The Wasteland That Was Earth

5: Honesty

"Wow, so you completely wimped out with a few Squams? Even I could handle those little things."
Chuckled Nova, kicking her legs up on the table and leaning back in her chair.

It was late evening, and the cafeteria wasn't as full as before since the younger kids were already in bed and most of the older ones were in class. Only a handful of loner types and dedicated students were using the quiet space to work. Each seemed to keep to their own, silently studying their textbooks or chatting quietly amongst themselves. That was, except for Clay's group, of course, whose loud, obnoxious voices practically echoed throughout the entire room.

"I didn't wimp out, I don't even know what came over me..."
Clay sulked, his head lay against the table.

"Nova, don't make fun of him!" April scolded, sitting down beside Clay and patting his back, "It was his first time hunting, anyone here would have struggled. Especially when the other explorers barely talk to him."

"Ooh, actually..." Clay lifted his head, "I did talk to some people this time. Two of them, Charlotte and Stevie. They were really friendly."

"Ch-Ch-Charlotte?!"
Austin perked up, his precious water bottle almost slipping between his fingers.

"The scary buff chick?" Nova frowned.

"She's not scary!"
Austin snapped back, clearly speaking louder than he meant to since he immediately sunk back down into his chair afterwards.

"Yeah, do you know her Austin?"
Clay asked.

"Oh, everyone here knows about Charlotte..." Nova smirked, keeping her eyes on Austin, who was gradually becoming redder and redder by the second.

"Austin has a serious crush on her." April chimed, "He has for a really long time now. Though he's never actually been able to bring himself to speak with her."

"Aww, buddy..." Clay chuckled, leaning across the table and patting Austin's shoulder, "You want some help? I was a real hit with the ladies, you know. I'll totally be your wingman."

"N-no, let's just stop talking about it..."
Squeaked Austin, hiding his face behind his sleeves.

"Don't fret, Auzzy. Everybody gets crushes, it's completely natural." April smiled sweetly, "What about you, Nova? Got anyone on your radar?"

"I'm more curious about Prince charming here." Nova grinned, "Come on, Clay, with a face like that, you oughta have plenty of experience. Seen anybody you like?"

"Prince charming?" Clay snickered, a little embarrassed, "No, not really...I only had one girlfriend before, and it's not like that lasted long anyway. There were plenty of guys about much better looking than me."

"You literally have a beauty mark beneath your left eye."
Nova scoffed.

"She has a point, Clay." Added April, "Swishy, soft brown hair, flawless features, you are quite the catch. I'm sure plenty of girls around the school are dying to talk to you."

"Oh...y-you think so?"
Clay gulped.

Was this a hint?
Was April trying to say she was interested?
Mind spinning, Clay began to sweat, on the verge of asking her outright until he was so rudely interrupted.

"And yet he's hanging out with you lot..." Mika giggled, appearing behind him out of nowhere.

"...do you need something?"
Nova scowled.

Mika didn't answer her. Instead, she leaned down, speaking quietly to Clay.
"I'm still not happy about you and your issues during expeditions. You won't be joining us tomorrow, I'm afraid."