𝐂𝐇𝐋𝐎𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓 the embodiment of sunshine, always with a bright smile and an easy laugh. She was the one everyone turned to, the friend who never faltered, always radiating positivity. But behind that cheerful exterior, how much darkne...
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The cafeteria was unusually quiet, the hum of conversations and clinking of cutlery seeming distant and muffled, as if we were in a bubble of our own tension. I glanced around the table, my eyes drifting from one friend to another, taking in the uneasy energy that seemed to have seeped into each of us.
Lucas's arm was wrapped protectively around Winter's waist, his fingers resting gently but possessively on her side. She leaned into him, her head tipped slightly against his shoulder, but even with that small moment of affection, I could feel the weight she was carrying—like there was an invisible anchor dragging her down. Lucas's expression was as unreadable as ever, his eyes scanning the room with a sharpness, as though watching for any unseen threat that could disrupt this fragile moment.
Jayden sat across from me, his gaze fixed on his tray, pushing his food around without much interest. Every so often, his eyes would flick up, briefly meeting mine, a flicker of warmth there, but also something else—something heavy and unsaid. I couldn't quite place it, but I felt a knot twist in my stomach every time his gaze dropped again, like he was keeping something to himself.
To my right, Bella sat quietly, her fork hovering over her plate as she nervously picked at her food. I noticed her eyes darting in Travis's direction, her gaze softening for a fraction of a second, before quickly looking down. Travis, sitting next to her, was in his own world, staring down at his plate as if it held the answer to some impossible question. He was uncharacteristically silent, his usual goofy grin and lighthearted remarks nowhere in sight.
The silence dragged on, stretching like an invisible thread about to snap. I could feel the tension buzzing around us, an electric current charging the air.
Out of nowhere, Travis finally broke free from his trance, glancing up and giving us all a crooked grin. "So... I heard they're adding mystery meat to the menu next week. Wonder if that means we'll finally find out what's in the lasagna."
A laugh slipped from my lips before I could stop it, the absurdity of his comment cutting through the heavy air for just a moment. But it seemed like everyone else was still stuck in their own thoughts.
Bella rolled her eyes, though there was a ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. "Oh please, Travis, we all know you'd eat anything if it had enough cheese on it."
"Hey, I'm a man of simple tastes," he retorted, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "If it tastes good, I don't care what's in it. Besides," he shot a grin at Bella, his tone turning teasing, "didn't you once say you'd eat anything as long as it wasn't green?"
Bella's cheeks flushed, and she opened her mouth to reply, but Jayden interjected with a quiet snort. "You both are hopeless. It's cafeteria food; I don't think anyone here has expectations."
Travis let out a dramatic sigh, throwing a hand over his heart. "Jayden, my man, where's your sense of adventure? You gotta live a little."
Winter snickered, leaning into Lucas as she muttered, "Coming from the guy who once claimed he could live on pizza alone."
