One thing I've learned about Ari after nearly a month of living with her is that she's much more reserved than I initially thought. A complete contrast to the confident, attention-loving person I'd assumed she would be.
After that cafeteria incident, Ari and I fell into an unspoken, quiet routine. She would approach me first—always with the same excuse about all the seats being occupied. I didn't bother calling out her lie. It was obvious she was just using me as a shield to keep people from pestering her while she eats.
Our interactions were minimal, we'd acknowledge each other's presence with a quick nod, eat in silence, and part ways once we were done. It wasn't exactly what you'd call "friendly." In fact, even if the earth split in half, the absolute last thing I'd ever do was become friends with Ari. Nope. Not happening.
You might be wondering, why did I even let this odd routine continue? Probably because I sympathised with her? Or maybe some misguided part of me wanted to play Saint Jesus? Who knows.
What I didn't realise was that Gigi had been watching our strange little dynamic unfold like a sneaky little hawk. Of course, she eventually dragged Shu into it, too.
Before I knew it, our odd lunches had morphed into a new norm, and it became an unspoken rule that the four of us would have lunch together at school every day.
This is definitely not what I envisioned for myself. Sure, having lunch with friends can be fun—it's a great way to keep the blues away. But the main reason I avoided eating with my two troublemaker best friends was simple. They have an uncanny ability to spark the most nonsensical arguments ever. And honestly? That's the last thing I want to deal with while trying to enjoy my meal.
Case in point, today was no different. Gigi and Shu were locked in a heated debate over who's the "hottest" Marvel superhero—Captain America or Thor.
Because, of course, this was a critical issue that demanded their full attention.
Meanwhile, I was busy shoving salad into my mouth like the woodland creature I evidently am, doing my best to tune out the chaos around me—especially Ari. Who was seated directly across from me, at the table in front, clearly amused by Gigi and Shu's nonsensical bickering. The small smile playing on her lips said it all.
"Yuu, back me up here! Captain America is obviously the hottest, right?" Shu called out to me, pouting like it might sway me.
I didn't even bother looking at her, choosing instead to focus intently on literally anything else. "Leave me be, woman," I muttered under my breath, just loud enough for them to hear, before shoving another forkful of greens into my mouth.
"You're asking the wrong person, Shu," Gigi chimed in, her tone practically dripping with mischief. "Yuu's definitely not into male superheroes."
I nearly choked on my food. My glare snapped to her instantly, but Gigi just smirked, clearly proud of herself.
My anxiety skyrocketed. Seriously, Gigi? That's how you're going to out me to Ari? Couldn't you at least be more subtle about it?
"Oh, yeah, you're right," Dumb Shu agreed without a second thought, completely oblivious.
I scoffed, half in disbelief and half in sheer annoyance.
"What do you mean Yumi isn't into male superheroes?" Ari chimed in, her confusion genuinely evident. She glanced at Gigi and Shu for answers, but, of course, the two idiots stayed silent, leaving the ball squarely in my court.
The air grew thick with awkward silence, and I busied myself sipping my orange juice, trying to delay the inevitable. Each sip felt like buying a few more seconds to steady myself for what I was about to say.
Ari pressed on, "I didn't know Yumi is—"
"Gay?" I finished for her, my tone sharper than I intended. She flinched slightly at the firmness of my voice, her expression unreadable.
"Well," I continued, keeping my gaze locked on my juice, "no one really talks about it unless someone decides to point it out." I shot Gigi a pointed look, but the dumbarse refused to meet my eyes.
She had clearly decided this was the perfect moment for me to out myself to Ari. Typical.