As the morning class is done, I went to the school canteen to buy lunch. I don't have a courage to go to Darren and Terence's class because I don't know what their classmates might think of me I already know that both of them are a center of attention in this school so I'm doubtful to talk to them in public.
"Why didn't you even go to our class huh, Neri?" Darren asked, whispering to my left ear. He's standing behind me while I'm sitting at the table, ready to eat my spoon full of rice.
"Hyaaah!!" I screamed quietly and jumped on my seat.
"You're eating lunch all by yourself? You're not even waiting for us." Terence pouted, he's also standing behind me. I gulped and put my spoon back on my plate then slowly turned my face to face them.
"U-uhm..." I have no idea what to say to them, it's hard to tell them what I thought. When I looked at them, I saw their stern look and frown faces
"I-I'm s-sorry!" I stood up and bowed at them.
"Hmph! You meanie, I thought you said we will eat lunch together but what did you just did right now?" Terence asked, still pouting.
Darren just sighed and looked at me in a calm expression. "You're thinking something negative again, weren't you?" he asked softly. I was surprised of what he knew even though I didn't told it yet but I just nodded slowly and bowed my head in embarrassment.
"I just think that if I always spend time with the both of you, everyone will--" I said but Terence patted my head immediately.
"How many times should I tell you, don't think like that." he said.
"B-but. " I complained but Terence looked at me sharply. I felt scared of his look so I trembled a bit and closed my eyes.
"I-I'm!" I was about to cry when Terence kissed my forehead suddenly.
My eyes widened and blushed.
Terence distanced his face on mine and smiled gently, "I was just kidding! Don't cry already, you look ugly " he grinned, he's teasing again.
"W-what?!" I said, disgusted.
"Look, that girl is with Terence and Darren again. Why does she always clings on them? It's kind of annoying." One of the girl student gossip with her two seatmates on one of the table next to ours.
"Yeah, I felt really jealous.." the 2nd girl student agreed.
"We all know that they're childhood friends but it's not right that they will always spend time together and talk togeher.. How selfish of her." the 3rd girl student added.
Even though their conversation is a half-whisper, I still can clearly hear every single words they said.
I was right, other students will be really gossiping about me... And it makes me feel hurt.
I bowed my head again to hide the pain that I'm feeling that moment.
I heard Darren heaved a deep sigh and talked to Terence. "Buy food for three." he simply said.
"Okay." Terence replied immediately and walked away.
"Come on." Darren held my left hand and gently dragged me outside the canteen.
We stopped on the rooftop of the school building, there's no one there but only the two of us. Darren let go of his grip and sat on the floor.
"Move on already.. Here, sit beside me." he motioned to his right and I slowly walked towards him and sat quietly.
"No appetite to talk?" he consulted.
"Sorry.." I replied softly
"That's the reason why you avoid yourself talking to us in public, right?" he wanted to confirm it..
