Our beloved youth

9: Bipolar!

Elina was making her way towards the cafeteria when she felt a sudden tug on her arm, causing her to stumble and crash into someone's chest. "What the—" she began, only to look up and find herself face-to-face with Jason. "You?" she asked, her surprise evident. Jason clenched his jaw, his intense gaze locked onto hers. Just as he was about to speak, Elina interrupted him.

"Look behind you!" she exclaimed. Not wanting to risk another mishap, Jason quickly glanced over his shoulder. Seizing the opportunity, Elina darted away. By the time Jason turned back, she was already putting distance between them. He shook his head, deciding to watch her from a distance.

A few seconds later, he heard a thud and sighed.

"No way. Kevin and THIS GIRL? Not happening..."  he thought and walked away

Meanwhile, Elina had stumbled and fallen, letting out a dramatic cry. "Why can't I have a peaceful high school life?" she lamented, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. Slowly, she picked herself up and continued her way to the cafeteria.

______________________

The cafeteria was bustling with activity. Some students were eating, others laughing with their mouths full, and some talking about various topics. Elina, Hana, and Jiya were sitting together, eating and chatting. Jiya and Hana were seated across from Elina, who had an empty chair next to her.

"We've been waiting for you forever," Jiya said to Elina, who sighed. "I got held up somewhere, nothing major," she replied tiredly. She was about to continue eating when she felt her arm being pulled.

"Let's go," Kevin said, tugging her arm. Jiya protested, "Let her eat first, Kevin!"

Kevin glanced at Elina, who was giving him puppy eyes. Looking away, he cleared his throat, "She can eat there. If she doesn't want her internals, she doesn't need to come." He released her arm, causing her to stumble.

"No, no! I'll come now! Just wait a second," Elina said, stuffing the remainder of her sandwich into her mouth and grabbing her juice can. "Lef fo," she mumbled with her mouth full.

Kevin frowned in confusion. "What?" he asked.

Elina swallowed the bolus with a sip of juice, patting her chest. "Let's go," she repeated clearly. Kevin shook his head, eyes wide, and led the way.

"Let's eat, Hana," Jiya suggested, but Hana was lost in thought. Jiya snapped her fingers in front of Hana's face, bringing her back. "Yeah? What?" Hana asked, blinking.

"Where were you lost? I was asking you to eat," Jiya said. Hana nodded, trying to shake off her thoughts.

He never talked to me like that... 

Maybe because we never had a project together...

___________________

In the library, Kevin watched as Elina gnawed on her pen. "Stop chewing on that pen," he said.

She slammed the pen down, exasperated. "What am I supposed to do? You brought me here just to sit and do nothing!" she said angrily.

"Shhh! This is a library," the librarian warned, making her rounds.

Elina mouthed an apology, then whispered to Kevin, "Why did you bring me here if there was nothing to discuss?"

Kevin closed his book, setting it aside. "We're meeting at Jeffery's Café after school to discuss the project. Sharp at 6:00, not a second late," he instructed, standing up to leave.

Elina grabbed his arm, pulling him back down. "What the—"

"So you brought me here just to say that? You couldn't have said it back there?" she questioned angrily.

Kevin thought for a moment. 

Yes, she is right. Why did I bring her here? 

I could've just said it in the cafeteria...

His thoughts were interrupted when Elina continued, "And today at 6:00, I'm busy."

"Busy with what?" Kevin raised an eyebrow.

"Well, my favorite show is on," she shrugged.

Kevin sighed, "I don't care. Watch it later or whatever, but you need to come. That's it, bye," he said, standing up again.

As he walked away, Elina picked up a book, ready to throw it at him, but Kevin called over his shoulder, "Don't throw the book. It won't hit me, and you'll have to pay for it."

Frustrated, Elina slammed the book down and pulled at her hair. "First he tells me not to talk to him, then he comes to me and troubles me! He's bipolar for sure!"

While on the other hand Jason and Ross entered the library from another entrance.

"Why'd you bring me here? You know I get nauseous from the smell of books," Jason complained.

"I need a book on 'how to surprise your girlfriend,' so please, for me," Ross pleaded with puppy eyes.

"You won't find that here," Jason said. "Okay, then something like 'how to surprise someone.' Help your friend out!" Ross begged.

"Fine, you search there, and I'll look over here," Jason said, wandering off but soon spotting Elina pulling her hair.

____________________

Elina cursed under her breath when she saw Jason. She looked for something to cover her face with. "Shit!" she mumbled, grabbing a book and trying to hide behind it. She attempted to sneak away, but Jason blocked her path.

"Did you really think you could hide behind that tiny book, Miss Thief?" he asked in disbelief.

Elina lowered the book, pouting. "My name is Elina, not Miss Thief. Now move, I need to go," she said, attempting to leave, but Jason grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

"You owe me something," he said, trapping her between his arms.

Elina smiled nervously. "About your helmet? I'll definitely give it to you tomorrow. Can I go now?" she said, trying to duck under his arm, but Jason blocked her again, making her smile awkwardly as she stood up.

"You can't keep running from me," he said, leaning closer. Elina made a cute pout, causing him to smile a bit. Jason's eyes flickered to the entrance, where he saw Kevin walking in. An idea formed in his mind.

"Also," Jason said, getting even closer, "don't you think an apology is in order?" he asked, looking directly into her eyes.

Before Elina could respond, a loud voice interrupted them. 

"JASON!!!"

To be continued