One is Rust the Other is Gold

2: The Rat Who Tried to Bite the Snake

"I found a new medical journal in the library I thought you'd like," I leaned against Narancia's desk as I passed the journal to Fugo. It was the final period of the day and everyone was packing up to enjoy the last few hours of sunlight. We were the last to leave the room.

"Really? Thank you! You didn't have to do that, Giorno," Fugo smiled and briefly flipped through it before placing it in her bag.

"It doesn't have a due date because the librarian wasn't there for me to check it out. Return it whenever you want."

Fugo sighed. "Really, Giorno? You're stealing library books now? Ugh, I'll drop by the library now and check it out."

"Don't worry about it. It's not like anyone else will be waiting to read it."

"There might be?? There are plenty of students preparing for medical school like me."

"Never once have I seen any students here read those things. And you seem stressed lately, so I thought-"

"Whatever, just. Drop it."

I did. The room could sense Fugo's blood pressure rising, and it wasn't a good idea to push her.

"Did you get me anything?" Narancia poked me in the side with a finger, a grin and playful look in her eyes.

"No, but I could grab something next time. What are your plans for college, Narancia?"

"Whatever will make me a fighter pilot!" she held two fists in front of her and moved them around as if controlling a plane. "Have you seen Top Gun: Maverick? It was so cool! That's the perfect job for me!"

"You'll have to study harder if you want to be a pilot," Fugo said.

"I'm already studying as much as I can! Anyway, want to go out to a cafe? I want to get a drink and feed the pigeons at the park!"

Narancia once confided to me that she had dropped out of High School after getting into some trouble that involved juvie and a medical condition. She's two years older than us, but it's impressive she was willing to go back to school anyway. It can't be easy knowing you're several years behind and surrounded by peers all younger than you. It takes a lot of humility to not let that get to you, which it seemingly doesn't get to Narancia. She was just thankful to get a second chance. Fugo was on the fast track to graduating High School early but sacrificed her time to help her best friend Narancia integrate back into school. Fugo said she's okay with it since it gave her more time to study medicine at a slower pace, but I don't think she's actually slowed down one bit. I've seen her carrying around medical books she must have gotten from the local college.

"Hey, Giorno!" a voice called from the hallway.

I turned and saw Bovoleto. My stomach dropped. Ugh. Him. I made sure my pleasant expression didn't crack to betray my true feelings.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Can I meet you out in the hall? There's something I need to ask you."

"Sure."

"Is that Bovoleto??" Trish, who had remained quiet this entire time, suddenly threw her torso across her desk to peer over at the guy. "What's he want to talk about?"

"I have no idea," I sighed. "You see him and talk to him as much as I do. Which isn't much."

"He's so hot! Oh!!" Trish clapped her hands once as if receiving a revelation. "What if he broke up with his girlfriend? What a shame that would be, but what if he wants to ask you out? What if he wants to ask you to ask me out for him because he's too shy to ask me himself?" Trish giggled at her own train of thought. Silly as it was, but her fantasy made clear her feelings.