That's what he thought Eli said. Of course, at this point in time, he didn't think the boy was trying to flirt. He's just been caught doing something he was supposed to be doing, so sucking up seemed like the most natural reaction, and therefore James thought little of it.

"Uh, no. It's the same as always." He's something of a creature of habit. "You look tired. You've got a little less than ten minutes left of free period. You should go splash some water on your face and get ready for class."