TW: mentions of gore
"Naomi!"
I launched myself into her arms with an exhilarated laugh, taking her by surprise.
"Y/n!" she replied with a shocked laugh. I pulled back with an elated grin.
"Why didn't you tell me that you and Cole are dating?!"
Naomi's shocked face was swiftly replaced by a bright blush. Her blue eyes darted to the side, flustered. She watched the passing shoes of students as they made their way to class before morning bell.
"I- uh- haha- um?" she stammered poorly, mouth gaping like a fish. She swallowed. "I didn't want to impose on you after what happened on Friday."
"Impose- Nomes, this is the best news in the world!" I gushed, linking her fingers through mine. My cheeks hurt from smiling so wide. "This is so exciting!"
Naomi cracked. She gave a little giggle only a girl madly in love could make. Her eyes seemed brighter, smile more genuine. It made my chest soar to see her so happy.
"I know!" she bit her lip with a bright grin. "I just asked! Just blurted it out! It was totally out of the blue! And he said yes!"
I threw my arms around her with a laugh and she returned it with fervor, hugging tightly in shared enthusiasm.
"I'm so happy for you!"
"It's good to see you smiling again," she mused, pulling away and glancing at the empty spot by the lockers beside us. "Speaking of, where are they?"
"They're on a 'hike,'" I replied, using our code word. "Lloyd said that they won't be back for a while. It seemed pretty serious."
"I hope they're alright," Naomi murmured. Her gaze jumped to mine. "How are you and him? I'm guessing you're both right as rain?"
If right as rain meant that we spent over an hour on the phone last night, cooing to one another, then yeah, yeah we were right as rain. It was enough sweetness that it would've made me gag if I weren't the one who was so lovesick.
"Yep!" I nodded brightly, hand subconsciously resting over the promise ring that sat against my collarbone. "Better than ever!"
"Thank god," Naomi sighed as she rolled her eyes. "You two were insufferable."
"I was pretty useless, huh?" I relented sheepishly as she linked her arm through mine and began leading me to class.
"Just you?" Naomi snickered. "I'm pretty sure Lloyd was worse. Were you keeping up with the news? Everybody thought you know who got struck by poison or something during a mission. Little do they know."
I winced. A body brushed past mine in the hall.
"Aha... yeah..."
I did frequently search up news on the green ninja during the week. I even followed ninja stan accounts on Twitter to see what was happening, since I couldn't outright ask Lloyd (they actually were really good with keeping up to date on them!). I probably should've just asked one of the others, but I don't think I could've handled the awkwardness that would ensue if I asked 'how's Lloyd?'
At least that was over.
"So, he told you everything?" Naomi asked as we sat down in our seats for English.
"Everything," I nodded, dropping my bag at my feet. I frowned softly at the desk. "I didn't... realise how sad his life was."
Naomi faltered. Her blue eyes jumped to the side of my face, assessing.
"Well, I think he's doing pretty damn well now," she said firmly, kicking my ankle gently. I shot her a grateful smile. "Even the bullying's not as bad. I think that's props to you befriending Chen. How did you do it?"
"I think it was mainly the shock of finding about Lloyd," I murmured as class begun, leaning in closer to Naomi to continue our conversation as we pretended to pay attention. "People are mainly mean to Lloyd without really thinking about it because that's just what everybody else does, right? When Chen actually found out who he was, I think he realised that Lloyd isn't somebody that he can just push around."
"Cinnamon roll that could actually kill you," Naomi whispered and I snorted so loud that the entire class turned to stare. Naomi bit her lip to hide her snickers. I held a hand in front of my mouth to conceal my grin.
