To Express Happiness || Fayne ✔✔

Zackology 📖

Two days go by in complete silence.

Aaron hears nothing from the gang after that day. To some point, it seemed that he got kicked out from the gang for denying the weed, until suddenly Malcolm pulls Aaron by this bag and says '' We got a small meetup at the diner,and after that...I don't know when we can meet up again''. 

Before Aaron even completes asking 'Where have you guys been', Malcolm brushes past him like nothing happened.

It is unusually quiet, like all the excitement over the week just died down in days. No messages, no calls. Aaron feels isolated, and this meeting might explain why. 

/////////////////////////////////////OO/////////////////////////////////////

Aaron attends the diner after school, and looks around for the rest of the gang when he sees only Zack and Malcolm at the corner.

He sets his bag down and wants to sit beside Malcolm, but places himself beside Zack.

''Where the hell is everybody?'' , Aaron asks, looking at them.

They both exchange stares when Zack finally answers, '' Studies, except Shae who's just avoiding the world for now'' .

Aaron has tons of questions circling in his mind, but instead stirs his lemonade.

The topics they discussed mainly consisted of sending notes through pics, and Aaron could see the seriousness manifested in their faces. He wonders if having good grades is a part of the gang's membership. He stays silent, until he is asked to display his notes as he does so. Aaron decides to crack a joke to loosen up the mood, but the guys are already leaving, hands in their pockets.

''Zack, can you drop me off just before the bakery? My home's near.''

''Nope...''. Zack says as he shakes his head; lips pursed.

''Ooookaay..?'' , Aaron turns to head to the street when Zack grabs the back of his collar.

''Get in the fking car, knucklehead''.

/////////////////////////////////////OO/////////////////////////////////////

They are 15 minutes away from the bakery when Zack takes a right turn and brakes.

''...?? Anything wrong?''. Aaron looks at Zack, fretted. 

Zack purses his lips again, and rests his head on the steering. After 3 long seconds, he finally faces Aaron.

''I ...uh.. want to talk''.

Aaron doesn't hesitate to say ''Ya sure'' , and takes a deep breath to absorb it.

Zack freaking Riley ; his dream man, wants to talk to him 1 to 1, alone.

Zack pulls out a cigarette from the dashboard and grips it between his lips, while offering some to Aaron , which, he politely rejects.

''Knew it.''

With the unlit cigarette sandwiched between his lips, he gets off and opens the trunk and summons two cans of Sprite.

''Chill...got a whole carton on sale.''

He opens the window and lights his cigarette, and the one sitting beside him watches him as he takes a deep inhale, and looks down. 

''What's wrong, Zack? And what's with the guys? Why is everything so quiet all of a sudden?''

Zack smirks, still looking down. 

''Usual thing. We have a policy: we prioritize studies no matter what. So, no more activities for now.''

He exhales. ''That's not what I am here to discuss about'' , comes after that.