The Journalist and The Photographer vs The Soccer Player

The Beginning of Change

~Next Day, Lunch Hour~

I already felt better even though the day hasn't even ended. Remus didn't show up to our World History class, so I assumed he was going to miss today. I already dropped most of the students I tutored, keeping a few since they really needed the help and they actually respected me. The principal was understanding when I requested to be able to drop two clubs, as well as a couple of the college courses I was taking.

"You're smiling," Luca said as we walked down the main hall.

"I am?" I didn't even realize. Since Friday my eyes appeared puffy and red, and they've ached since. However, I physically felt better. I wasn't... rushing. I slept early yesterday instead of being up until 1 or 2 am. I had a proper dinner after a few months, and I hadn't actually noticed anyone laughing or whispering around me. I knew they were still, but now... I just didn't pay attention.

"The most you normally do is crack a smile when Renus grinned at something stupid," Luca snorted, walking into the cafeteria with me. The two of us went to the back of the line to get food.

"He's just like that," I shrugged.

"Mhmm," he hummed.

"What?" I asked once we grabbed out trays. He told me to eat lunch today, and I wasn't willing to argue right now.

"Nothing, nothing. Just, surprised you became friends with him," Luca shrugged.

"Why?"

"You're so... Secluded. Protective of yourself. I've introduced you to everyone that's considered you a friend, Remus shows up and them your buddies. Just confuses me," Luca explained.

"He came up to me, surprised me I guess," I said, following him to our usual table.

"Shocking. You've been surprised by Janus and broke his nose," Luca snorted.

"There's the Stars. What the hell happened?" Janus asked.

"Aunt died. Her friend beat her to death," I said, sitting down between Luca and Remus, assuming he was just late this morning, and away from my usual spot.

"...Your dad's sister?" Vivian asked.

"Didn't think Logan would be so upfront," Patton said from Luca's other side.

"Yeah..." Roman muttered.

"Linda, yeah," Luca said, eating his apple.

"Why didn't you guys call us back?" Remus asked, nudging my side.

"We took yesterday off, weekend was rough," Luca told them.

"...Logan took a day off?" Vivian asked.

"Mhm," I hummed, pulling my headphones and phone out to play a true crime podcast Remus and I have been listening to.

"Wait.. Wait, what's happening? Is this a prank?" Roman asked.

"...A prank?" I asked.

"No, why?" Luca asked.

"Last Thursday you and Logan went at each other's throats over her clubs. She tutored like.. 10 people and had to run around town, like every week, for some stuff for the college and school. She didn't eat lunch as usual and she was at the far corner of the table. All of a sudden, you two are friendly again, Logan's genuinely smiling, she's eating lunch in the middle of the table, took a day off, and just overall different," Janus explained.

"Get off my ass about it," I scoffed.

"There it is," Roman said. I sighed at his comment, holding a headphone out to Remus.

"Where were you this morning?" I asked as he took it.

"Ran late, tire had a bad leak so had to get a new one. I also have the same question as the others though," he told me.

"Makes sense. And no, this isn't some prank," I told everyone, noticing Roman's look.

"Just kinda... hard to understand such a different demeanor," Vivian shrugged.

"It is hard to believe," Patton agreed.

"Better get used to it," Luca grinned.

"That'll be hard to," Janus said.

"I think I'm going to get used to it easily," Vivian said.

"Same," Patton chirped up.

"You'll probably be over a lot because of what happened Friday," I said. Instantly, Patton's face went red and Luca choked on his apple.

"What happened Friday?" Remus asked.

"Shut your mouth," Luca said.

"Well," I started.

"Shut it!" Luca snapped.

"No, no, do tell," Roman grinned.

"Friday I spotted Luca and Patton kissing, before the phone call," I told the group. Patton hid his face in his hands, Luca pulling his hood over his head in embarrassment while the others, aside from Remus, started asking questions.

"Let's catch up on the podcast, I wanna know what other facts are with that missing girl," Remus told me, mouth full with food.

"Swallow then say that again. Talking with your mouth full gives me an 'ick' to Luca's word," I told him.

"Sorry, start the thing," he told me after he swallowed.

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783 words :]