Wish You'd Met Me First (boyxboy)

Chapter 41: Janitor Closets Are Cliché

A/N: As the title suggest, you know it..wink wink

As Brett and I head to the cafeteria for lunch, I can't shake off the lingering heat from earlier. My body's still buzzing from every touch and whispered word. Brett walks beside me, his hand brushing mine every now and then, like he's promising more good stuff to come.

When we walk into the cafeteria, the chatter dies down for a second as everyone turns to check us out. The rumors from this morning are still fresh, and I can feel all those eyes on us. But Brett? He's back to his usual confident self, strutting with that effortless swagger that naturally draws attention.

We find our usual table, and our friends are already there. As we sit down, I notice how everyone's eyes are on Brett, their faces showing a mix of surprise and relief.

"Looks like someone's back to his old self," Ryan says with a grin, giving Brett a playful nudge.

"You really had us worried there, man. Did you work it out with Aiden?"

Brett rubs his neck.

"Yeah, we're good, more than good."

He catches my eye as he says it, and my heart skips a beat. The others notice it too—Tom raises an eyebrow and shares a knowing look with Jason, while Ethan just shakes his head, smirking.

"Glad to have you back," Tom says, clapping Brett on the back.

"We were starting to think you were gone for good."

"That's a bit extreme, man," Brett chuckles.

"I'm still the same old me. Just... better."

The conversation flows smoothly from there, with our usual banter and jokes flying around the table. Brett's right in the center, his infectious energy lifting everyone's spirits. I can tell how much everyone missed this side of him. It's like a weight's been lifted off his shoulders, and he's finally able to be himself again.

"Hey, I heard some idiots messed with your locker this morning," Ryan says, his tone turning serious.

"What the hell happened?"

Brett's expression hardens.

"Just some jerks thinking they're funny. We took care of it."

Ryan nods, his jaw clenched.

"Bet it was Jake or Lexi. They're always looking for trouble."

Jason looks pissed too.

"Yeah, sounds like something they'd pull. We should teach them a lesson."

I feel a surge of support from the group, easing some of the earlier tension. Brett glances at me, a small smile playing on his lips, and I can tell he's feeling it too.

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Brett says, trying to keep things calm.

"But if we find out who did it, they're definitely gonna pay."

"Seriously, though," Ethan adds, shaking his head.

"That's messed up. People need to mind their own business."

The noise of the cafeteria fades into the background as we fall into our usual routine—chatting about the latest game, homework, and weekend plans. Brett's laugh is loud and genuine, making everyone around him smile. Every now and then, his knee bumps into mine under the table, sending a small thrill through me.

Even though I'm trying to join in, laughing at jokes and teasing Brett when he gets too cocky, I can't ignore Blaine's gaze on us. I glance across the room and see him sitting with Leo and his chess club friends. His expression is hard to read, but it's clear he's watching Brett, not me. There's something in his eyes that twists my stomach with guilt.