In the café, the six friends were engaged in conversation. They didn't even notice my return. I sat there for what felt like an eternity, but was most likely just an hour.
I was bored. They were talking in a way that would exclude anyone wasn't a part of their group for a while. I was unsure if it was on purpose or not, but I felt like I did not belong…
So I left. I was sure they wouldn't even notice. I went to Yellow Meadow park. The plan was to stay on the wings until Draken was done.
However, I spotted an ice cream truck and stopped to buy a strawberry ice cream. There was a small line, but it moved rather quickly, and it was soon my turn.
I received a three tiered ice cream cone as planned, but as I reached into my purse to pay, the person behind me stretched over me and handed the person some money.
I assumed he paid for me and went on my way to the swings. Unbeknownst to me, I was being followed. When I sat on the swing just about to taste my ice cream, someone sat next to me.
A male voice that was vaguely familiar said, "Hey."
I looked over and saw Lionel.
"Why are you here?" I asked, returning my attention to my ice cream.
"Dilan wanted ice cream."
I stared at him confused, "What does that have to do with you sitting next to me?"
"… When I saw you leave, I decided to follow you."
"Then why lie?" I questioned.
"That, however, was not a lie. Since I was leaving, Dilan asked me to get him an ice cream."
I was still confused, "Alright. But what was the point of following me?"
"I assumed you could use someone to talk to." He replied, looking down on his ice cream.
"About?"
"Anything, but I was curious as to why you left with such a solemn expression." He explained meeting my eyes. His eyes seemed to show genuine concern.
"I felt like I didn't belong. My presence wasn't needed. So, I left, I planned to sit here until it was over since Draken would probably be able to find me. I never thought anyone would notice that I left."
"I see…" It looked as if he wanted to say more but was hesitating.
"Now that your curiosity has been satisfied, are you going to leave?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I am willing to wait with you."
"For what reason?"
"I just feel like it."
"So, are we just going to sit in silence eating ice cream?"
"If that is what you desire."
"You have something to say, right?"
"I apologize."
"For?"
"When we first met, the way I acted was not very pleasant. For that, I am sorry."
"Oh, I understand. You were only trying to stand up for your friend."
"First, I should have got the context."
I wasn't sure why he was so insistent on apologizing, but I couldn't argue with his logic. "I accept your apology."
"Good," He smiled then continued, "Do you still want to sit out here?"
"Yes."
"I see."
"Are you going to sit out here with me?"
"That is what I decided to do, yes."
"We can go back inside once we finish our ice cream."
"Okay."
"Also, does this mean we're friends now?"
"If that is what you want, then yes."
I was so happy that my goal has been achieved, I almost didn't notice the ice cream melting in his hand.
"Are you not going to eat that? It's melting."
"I dislike sweet things. Would you like it?"
"Sure," I accepted his ice cream. "Why did you buy it in the first place?"
"It was for Dilan. He likes things that are sickeningly sweet. I did not know what to buy, so I bought what you did."
"Strawberry isn't a bad choice, but your friend will probably like Magnum double salted caramel more if they like really sweet things."
"Thanks, I will buy that."
"No problem, new friend. I'm going back now, so just head back to the café after you buy it."
"Alright, Rose."
I headed back to the café, still eating the ice cream that Lionel gave me.
"You're back."
"I am."
Only Draken acknowledged my presence, but after that, I was back to being ignored again.
A couple of minutes later and Lionel returned.
He handed Dilan the ice cream I recommended. "I wasn't expecting much since it's you, but this is really impressive."
"I see, I am glad to know that. A nice girl recommended I buy it." He winked at me as he said that.
"Really? I'd love to meet her! I bet we could be wonderful friends if her taste is this amazing."
That comment made me smile.
Zara then ruined it by saying, "I don't think you should finish that."
"What? Why?" Dilan questioned.
"Because, how can you trust some random girl?"
Dilan replied, "True, but I'm already eating it."
Lionel clarified, "I never stated it was a random girl."
"Did you know her?" Zara asked.
"Yes, it was Rose."
"Even worse." Pandora chimed in. "You saw how she overreacted with Zara. What if she's still upset about what you said this morning?"
"Zara. Pandora. This is extremely uncalled-for." Lionel spoke with great seriousness.
"Uncalled-for? How can you trust such a violent and irrational person so easily?" Pandora questioned.
"Because I bought the ice cream. She only recommended what flavour to buy. The only person being irrational here is you. Why are so against Rose?"
"It's not the first time she's done something like this morning." Pandora scoffed.
I had no idea what she was talking about, "Excuse me"
"You heard me." She stared me dead in the eyes.
"What did I do?" I asked, still unsure of what she's referring.
"Draken spoke out against the school incidents, but what about the model Draken was supposed to compete with? How did she get hurt just in time for you to replace her? Additionally, according to her statement, someone did push her down the stairs. Who would benefit the most from doing that?" Pandora questioned, what she was hinting at was obvious.
'You. You came rushing to the set to be Draken's night in shinning armour. You knew everything even though nothing had been announced. But if I say any of this, it's going to start another argument.' I sighed, "Think what you want."
Pandora froze with her mouth agape. She did not expect that response from me, and was forced to drop the argument. Her annoyed, helplessly defeated face was completely worth it.
Dilan enjoyed his ice cream in peace.
The group of friends then began to decide what they should do for their collab. Lionel would say things to get me to join the conversation, Draken joined in rather quickly, and eventually even Zara and Dilan were asking my opinions on things.
Just as everyone agreed on what to do, the serving staff started serving treats.
The floral scent of their pastries and ice creams made me sick. But suddenly a wonderful aroma drowned out all the floral scent. It was my Strawberry and basil ice cream cake with meringue and pink peppercorns. Everything around me slowly became irrelevant as I began to partake in heaven.
I was snapped out of my trance when Draken offered me a glass of water. It was then that I realized Dilan had been staring at my dessert with his mouth watering.