gym shirt. "Thanks, Mrs. Daniels. I owe you one," Alex replied gratefully.

Lila joined him, her laughter infectious. "Well, at least you made the day interesting," she[/@ch_2_d] teased, nudging [@ch_1]him. "Next time, I'll double-check my outfit," Alex grinned, feeling the day's tension dissolve into humor.

Lila and Alex walked towards the exit, the cool breeze of the afternoon rustling through the trees. "You know, it's not every day you get to be the talk of the school," Alex mused, his mood light. "Just make sure it's for the right reasons next time," Lila replied, grinning as they stepped out into the fading light.