The sound of wind chimes (a Jarchie fanfic)

Chapter 4: The second coming out

2 days later during lunch, Archie and Jughead sat at their usual table waiting for the others to show up. They had both been finding secret ways to go and sneak a kiss without anyone watching them. So far, they've kissed in the boys locker room, the student lounge, and in the blue and gold office. But, now they think that the only way to truly feel like a couple is to come out to their friends.

"How should we tell them the news?" Jughead asked nervously.

"The same way we told our dads. Calm, cool, and collected" Archie said.

Kevin walked toward the table and sat down across from them. "Hi guys. What were you guys talking about?" 

"We have an announcement to make. But, you have to wait for the others to show up first" Archie said.

Kevin nodded and looked around as Betty and Cheryl joined the table. 

"Why is everyone so quiet? Did someone die?" Cheryl asked breaking the silence. 

"No one died, Cheryl. We're just trying to think of a way to tell you guys something" Jughead said quietly. 

"Well, just tell us. We're not gonna judge you depending on what it is" Betty said before taking a bite out of an apple.

Jughead opened his mouth to say something but then realized that everyone was watching as Veronica walked toward their table. "Can I sit here? All the other tables are full and there was no other place to eat at."

"Sure!" Kevin said not letting anyone else speak.

"Well in that case Archie, Jughead scoot over so the new girl can sit" Cheryl said.

Archie rolled his eyes and scooted over as Jughead quickly scooted over. Veronica sat down and looked around at the group. "I guess I should introduce myself so I won't be known as 'the new girl'. I'm Veronica Lodge."

"I'm Kevin Keller" Kevin said breaking the awkward tension.

"Hi! I'm Cheryl Blossom aka Cheryl Bombshell and I'm the captain of the River Vixens. So, if you're looking for an extracurricular activity then come to the gym after school and you can tryout."

"I actually was looking for something to join. I'll be there. And I have moves" Veronica said smiling at Cheryl.

"Great! Because some of the girls on the squad are very, very stiff" Cheryl said.

"I'm Betty Cooper. I guess you can call me the 'perfect' girl next door."

"I'm Archie Andrews. Football player, musician and I'm actually 'crushing' on someone."

"I'm Jughead Jones. I'm a writer and that's about all there is."

"That was an awkward introduction. It's nice to meet all of you."

"Anyway, you were saying something, Jug?" Betty asked.

"Huh? Oh yeah, Archie and I have something to tell you. We hope that you guys don't freak out or stop being friends with us because of it."

"We've been friends for years. We wouldn't stop being friends with you two because of what you're gonna tell us" Kevin said. 

"Okay well here goes. Archie, you want to tell them?" Jughead said looking at Archie.

"Sure. Jughead and I are gay. We've kissed a couple times and we've been secretly dating until we felt it was the right time to tell you guys."

There was an awkward pause until Veronica broke the silence. "Okay, I've only known you guys for two minutes but secretly dating is never a good idea."

"We support you guys. I think you two would make a very cute couple" Betty said smiling sweetly.

"Yeah. It's nice to know that I'm not the only openly gay person in this group" Kevin said.

Cheryl stayed silent, not wanting to tell them that she sort of played Cupid. "Good luck with your relationship, boys."

"Thanks guys. Archie and I are actually really happy that you guys supported us and took the news very well" Jughead said before kissing Archie's cheek.

Veronica looked around before looking at Cheryl and noticing that she was tense. "Cheryl, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Veronica" Cheryl said before taking a sip of her juice.

"Are you sure? Because you look... tense."

"I said that I. Was. Fine. Veronica" Cheryl said before getting up and walking away.

Betty looked at Veronica then followed Cheryl to check up on her.

"You probably shouldn't have asked Cheryl if she was okay" Kevin said before sipping his juice.

"Why? Is there something I should know? Does she like Archie or Jughead as something more than a friend?" Veronica asked.

Archie and Jughead both looked at Veronica with a raised eyebrow.

"No. She just doesn't like to share her feelings with new people until she gets to know them. And since you never talked to her before until today she doesn't feel ready to open up to you" Kevin said.

"Kevin's right. Cheryl has sort of never opened up to anyone except for us and Betty. Betty's her cousin so that's why she ran after her when she walked off" Archie said.

"Plus, Cheryl doesn't really like when new people show up and expect us to be friends at the first minute" Jughead said before stealing Archie's food.

"Okay well I wasn't expecting you guys to be friends with me at the first minute. In fact, I'm not trying to fit in yet. Yes, I'm gonna go and tryout for the cheer squad but other than that I'm not wanting to fit in."

The bell rang and Kevin grabbed his stuff and looked at Jughead and Archie. "Meet you guys in the student lounge after school?" 

"Yeah" Jughead said.

"You know it" Archie said.

Veronica grabbed her stuff and walked away from the table and toward her class.

Kevin nodded and joined the crowd walking to their classes.

"So, now that we've come out to the group how do you feel about walking hand in hand to our class?" Jughead said romantically.

"I would absolutely love that" Archie said before grabbing Jughead's hand and walking to their next class.   

"Well, I guess this makes us exclusive right?" Jughead asked looking at his boyfriend.

"I think it does" Archie said looking at Jughead with a look of love in his eyes.

"Do you wanna go grab a milkshake at Pop's this evening?" 

"As like our first official date?"

"Yeah. Like our first official date."

"Then yes. I'd love to go to Pop's with you this evening."

Jughead stopped and kissed Archie passionately not caring that people in the hallway were looking at them. He just wanted to show off the love that he has for his boyfriend.