Intertwined

Seven

In the hallways, Matt was walking alongside Asher and Rose. Observing their movements and positions, he decided to tease them.

"Is it just me, or are you two standing awfully close to one another?"

Rose very slightly blushed. Asher rolled his eyes. "Maybe you're walking too far from us"

"Oh right. My bad" Matt chuckled a bit. Come to think of it, it was the first laugh he had and the first joke he told in a while due to recent events.

Old habits die hard, I guess.

Asher laughed a little while Rose smiled a little.

As they were having their humorous moment, they passed by someone who stopped them.

"Matt!" Evan called out. All three stopped walking, and Matthew turned to Evan.

"Evan, what's up, dude?"

Evan failed to notice that Matt was accompanied so he became slightly nervous, but carried on anyways.

"We haven't sat down and did..you know, our usual in a while..."

"Oh..."

Right. Ever since the last time started this big mess, I completely forgot about our thing...I can't tell him that though.

"Right, sorry about that...I've just...gotten quite busy lately. You know..I just uh...yeah"

Evan eyed his friend longingly and sadly. "Oh. That's okay. I uh...I understand...I guess, I'll see you soon then?"

"Yeah, hopefully..."

Evan raised a brow but he didn't question it, he just awkwardly waved and left. Matt sighed as he watched him go.

Asher turned to Matt. "What's your usual?"

Matt sucked in air through his teeth. "Nothing...don't worry about it"

Matt continued walking. One conversation and he's almost back to his crestfallen state.

Asher just shrugged it off and continued walking beside Rose.

Rose on the other hand...It felt like something was gnawing at her innards. Her eyes felt stingy and she thought she was gonna cry, but luckily she managed to hold it back.

What have I done? What have we done?...

Matt sighed and carried on as well. The three eventually made it to the class, with Evelyn arrived second with Jordi, followed by Mike and then Mara.

Once again, an announcement came over the intercom and a moment of silence was held for Nate Andrews...

After class, Matt, Mike and Evelyn came out along with Asher, Mara, Jordi and Rose. All seven stopped to think about how to go about their day like this.

"So...This is awkward" Matt piped up.

"Stole the words right out of my mouth" Mike responded, taking a deep breath.

"I haven't been able to handle all the awkwardness lately..." Evelyn mumbled to no one in particular, holding her arm nervously.

Mara was standing pretty close to Mike. All the deaths scared her.

Jordi was next to speak up. "It has been pretty awkward lately.."

"Should we just...sit all together then. If-if you guys are comfortable enough, I mean..." Mike announced, looking around at everyone's expressions. Matt's was passive yet it had a hint of concern in it, and Evelyn's face showed some discomfort.

Asher gave a small shrug but his face showed worry. Jordi and Mara stayed quiet and gave no response.

"Well, it's not like we have much of a choice..Let's go" Matt started walking after he said that. Evelyn followed behind him without a word. Mike stayed behind for Mara, obviously.

Jordi quickly followed after the group. Asher and Rose left a couple seconds after so that they had some distance between them and the rest of the group.

Mara took Mike's hand before starting to walk.

"Mara?"

"Hm?" She stopped walking and turned to him.

"Am I the only one feeling odd about...Asher right now?"

"I don't think so.."

"I don't know. I'm probably reading too much into it but..He and Rose have become fast friends"

"Yes they have" Mara looked over at the group walking away.

"Ugh..I'm already stressing badly enough as it is. Let's go" Mike squeezed her hand tighter and started walking again.

She smiled at little at him before walking as well.