Bound By A Book (KYMAN FIC)

Comeing out

Wednesday arrived with a heavy overcast sky that reflected the mood at South Park Elementary. As Cartman entered the building, he noticed an unusual quiet between his friends, as if an unspoken weight lingered in the air. All the antics of the past week—the rumors, the fights, the secrets—seemed to simmer beneath their usual routines, waiting for something to tip the balance again.

When lunchtime rolled around, Cartman found himself at the cafeteria table with the usual group: Kyle, Stan, and Kenny. But even as he stabbed at his lunch, his attention was more on the atmosphere than the food.

Kenny and Stan exchanged a few quick glances, their expressions almost conspiratorial. Cartman felt a pang of irritation—hadn't he had enough of people whispering behind his back?

As if reading Cartman's thoughts, Stan cleared his throat and spoke up. "So, uh, Cartman... you good? You've been a little... intense lately."

Cartman shot him a sharp look, more defensive than he'd intended. "Oh yeah, like you're one to talk, Stan. You're the reason everyone's been talking behind my back anyway!"

Kenny snorted softly, trying to defuse the tension with his usual humor. "Dude, maybe they'd stop if you didn't, you know, freak out on everyone all the time." He gave a small grin. "Just sayin'."

Cartman's glare darted between the two, but Kyle leaned in, voice quieter. "Maybe you guys shouldn't be poking him right now." He looked at Cartman directly. "We've all had a lot going on, and maybe we're not handling it the best way."

Kenny sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Look, I didn't mean anything by it. Just... Cartman, you've been acting weird, and it's kinda hard not to notice, alright?"

Stan nodded, though he seemed more thoughtful. "Yeah, dude. I mean, you usually don't care what people think, but lately it's like..." he hesitated, searching for the words.

"...it's like you're actually bothered by something. And that's new."

Cartman scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Oh, please. Just because I don't want you idiots spreading rumors about me doesn't mean I'm 'bothered,' alright?"

Kyle's gaze softened, his tone more understanding. "Look, Cartman, we're just... trying to understand. You don't usually keep things to yourself, so it's a little strange seeing you act like this."

Kenny leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he observed Cartman closely. "He's right. Usually, you're, like, proud of your crap, but this time it's like you're actually hiding something."

Cartman felt a twist of something uncomfortable in his chest. He wanted to snap back, to deflect, but a glance at Kyle's expression stopped him short.

There was something in Kyle's eyes—a glimmer of genuine curiosity mixed with... what was it? Empathy? Cartman swallowed hard.

Before he could say anything, Stan shifted in his seat, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But hey, if it really bothers you that much, we can always stop talking about it."

Kenny chuckled, adding, "Or maybe we just need to get Kyle to keep talking. Seems like he's the only one getting through to you these days."

Kyle shot both of them an annoyed look. "Knock it off, guys." He turned back to Cartman, and his voice softened a bit. "Seriously, though. If there's... I don't know, something on your mind, we're here. No judgment." He said with a smile

Cartman's face twisted, caught somewhere between a smirk and a scowl. "Oh, please. Like you'd actually understand," he muttered, though the heat in his tone had faded. He couldn't help but feel strangely vulnerable with Kyle looking at him like that, almost as if he cared.