The cafeteria was always noisy, filled with clattering trays and laughter bouncing off the walls. Eli sat with his friends at their usual spot—near the windows, where sunlight spilled across the long table.
"Eli, pass the juice!" one of them called.
He laughed and slid the carton across, only for it to nearly tip over. Everyone groaned and chuckled at his clumsy aim.
He looked up just in time to see Kai approaching. Some admired his calm confidence; others whispered about how mysterious he seemed. But instead of sitting alone or choosing a quieter corner, Kai paused beside Eli's group.
"Sit here!" one of Eli's friends offered without hesitation, patting the bench beside Eli.
Kai gave a small nod, sliding into the seat. Eli tried to act normal, stabbing at his rice, though he felt strangely aware of Kai's presence so close.
At first, Kai ate in silence, but soon the conversation pulled him in. One boy cracked a joke about the math teacher's endless chalk squeaks, and to everyone's surprise, Kai chuckled. It was soft, barely there, but real.
The table went quiet for half a second before erupting into laughter again—half at the joke, half at the fact that Kai had laughed.
Eli found himself smiling too.
Later, he offered Kai a piece of bread from his tray. Kai reached out, their fingers brushing briefly.
"Thanks," Kai said simply.
Eli ducked his head, pretending it was nothing. But inside, something warm flickered.