Lucas and I are almost at school. But ever since we got off the train, neither of us has spoken.
I glance at him from the corner of my eye every now and then, trying not to be noticed, and his face remains impassive, as if he's lost in thought.
I feel a bit frustrated because, as a good friend, I should care and ask him something, but… I'm stuck.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly feel someone running up behind us, and before I can react, I find myself in a tight hug. He squeezes so hard I can barely feel my bones.
I turn to see who it is and notice Seth. He's been boxing since he was little, and maybe that's why he's so strong. His hair is tied back in a ponytail, straight and blonde. He has hazel eyes and a generally handsome face.
I glance down at his hands and… once again, he's carrying a bag of chips. When school starts, he always brings food—I think it's his way of relieving tension.
I'd like to relieve tension too… maybe by using Lucas as a punching bag. That would feel really satisfying.
Thinking that, a slight smile spreads across my face, immediately noticed by Seth.
"What are you thinking about, smiling to yourself?" Seth asks neutrally, gesturing if I want a chip.
I look at him playfully, grab a chip from his bag, and start eating it.
It tastes amazing. Not that I didn't eat caloric food during summer vacation, but I need to start following a balanced diet again and training to keep my progress.
Seth follows me and Lucas toward the school. We're almost there. He talks about how well his summer went, telling us about a girl he met on his trip.
Seth, speaking excitedly and gesturing freely:
"…so in the end, we decided to stay in touch through Instagram. I'll show her to you—" He stops shortly, realizing something.
"…Ah, right. She doesn't have pictures on her profile. When I go see her, I'll take a photo of us together."
I can't help but smile, he really looked disappointed. He clearly cared a lot about showing it to us.
A little later, I turn to Seth, trying to keep a neutral expression, but the corner of my mouth betrays a hidden smile:
"We weren't interested anyway…"
Suddenly, Lucas interrupts me again. Resting a shoulder on Seth, he turns his gaze to me. In a serious tone, but with a hint of restrained laughter, he says:
"You weren't interested. After all, your eyes are only on Sole: you don't care about your friends' girlfriends."
I look at him, surprised. I know he's joking/ that's Lucas's style. But this time, I feel like I've been scolded. I stop for a second, clenching my fists.
Maybe he's right… I think Lucas is a bit annoyed that I never asked him about his girlfriend, not even when he told me he'd seen her after years of online dating.
Lost in my thoughts, Seth raises his hand, signaling me to come closer. I walk over, and we continue toward school together.
My mind keeps replaying that phrase: "Your eyes are only on Sole."
Why would he say that? I care about him, but I haven't been able to show it… after all, we've only known each other for a year.
Suddenly, I feel a nudge on my shoulder. It's Lucas, and with a worried look, he asks:
"What's wrong?"
I'm speechless, unable to answer.