𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐏 | 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲

4. Mind

Jack

"Jack, keep your eyes on the road."

I looked over at Corbyn who was snapping his fingers in front of my face. I nodded, gripping onto the steering wheel. Corbyn looked to Jonah in the back seat and whispered a few words to him, to which Jonah responded with a shrug.

"What're you two bitches gossiping about?" I questioned, looking at Jonah through the viewfinder. Corbyn turned himself back forward. "Nothing much... we were just saying that you seem distracted lately" Corbyn admitted.

"Yeah" Jonah butted in, agreeing with Corbyn. "Even yesterday at practise you couldn't get your head in the game. Did something happen at lunch yesterday after we left?" He asked me.

I looked forward and shook my head. "No, nothing" I lied. It was a lie because I had been distracted, and the cause of that distraction was that stupid boy from yesterday. Even at practise I couldn't get him out of my mind. My thoughts turned to remembering the color of his eyes - brown, and to wondering if his cheeks were always that rosy. I shook my head to clear my mind as the image of him tried to re-enter it.

Why couldn't I get that stupid guy out of my head? What was it to me? Maybe I felt like I had some sort of un-completed business because I let him get away yesterday. Maybe if I found him and beat him up today or something everything in my head would go back to normal.

I pulled in to the school parking lot and parked in my spot. Jonah and Corbyn followed me out of my car and all the way to my locker. "You have maths first" Corbyn reminded me. "Thanks.." I mumbled, pulling out my textbook. I was never good at remembering my schedule, and even though I wasn't about to admit it, I was really greatful to have Corbyn around to help me with things without me having to say a word. He was a truly good guy. Sometimes I feel like I should be a better friend to him.

I pushed away those thoughts and said bye to the guys before walking off to class. On any normal day I only attended the classes I had to, and I'd spend the duration of the lesson waiting for it to end. Each day was always a series of waiting to go to lunch or to practise. But today, for the first time, I payed attention. I scanned the hallways and I scanned all of my classes, but I didn't see the boy anywhere.

The longer I went without seeing him, the more his face faded from my mind. Although it sounds weird, I wanted to see his face again so that my memory of him wouldn't fade. I groaned out of frustration, folding my arms over. It was my last period before lunch and there was only eight minutes left of class, but I couldn't sit there any longer.

I silently grabbed my bag and shoved my book in to it, making sure the teacher wasn't paying attention. I poked the nerd next to me to get his attention. He looked at me wide-eyed, trembling with fear. "Go to the teacher and distract him" I commanded. He nervously nodded, standing and walking over to the teachers desk to talk to him.

As soon as I saw an opportunity I left the classroom, going unnoticed. I walked to the cafeteria and waited by the entrance, checking the time on my phone. The bell should be ringing any moment now. I folded my arms impatiently until finally I heard the familiar ring. Students began to pour into the cafeteria and I tried my hardest to get a good look at all of them.

More and more came, and it became harder to get a look at each person until I heard a familiar voice. "Fuck off Dani, I'm not listening to your stupid theory again" a muffled voice spoke against the loud crowd. I pushed through people, trying to follow it back to a person, but he was no longer in hearing range. I cursed under my breath as I gave up, pushing my way out of the crowd.

I joined my group of friends at my usual table. Today Josh and Eben were also at the table. They usually sat with us most Fridays. Josh was quite tall, but he still had a slim build. Not only was he captain of the basketball team, but he was incredibly attractive. All of the girls at our school went mad over him, and it wasn't hard to see why.

"Hey Jack" Josh greeted, moving up for me. I gave him a short nod and sat in between him and Corbyn. In front of us sat Corbyn and Eben. Everyone at the table was part of the school's basketball team. Not surprisingly, of course. I would never be friends with someone unpopular - that shit would bring me way down.

"So, what's been up with you?" Josh asked, turning to face me. Jonah said something's been getting you down."

I glared at Jonah, who raised his hands in defence. I shrugged it off, deciding it wasn't worth starting something over. "Dunno, just people getting on my nerves I guess" I nonchalantly replied. Josh bumped my shoulder. "If some nerd's forgotten their place, you know how to put them back where they belong" Josh replied, cracking a laugh. I faked a smile and nodded along.

Corbyn rolled his eyes, speaking up. "You guys can be so toxic, you know that?" He argued. Me and Josh laughed at him, not taking his words seriously. "Hoes mad" Eben joked, joining in on our laughter. Deep down I felt bad for Corbyn but I wouldn't dare admit it. Keeping a hard reputation was more important than risking it for friendship.

"I guess you've got someone on your mind" Jonah piped up, looking at me. "Yeah, some guy" I responded without thinking. "Yo man wtf that's so gay" Josh exclaimed. I shook my head. "Bruh not like that, that's gay as fuck" I retorted back. "It's not gay as long as you say no homo" Eben butted in, causing the three of us to laugh.

"You would know" Josh stated, looking at Eben. Eben nodded his head in agreement. "I do know, and what about it?" Eben retorted. Josh shook his head. "Gay as fuck but that's none of my business, if you're getting some then you're getting some."

Corbyn had stayed silent the whole conversation, looking down. Me and Jonah were the only guys on the team who knew he was bi for obvious reasons. Exhibit A; Josh Richards. Although he didn't mean to, Josh would often make homophobic remarks and use being gay as an insult. All of the guys on the team struggled with toxic masculinity, which was mostly the reason why Eben was the only openly bi member on the team. He was a douche himself, so he could take the shit.

"Me and Corbyn are gonna head out" Jonah interrupted. I noticed his jaw was clenched as he looked at me. He must be mad that I was making those sorts of jokes right in front of Corbyn. He took the sad boy by the arm and lead him out of the cafeteria.

I felt regret as I caught sight of Corbyn's hurt expression as the two left, and decided to get out of the conversation. "I'm gonna head out too, sorry guys. Coach wanted to speak to me" I lied. Josh patted my back as I stood up. "See you later man. Don't forget my party's tonight!" He yelled after me.

Finally I was out of the cafeteria and for the first time ever, I waited for lunch to end and my next lesson to start.

I'm actually so excited for the next chapter it's one of my favourites