I look at him in disbelief. He noticed right away that something was wrong, while I don't even have the courage to ask if something is bothering him.
But this is my chance to ask.
I stare at him intently and say, "Did I upset you somehow?"
He looks a bit surprised by my question. His eyes seem to shine an even deeper blue.
But shortly after, he flashes me a big smile. He places his fingers on my cheek and, tugging it slightly, says:
"Hahaha, what are you thinking? You can't upset me… at most, you make me smile," he continues, tugging my cheek a little harder.
It hurts! Okay, I get it/ you're not upset with me! Now leave my cheek alone, I'm not a puppet! i think, growing increasingly annoyed as I glare at him.
Lucas, satisfied, removes his hands from my face.
I check my phone camera: a red mark on my cheek!
I sneakily turn to him:
"Look what you did to my face!"
"It's not the end of the world. It'll disappear soon enough."
Seth watches us while continuing to eat his chips, as if nothing unusual is happening.
He starts talking, still chewing:
"Guys, you know you look like a typical couple from a manga, right?"
We both look at him for a few seconds, clearly not expecting that comment.
Well… now that I think about it, this could be a good chance for me to tease Lucas a little.
I step back slightly, jump, and hug Lucas from behind. I press my cheek against his and, turning to Seth with an almost mischievous smile, I exclaim:
"Well, we'd definitely make a cute couple, look how good we look. Too bad Lucas doesn't like guys."
A few seconds of silence pass. I remain on top of him, waiting for a reaction.
Damn it, don't stay silent!
Suddenly, I see Lucas gently and lightly hold my hand and, with the other, tilt my face toward him.
His gaze is serious; it seems to hide an impenetrable abyss.
Then he breaks the silence, his voice low and calm:
"You have a much better connection with Sole than with me."
He pulls away, adding:
"Come on, we can't be late on the first day of school."
Seth nods without saying a word.
"He's right. If we stay here, we'll be late. Let's go."
I walk beside him, but Lucas's words keep echoing in my head.
Why did he say that?