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─⊹⊱☆⊰⊹─
Warren sets down a plate of steaming shrimp fried rice paired with crispy egg rolls on the table. I grin at him, and he winks, slinging his towel over his shoulder.
The first bite is amazing, and I grow content as my taste buds explode. I continue eating, taking time to savor each bite. Though my attention is drawn away from the food and to the entrance as Will walks in.
He doesn't see me at first as his eyes scan the restaurant. His face visibly slackens in relief when he finds me.
"Hey Paula, umm, are you here with Layla?" I shake my head no, still chewing my food.
"I haven't talked to her since yesterday. What's wrong?" I question maybe overstepping my boundaries, but Will comfortably takes a seat across from me.
"I just really need to talk to her. I messed up badly. I understand what you were saying now, Paula."
I motion for him to elaborate. "Being popular isn't what I expected."
I nod as I take in his words, sipping my cold glass of water. "Have you tried calling her?" I say simply. Layla and Will's relationship has been a bit wonky since Gwen has stepped into the picture, but they still seem to be on talking terms.
"I don't think she'd want to hear from me." Will shakes his head, and there's a look on his face that tells me he knows something I don't. Still, he proceeds to pull out his phone and call her.
"Layla... Layla just pick up okay in case you didn't get my earlier messages. I'm at the Paper Lantern and..." He slams his phone shut, not finishing the voicemail, looking even more frustrated.
Warren walks up holding a tray of glasses. He looks at Will's stressed state, and his eyes drift over to me. We hold a bit of eye contact, silently communicating, before he slides into the booth, pressing up against me.
"What are you doing here?" Warren questions.
Will, overwhelmed by his presence, begins to blabber. "I—I'm looking for Layla. Do you know where she is?"
"How should I know?" Warren rolls his eyes.
"I don't know you're taking her to homecoming."
Warren's eyes lazily drift over to mine. "Oh yeah, right."
I continue eating my food. "Is that good?" Warren teases, chuckling. I nod, laughing too.
"Why are you guys together? Where's Layla?" Will asks with a confused look on his face as he takes in Warren's and my close proximity.
"Layla and I were only going together to make you jealous." Warrens finally reveals.
"Huh." Will looks so serious, and I can't help but laugh at him.
