The Moon Shines when the Sun Isn't Around

Part 12

**Oreo:** "Hey, King." 
**King:** "What's up, Oreo?" 
*Oreo leans in and gives King a quick hug. At first, it catches him off guard, but he hugs her back, maybe even holds on a second longer than expected.*

---

**Oreo (thinking):** _Why did I just hug him like that? It's not like we've ever been the hug kind of friends. Did it feel weird? No... actually, it felt kind of good._ 
**King (thinking):** _That was new. I mean, not bad new. But we don't usually do that. I guess it's cool... kinda nice, actually._ 

---

**King:** "Alright, so air hockey rematch later? I'm not letting you have all the bragging rights." 
**Oreo:** "Oh, I'll take you on. But you know you're not winning, right?" 
**King:** "You talk a lot for someone who's gonna end up buying me another milkshake." 
**Oreo:** "If I lose, maybe. But don't get your hopes up." 
*They laugh together, and as they start walking toward the lockers, the bell rings, signaling the start of another day of school.*

---

**King (thinking):** _I don't know why, but the way she hugged me... that was something. I'm probably overthinking it. It's just Oreo. We've been hanging out forever._ 
**Oreo (thinking):** _I think he liked it. He didn't pull away too fast Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But there was something there, right? Ugh, stop overthinking. Just act normal._ 

---

**Oreo:** "So, what's the plan for today? You got any snacks for me, or am I supposed to survive this entire class period with nothing?" 
**King:** "Of course I got snacks. What do you think I am, some amateur?" 
*He pulls out a bag of chips and a granola bar from his backpack and hands it to Oreo.* 
**Oreo:** "You're my hero, you know that?" 
**King:** "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get too used to it." 
**Oreo:** "Too late." 
*They sit down in class, and for a while, things are easy, like always. Oreo munches on her snacks, and King leans back in his chair, half-listening to the teacher drone on about something neither of them are really paying attention to.*

---

**Oreo (thinking):** _I'm still thinking about that hug. Is it weird that I am? Maybe I should just do it again, see if it feels the same. No harm in that, right?_ 
**King (thinking):** _She's being her usual self, but why do I feel like there's something... else going on? I'm probably imagining it. It's just Oreo. But still... that hug._ 

---

**King:** "So, what's the deal with all these hugs now? Is this like, a new thing we're doing?" 
**Oreo:** "What, you don't like it?" 
**King:** "Didn't say that. Just wondering where it came from." 
**Oreo:** "I don't know, felt right. Plus, it's a nice greeting. Better than just a 'what's up,' don't you think?" 
**King:** "Yeah, I guess it's cool." 
**Oreo:** "Guess? Wow, King. Way to make a girl feel appreciated." 
**King:** "Hey, I'm just saying... hugs are cool. I'm down for it." 
**Oreo:** "Good. You don't get a say in it anyway." 
*They share a small laugh, and Oreo leans back in her chair, feeling oddly comfortable with the new dynamic. It felt easy, natural.*

---

**King (thinking):** _She's acting like nothing's changed, but that hug... okay, I need to stop thinking about it. Focus on class. Or snacks. Something._ 
**Oreo (thinking):** _He's not saying much, but I can tell he's thinking about it too. Maybe it's not just me. I wonder if he'll say something, though._ 

---

*Later, after class, they walk together toward the lunchroom.* 

**Oreo:** "So, arcade again after school?" 
**King:** "I thought you had enough of beating me." 
**Oreo:** "Nah, never gets old. Plus, I need a rematch. Can't let you think you've got a chance." 
**King:** "I'd like to think I at least stand a chance, but if you want to keep losing, I'm down." 
*They sit at their usual table, and Oreo pulls out her phone, checking her messages. She notices a text from King from earlier that day, and her smile grows.*