Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 20: The Everyday Antics

Six months had passed since Jules had started at the school, and every day with Xio, Nadia, Igor, and Dmitri felt like an endless adventure. The whispers about Jules and Xio, and their supposed "relationship, had long since faded into background noise. Now, the students were more focused on their natural charisma and the way they seemed to make everything fun—whether it was school, sports, or just hanging out.

Morning at School

A second day broke and, once again, Xio and Jules were met with raised eyebrows, and hushed whispers from the throng. The pair had somehow also become the de facto power couple of the school, not by announcing anything they had, but due to the undeniable chemistry of the two.

I swear, Xio, Jules said, "just one more 'couple goals' and I'm gonna cough up a lung.

"Do it," Xio grinned. "It'd be a great way to start the day."

Igor and Nadia were already at their usual desks sitting in the classroom when stepping inside. Nadia was in the middle of an excited, probably nonsensical, conversation, while Igor hid behind her back, doing grimaces in order to make Xio laugh.

"I swear, Igor whispered to Xio, "this school is basically a reality show at this point. You two are the main series, and everybody else is merely there to see the next one.

Jules rolled her eyes. If it were a reality program, I'd be the one taking home the 'Most Sarcastic' prize.

"You'd totally win that," Xio said, deadpan. "And I'd be the one giving you the award while making everyone uncomfortable with my intense stares.

"Perfect!" Jules responded, grinning. "It'll be a very intense reality show."

The Hallway Shenanigans

Between classes, they'd always hang out in the hallway, laughing and joking around with everyone. Xio had a habit of pranking Igor—usually by hiding his books or somehow "accidentally" knocking his lunch onto the floor. One time, Xio even convinced Dmitri that he could totally get away with slipping into the teacher's lounge to grab free snacks. Naturally, it did not go as planned.

I've told you it was a bad proposition, Jules laughed, as Dmitri tried to hide his deceit while the teachers approached him, exchanging puzzled looks.

Gee, I didn't know you'd gotten caught for having a sandwich like it was a crime scene! Xio teased, doubling over in laughter. "Seriously, you made it so obvious."

Dmitri shot him a look of mock outrage. "I was trying to make it look natural!"

No, with that sandwich held like a deadly secret weapon, man, Xio quipped. "You're lucky no one called the sandwich police."

Dmitri groaned, shaking his head. "Next time, I'm just going to stick to the vending machines.

As they headed to their next class, they passed by a group of girls who had been whispering about them. Jules saw them gazing at Xio with yearning in their eyes.

"You know, she said, smirking, "I'm starting to think I'm the one who's been stolen.

Xio raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Look at the way they're all staring at you, Jules said with a teasing grin. "Maybe I should be the jealous one here."

"Nah, Xio said, waving it off, "I'm just too charming for my own good.

Jules laughed, elbowing him in the side. "Oh, you're really humble too, huh?"

Movie Night Adventures

That Saturday night, the group—Xio, Jules, Nadia, Igor, and Dmitri—got together and went to the cinema. The plan? Forgoing an equivalently bizarre action film which, according to Xio, had "the greatest explosions" and "no plot" and were all on board.

"I can't believe I'm doing this, Nadia grumbled as they entered the theater. "I haven't watched a single decent movie in weeks because of you guys.

Shh, this movie's gonna be a movie for the ages, Xio grinned, passing out everyone's popcorn. "You'll thank me later."

The Final Frontier.'"

"Exactly!" Xio said with dramatic flair. "It's going to be legendary."

They all took their seats, but not before Xio and Jules had their usual "who can eat more popcorn" competition, which involved them trying to sneak handfuls of each other's popcorn without getting caught. By the time the movies started, they were both covered in butter, laughing hysterically so it was already hard enough to even get the first few words out of the movie.

During the action-packed scene where a car flew through a building (because of course, it did), Igor leaned over and whispered to Xio, "Dude, this movie is so bad it's actually kind of amazing.

"I know, right?" Xio whispered back, his eyes gleaming. "This is pure art."

Jules and Nadia exchanged amused glances. That's the reason why we can't ever take them anywhere, Jules whispered to Nadia.

Nadia snickered. "But hey, at least they're fun."

As the movie progressed, Xio and Jules found themselves nearly in tears from laughter. At one point, Xio leaned over to Jules and whispered, "If I ever start taking movies this seriously, someone slap me.

Jules smirked. "Deal. But only if you start taking my advice seriously for once.

"Not happening," Xio said with a grin. I'll never follow other people's lead, thank you very much.

When the movie finished, everyone got up and went out of the theatre still giggling and teasing the ridiculous idea of the plot. Let's do it every weekend," Igor said, bumping Xavier on the back. That's the only way we're going to make it through the movies.

Don't sweat it, I'll just keep bringing the cinema classics, Xio boasted with a flourish.

Jules grinned. I'm gonna need at least 1 month to get out of this thing.

Making the walk to their favourite after-hours diner to continue the humour from the film and to reminisce about those taken from the film, it briefly felt like the world was just a little brighter. Their teenage years were unfolding in the best way possible—filled with laughter, friendship, and a lot of silliness.