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The cafeteria buzzed with the usual energy of lunch hour: laughter, the clinking of trays, and snippets of conversations blending into a chaotic symphony. Darrian and David sat at their usual spot by the window now, a corner table that had become their unofficial territory over the last couple of weeks ever since the bleachers. Their laughter mingled as David recounted a particularly ridiculous story from biology class, gesturing animatedly with a fry in hand.
Darrian's smile was soft, his gaze lingering on David a little longer than it probably should. He'd never expected to find himself here, so close to someone so... grounding. After everything with his ex and the fallout with his so-called friends, David had been a breath of fresh air, someone who made him feel seen without the weight of expectations.
"You're terrible at impressions," Darrian teased, nudging David's shoulder playfully.
"Terrible? Excuse me, that was spot on," David shot back, feigning offense. "I'm practically a chameleon."
Darrian laughed, the sound genuine and unguarded. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
But the lighthearted moment was interrupted as a shadow loomed over their table. Darrian's smile faltered, his expression hardening as he looked up. There they were: his ex, Brandon, flanked by two of the guys who used to call themselves his friends. The sight of them sent a wave of unease through him, memories of betrayal bubbling up like acid.
"Well, well, well," Brandon drawled, his lips curling into a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Isn't this cozy?"
David glanced between Darrian and the newcomers, his brow furrowing. "Can we help you?" he asked, his tone calm but edged with steel.
Brandon ignored him, his focus fixed on Darrian. "Didn't take you long to replace me, huh?" he sneered. "But I guess that's what you're good at—moving on like nothing happened."
Darrian's jaw tightened. "What do you want, Brandon?"
Brandon's gaze flicked to David, sizing him up with a look of disdain. "I want to know why you think this guy's gonna stick around? Newsflash, Darrian: everyone leaves eventually."
David stood, his chair scraping against the floor as he met Brandon's glare head-on. "I think you've said enough," he said firmly. "Whatever grudge you've got, it's not Darrian's problem anymore. So why don't you just walk away?"
Brandon's smirk twisted into something darker. "Or what? You gonna make me?"
The tension in the air was palpable, drawing the attention of nearby tables. Darrian's heart raced as Brandon stepped closer, his posture aggressive. But before he could intervene, Brandon suddenly threw a punch, catching David off guard.
The sound of the impact echoed through the cafeteria as David stumbled back, his hand flying to his lip. Blood trickled down his chin, staining the collar of his shirt. The sight made Darrian's stomach twist with fury.
Without thinking, he lunged forward, shoving Brandon back with a force that made him stumble. "Stay the hell away from him," Darrian growled, his fists clenched at his sides.
Brandon scoffed, wiping his mouth. "Whatever. Not worth it."
With that, he turned on his heel, his lackeys following close behind. The cafeteria buzz slowly returned as the spectacle ended, though a few lingering glances remained.
Darrian wasted no time, grabbing David's wrist. "Come on."
David allowed himself to be led, still dazed, as Darrian pulled him through the hallways and into the locker room. The cool, quiet space felt like a refuge as Darrian grabbed a paper towel, wetting it before kneeling in front of David.
"You didn't have to do that," David murmured, wincing as Darrian dabbed at his bleeding lip.
Darrian huffed, his fingers gentle despite his frustration. "Yeah, I did. No one gets to treat you like that."
David looked down at him, his expression unreadable. The air between them grew thick, charged with something unspoken. Darrian's hand lingered on David's jaw, his thumb brushing over the bruise forming there.
Before he could second-guess himself, David leaned down, their lips meeting in a soft, lingering kiss. It was hesitant at first, as if testing the waters, but when Darrian responded, pressing closer, moving Davids hands low, the hesitation melted away.
When they finally pulled back, David chuckled softly. "So... this was an interesting lunch."
Darrian laughed breathlessly, his forehead resting against David's. "Yeah. But I don't regret it."
And for the first time in a long time, Darrian felt safe.
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Heyy guys! kinda short but i have to write
feel free to request
byee!!!
