Stars' Song: Clef

Chapter 5 : Envy

5-1

Sierra High's canteen is decent—it's not a location to boast about, but it's not disappointing either. The only problematic aspect of this room is the menu. The items were hit or miss, but it was mostly miss. Some meals weren't worth its price, but holy grail food would grace the tables once in a blue moon. One time, a dish called Bicol Express was written on the menu, so we decided to try it out. It was heavenly, you'd think it was Christmas. I say this because just like Christmas, it came and went. After a year and a half, this dish has yet to return and bless us.

The cleanliness of the canteen depends on us, the students. Fortunately, most of us were raised right and cleaned after ourselves. Otherwise, this place would be a dumpsite; You might as well eat in the middle of the Amadome.

"How's it going with Juliene?" Cyril questioned before sipping on a straw leading to a compact chocolate milk box.

"Juliene?" Ronin's scoop stayed in the air. His expression relaxed into sentimentality. "Pretty well..." The spoon resumed its destination into his mouth.

"Whoa." Even with his stuffed gob, Keith was able to convey his surprise. "Did something happen?"

"I'm not that perverted, okay? What do you see me as?"

"I didn't say anything along those lines..."

"You kept in touch during summer vacation?" Cyril interrupted the two from branching off into another fight.

"Yeah. We went out and stuff..." Ronin positioned the spoon next to a fork. "She's really patient, you know. It's easy to be around her." He breathed an infatuated sigh, affection brimming in his eyes.

"How long have you two been together?" I asked.

"A year!" He puffed up his chest. "At first glance, I don't look like it, but I'm very loyal!"

I disagree! If I never became friends with Ronin, I'd still think he's a good guy! Probably.

"So, how far have you gotten? Knowing you, probably pretty far," Keith interrogated. Why is he curious about personal stuff?

Ronin's breast shrank. He bombarded us with secretive glances, his mouth shaking as he tried to find the words to say. "Well... I did say she's patient, so..."

Judging the frightened scanning of his surroundings, I assumed he thought time paused because the three of us froze.

Ronin, in my mind, is a handsome, friendly, and perverted guy. I put emphasis on the 'perverted' part. This being the case, I thought he would've been climbing up the relationship stages like it was nothing.

"You mean you've never-"

"I compliment her, okay?! A lot!" Ronin slammed the table with both hands.

"Compliments... it's been a year..." Cyril observed Ronin in pity.

Cyril and Keith eyed Ronin with dumbfounded mugs—I bet I was doing the same. In my opinion, the pace is all up to the members of the relationship. If they are ready and comfortable to go up a level, they should. We weren't surprised because Ronin hasn't done anything, we were surprised because RONIN hasn't done anything.

"Listen... it's not always about mushy things, okay?" Ronin, irritated, closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "Being patient is a must in relationships! I'm trying to be patient too. It's the least I can do, right?"

"You've held hands, at least?" Keith emptied his plate after his question.

"Of course!"