Darkson High

1.10

Nikky watched Jake storm out of the classroom, a mix of irritation and amusement bubbling inside her. His familiar defiance and reckless behavior were almost comforting in their predictability. Despite the chaos he often stirred, his bold, impulsive nature was oddly reassuring. As much as she was annoyed by his troublemaking, she couldn't help but smile at the memory of his confrontation with Mr. Watson. The thrill of watching Jake's rebellion unfold felt like a chaotic dance she knew all too well.

The classroom gradually quieted as Mr. Watson started the lesson, but Nikky's thoughts were elsewhere. The lunch bell rang, a welcome reprieve from the tension of the morning. Nikky gathered her things with a sense of relief and anticipation, eager for a change of scenery.

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Cafeteria-Lunch time

Nikky, Mike, Kendra, and Oliver walked together through the crowded cafeteria, navigating the maze of tables to find a sunny spot near a window. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over their trays and adding a sense of calm to the bustling atmosphere. Nikky was grateful for the distraction after the tense encounter with Jake earlier in class.

As they settled in, the conversation flowed easily, breaking the ice between them. Nikky turned to Kendra with a smile. "I don't think I've properly introduced you guys yet. Kendra, this is Michael White. But you can call him Mike."

Kendra extended her hand with a shy but welcoming smile. "Nice to meet you, Mike."

Mike shook her hand, his own smile genuine. "Nice to meet you too, Kendra."

"And Oliver here," Nikky continued, nodding towards the slightly awkward boy with glasses beside her, "is our resident chess champion and the smartest guy I know. Mike, this is Oliver Zhang."

Oliver adjusted his glasses nervously, offering a small wave. "Hi," he said, his tone dry but friendly. "I'm not sure about the 'smartest guy' title, but I'll take it."

Mike chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Oliver. So, chess champion, huh? I've played a bit, but I'm nowhere near that level."

Oliver's lips twitched into a modest smile. "It's just a hobby. But I'd be happy to teach you sometime. If you can handle the frustration."

Nikky chuckled at Oliver's typical dry humor, feeling some of the tension ease from her shoulders. She appreciated how naturally Mike was fitting in, his easygoing nature blending well with the group. The conversation remained light and engaging, a welcome change from the earlier drama.

However, as the conversation continued, Mike's curiosity turned back to the morning's events. "So, who was that Jake guy? You seemed pretty tense when he came up," he asked gently.

Nikky's smile faded slightly as she considered her response. "Jake is my best friend. He just got back from boarding school yesterday, so things are a bit... complicated."

Kendra, sensing the shift in mood, leaned in with a thoughtful expression. "He wasn't always like this, was he?"

Nikky shook her head, a mix of frustration and nostalgia in her eyes. "No, he wasn't. He used to be... different. Still Jake—always bold and in trouble—but there was a warmth to him. A kind of fierce loyalty that was almost endearing. But now... it's like he came back with a chip on his shoulder."

Oliver, who had been unusually quiet, scoffed softly. "More like he came back with a boulder-sized grudge. What was that in class? Throwing my stuff out just to sit next to you, Nikky? It's like he's on a mission to piss off everyone around him."

Nikky shot him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I didn't think he'd act like that."

Oliver shrugged, still irritated. "It's not your fault, but he's got to get a grip. I don't care if he's your best friend; no one gets to act like that."

Mike nodded, his expression serious. "Do you think something happened at boarding school?"

Nikky nodded slowly, her brow furrowing. "Maybe. I don't know. He won't talk about it. And now, seeing him like this... it's like I'm looking at a stranger. I hate it."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Kendra reached across the table, giving Nikky's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've always been there for Jake. Maybe he just needs time to adjust."

Mike, his arms crossed thoughtfully, added, "I don't know him well, but he seems pretty intense. I get that he's protective of you, but there's a line. And from what I saw, he crossed it today."

Nikky nodded, her smile fading. She couldn't deny it. Jake had crossed a line, and it wasn't the first time. "He's always had a temper, but it's never been like this. He used to be fun, unpredictable in a good way. Now... it's like he's unpredictable in a dangerous way."

Mike's voice was steady and firm as he replied, "I'm not the kind of person who just keeps my mouth shut and looks down. If something's wrong, I'll be the first to speak up. I hate injustice."

"You sound like Nikky," Kendra murmured with a small, knowing smile, glancing between them. Nikky's heart fluttered slightly at Kendra's words. She knew she and Mike were alike, and hearing him speak with such conviction only solidified that thought. She could feel herself being drawn to him even more.

Oliver observed quietly, his gaze shifting between Nikky and Mike. "You two do seem to have similar vibes. Just... don't drag me into any more standoffs with Jake, okay?"

Nikky shot him a grateful look. "I'll try not to."

As they continued to chat, the tension slowly melted away, replaced by a budding camaraderie. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over them. For a moment, everything felt light and easy again. Nikky glanced out the window, where the sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cafeteria floor. She couldn't help but wonder where Jake was now, what he was doing, and if he'd ever open up about what really happened to him.

For now, though, she decided to focus on the present—on Mike, Kendra, and Oliver, and the warmth of new friendships blossoming. It was a nice change, and she wanted to savor it, even if just for a little while.