HIS DELICATE

••• 7 •••

(Wednesday)

We were in cafeteria waiting on line to buy food in the counter. I'm standing behind Beany when I spotted Austen at the front. He's picking random food which by the way shocked me because three fourth of it were all fast-food.

I already told everything that happened about Austen to Beany that's why she's now scrutinizing him from head to toe.

"That's him?"

"Yeah. Will you lower your voice a little? He might hear us, you know!" I bumped her. She scrunched her nose.

"Well he's not bad. My first impression? He's rich. But why he sits alone? He has no friends? Why would he talk to you instead?"

Now it's my turn to crinkle my face at her. Though its not her intention to say that but I felt like, 'am I that undersirable person?'

What's the deal if he likes me?

"Why not? He's kind to me." We started to move. Austen now seated at the corner table, unmindful to his surroundings.

I can see almost all students here put meter distance from him.

Why? I was right. He's an enigma.

"Are you sure you didn't know him?"

Beany's head tilted. "Yes. Well, I'm not friends with everyone here but at least I heard about him or something. Maybe he's a transferee?"

"Maybe."

"Wait, are you interested to him?"

I rolled my eyes, picking a bottle of water. "Not that way!"

"Oh, c'mon! He's hot, no doubt about it. But did you see how those girls looking at him?"

I pursed my lips as I looked to a table of seven girls gushing to Austen direction. They were whispering and discreetely looking at Austen.

"Those girls are Austen's fan club. They're worshipping his pavement but they are scared of him."

"So?"

"You know what I'm thinking?" Beany had a deep thought while looking at him.

"Of course I don't!"

We left the counter trying to find table, I was trailing behind her.

"Uhm... Nothing! Let's forget about what I say!" She laughed.

I shook my head feeling annoyed. She always do that, telling me about something then stopping herself but when it's me, she beat my ass to tell her everything.

"We lost our spot..." Beany groaned in annoyance.

All seats were now occupied. There's still few seat left, however we don't feel comfortable sitting with the some punk boys with spiky hairstyle. An idea popped in my head, I didn't think anymore when I said,

"There, let's sit with him." I pointed to Austen's table. Beany's eyes told me she's not fine with my idea but my feet moved to it's own accord and she followed.

Once we stood in front of him, I cleared my throat. "Hi, A-Austen,"

His head lifted a little, Beany waved awkwardly.

"Hi!"

"Can we sit with you?"

"Sure. Table is not mine," he replied, indifferent. I still smiled at him.

We noisily placed our trays and drink on the table.
Austen continued to eat his pasta. I blew a breath when Beany pinned me with a look. I opened my mouth confused. Then it clicked!