Broken Hands

9. A phase

The lunchroom buzzed, voices blending into a single, layered hum. The green-and-black attire on the students made it feel less like a school cafeteria and more like a secret society gathering—fitting, given the table by the window where the most respected students had gathered. Grayson's circle. Every student wanted to be part of that circle, they were unbeatable and not just perfect but strong in all aspects. Once, it had just been Grayson and Julian, who'd creeped his way into Grayson's life, undefeated by every cold shoulder, every push, and threats until he'd cracked through to the person Grayson kept hidden.

Savanna's laughter cut through the noise. "That was so badass, what you did yesterday!" she said, making Milo and Russell grin. She stood, mimicking Grayson's casual, almost bored way of solving equations on the board, her hands moving as if writing in thin air. "You were just scribbling, like it was nothing," she teased. "And here we thought you'd ditched math tutoring for good."

Milo rolled his eyes, chuckling. "He says he's retired, but he's top notch with math."

Savanna leaned in, her voice playful. "And letting Russell be at the top of math class? That's a new low, Gray."

Russell laughed, brushing his dusty blond hand in a swift and fancy motion. "I earned my spot. Grayson wouldn't stand a chance now."

Grayson shrugged, a smirk on his face. "You're right, Russ. Top of the world."

"Grayson, a math professor—imagine!" Savanna said, and the table erupted with laughter, Milo almost sliding off his seat.

"No way, please don't," Milo choked out between laughs.

Savanna leaned closer, still laughing but with a curious gleam in her eye. "But really, what do you want to be? Have you decided?"

Grayson shrugged, an amused gleam in his eyes. "A victim of life?"

Russell gasped in mock horror. "You got roasted!" he said to Savannah, while She rolled her eyes at Grayson's smirk.

"Why not just say 'hobo' and call it a day?" she retorted, trying to hide her grin.

Grayson leaned back, arms crossed. "I don't repeat professions, Savanna." The hint of his past lay there, but no one noticed except her, and a small flicker of regret crossed her face.

"Guys!" Julian's voice broke through, and they looked up to see him practically glowing with excitement. Russell squinted. "Jul, your hair looks shinier every time I see you. Are you hiding a beauty routine?"

Julian's grin widened, ignoring the comment as he stepped aside, revealing someone standing nervously behind him—Amber Woods. She looked like she wanted to disappear, her eyes avoiding everyone's gaze until they settled on Grayson, who couldn't shake the memory of her desperate look the night she'd collapsed on the floor, drunk and vulnerable. There was something broken beneath the surface that he recognized, something painfully familiar.

Savanna's polite but tight smile softened slightly. "Hey, Amber."

Milo pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit. Russell gave a nod, his smile friendly.

"She's a great actress," Julian added as he sat, glancing at Amber. "Even though she's in the final grade, we're in the same drama class. I swear, she's incredible."

Savanna leaned in, the curiosity returning. "So, Amber, what's your thing?"

Amber shifted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Breathing... I guess?"

Milo snorted, and Russell broke into a chuckle, but Savanna's face remained neutral, studying her. Grayson felt a pang recognizing the dark humor, Amber wasn't a joke to him. She was a mystery he wanted to understand.