𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, benj nielsen x reader

8 | tension in the air; literally

Y/N

-

Before dinner, I shot my parents a quick text, letting them know I was at a friend's house. Mom's reply was the usual "Okay," while Dad, ever the emoji enthusiast, sent a thumbs-up. So reassuring.

At the dinner table, I found myself seated next to Benj, while Alyssa was glued to her phone, her resting bitch face firmly in place. Mrs. Nielsen brought out the food—salmon and potatoes. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach growl embarrassingly loud.

"Smells incredible, Mrs. Nielsen," I said, mustering my sweetest tone. She responded with a warm "Thank you" as she set down the plates. I didn't want to look like I was starving, but let's be real—I was. And the food in front of me was calling my name like it knew my deepest, most desperate cravings.

"No phones at the table," Mrs. Nielsen suddenly declared, her eyes zeroing in on Alyssa, who let out an exaggerated sigh before shoving her phone into her pocket. "Especially when we have guests," she added, her gaze softening as it landed on me. I froze, suddenly the focus of everyone's attention. "So, how are you doing, [Y/N]?"

I smiled, trying to ignore the fork hovering near my plate. "I'm good," I replied, stealing a quick glance at Benj before turning back to his mom. "Actually, I passed my English essay. Got an A." They all chimed in with congratulations, quickly followed by praising Benj for his tutoring skills.

"That's my brilliant boy," Mrs. Nielsen said with a grin.

"He really is," I agreed softly, my eyes meeting Benj's. The room seemed to pause for a moment, the weight of our shared gaze not lost on Mrs. Nielsen—or Alyssa, who was clearly loving every second of the awkwardness.

"So," Mrs. Nielsen continued, her tone curious but gentle, "you two are going to stay friends, right? Even now that the tutoring's done?"

The question hung in the air, and Benj and I exchanged uncertain looks. What would be the point of sneaking around if there wasn't a reason anymore? He's a nice guy, but... what would we even do? Hang out without a study guide? God, I sound like such a nerd.

"Please don't," Alyssa cut in, sounding thoroughly annoyed. "I mean, you're cool, [Y/N], but I'm so over washing his sheets. The stains are—"

"Alyssa, that's enough!" Mrs. Nielsen snapped, her voice firm. Benj and I both stared at each other, eyes wide, sharing the same horrified expression. "That's inappropriate," Mrs. Nielsen continued, her tone scolding.

"I wasn't being inappropriate," Alyssa mumbled, sulking as she stabbed her fork into her food. "I'm just saying, it's gross," she added, but her voice was low, like she'd already lost interest in the drama she'd created.

I slowly took a bite of my food, trying to process the whirlwind of embarrassment that had just swept through the table. But as the conversation died down, my mind kept circling back to Mrs. Nielsen's question: would Benj and I still be friends now that the tutoring was over? It was a simple question, but it felt complicated in a way I didn't want to admit.

I liked Benj's awkwardness—platonically, of course. He's funny, clueless, and genuinely sweet. Aside from Alexia, he might just be one of the realest friends I've ever had. So, should I give that up? What's the big deal about being friends in public, anyway? Sure, I'd probably get teased, but is it really that bad?

But high school had a way of making you second-guess everything, of making you feel like you had to hide who you were just to survive. It's unfair, and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to scream—or cry, depending on the day.

Dinner wrapped up, and I left the table feeling stuffed to the point of discomfort. Benj walked me to the door, holding it open as I stepped out into the cool evening air. I turned to face him, the light outside softening the edges of everything.