Intertwined

No Hard Feelings

After class, Mike felt pain eat him from the inside as he was the first among his friends to step out. He was followed by Matt who, once again, saw through his guilt-ridden sorrow.

"Okay Henderson, you're happy 99.9% of the time so clearly something's wrong. Tell me" Matt spoke in a scolding tone that hid well-meaning intent behind it.

They were joined by Evelyn soon after. She just stood next to them silently, waiting for Mike to give an answer as she realized that Matt is probably the only person who's able to get through him.

Mara walked out silently, raising an eyebrow at the scene, with Jordi following after.

Mike sighed and looked to the side with an unusual lack of confidence. "Okay but, promise you won't get mad"

Matt raised his eyebrow at the weird words. "Okay...why would I get mad at you?"

Evelyn started feeling anxious about what this could be.

Mara walked over to Mike and got on her tippy-toes to give him an encouraging peck on the cheek and she held his hand. Mike gratefully smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Don't worry Mike, he won't get mad with me around" Jordi blurted out in a joking matter. Everyone had a chuckle or two over her words, and Mike looked like he was ready to talk.

"Okay then...I planned to uh, invite Asher this morning to hang out with us but he said no and decided to stay with Rose"

Matt looked surprised again, and so did Evelyn.

"Oh, I see...That's why you stayed back earlier then..." Matt concluded, making Mike nod.

"Why would I be mad about that, though?" All it took is one look from Mike for Matt to realize the answer to his own question.

"Oh, yeah..Right...Mike, you do realize I'm not actually mad at him...Right?"

"I had my doubts" Mike admitted, secretly ashamed that he doubted his friend.

"I don't blame you" Matt reassured him with a pat on his shoulder.

"I did tell him that you didn't hold a grudge but even then, I wasn't so sure..."

Mara gave Mike's hand a small squeeze. "Sorry about that, Mike.."

Jordi nodded in agreement with Mara's statement.

Silence befell the friends.

"I wish he did join us..." Evelyn mused.

"Yeah but...At least he's with Rose, he'll have fun with her" Matt said. Mike started to snicker. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who saw potential, if you catch my meaning" Mike batted his eyes jokingly.

Matt smirked and nodded. "Most definitely, Mikey"

"Aw man, that's the best friend synergy I'm looking for!" Mike let go of Mara's hand and went to wrap his arms around Matt. The two boys giggled as they ruffled each other's hair playfully.

The three girls chuckled at the two's antics.

"Better get back, Henderson. You don't want to make the chaotic bean jealous" Matt teased.

"Same to you, Matthew. Don't forget that ball of energy behind you" Mike let go of Matt and went back to Mara.

Evelyn blushed and allowed herself to smile at the teasing.

Mara laughed a little. "A) Thanks for calling me what I am, aka chaotic, but then B) you followed it up with what I am not"

Jordi rolled her eyes and laughed, she started walking off. "You guys are so cheesy"

"But we're lovable like that!" Mike whined and started walking as well.

"What he said" Matt stated with a smile. Evelyn nodded. "I wholeheartedly agree"

Mara smiled and laughed a little. "I agree as well"

Mara, Eve and Matt started walking as well, catching up to Mike and Jordi.