"What ya reading?" I asked, peering over Tristan's shoulder.
Tristan kept his eyes focused on the book and spoke.
"I don't know. I didn't read the cover."
"Liar. You definitely would've noticed."
"I was hoping you'd just leave it and let me read in peace."
"Nope."
I grinned at Tristan and he frowned.
"It's called the Baro show. It's about a superhero academy or something," he explained.
"Ah I see," I replied with sophistication.
It was Wednesday morning and we were sitting in the cafeteria like usual.
Looking to my side, I noticed Nishimoya was reading as well.
It wasn't a study book like the type she read a while back, but a fantasy novel instead.
"What're you reading Nishimoya?"
Nishimoya looked up from her book and smiled.
"People riding unicorns," she said calmly before going back to reading.
'Huh?'
Shaking off my confusion, I sighed.
'Now I'm the only one not reading in the mornings. Should I pick up a book from the library too?'
**
"Audrey, do you know the answer to this one?" I asked, pointing to a spot in my paper.
Sitting in English class, I worked with my fellow classmates on some questions about the text we read.
And Audrey happened to be in my group.
"Hm? Oh, I think that one's in paragraph 5. Speaking of answers, do you know the answer to this question?" She replied, pointing to her own paper:
"I think the answer for that one is in paragraph 3. Not sure though so check yourself," I answered.
Audrey was intelligent and pretty gifted at English so working with her was pleasant.
Plus, she was also nice. Which is always great.
"Elliot, how come you haven't joined any clubs?" Audrey asked.
Blinking a few times, my brain searched for some complex or intelligent reason for why I hadn't joined any clubs.
In the end though, I found none.
"I just was too lazy to," I answered.
A confused look appeared on Audrey's face, almost as if she'd never even considered my answer.
"Really?"
I nodded, feeling a bit of embarrassment.
"Yeah…I just never felt like the commitment would be right for me. Is it really that surprising?" I replied.
Now it was Audrey's turn to nod.
"Yes. I was under the impression that you were extremely intelligent and hard working. Maybe now only the former is true," Audrey said.
Inwardly, confusion stirred in my every thought.
'Me? Intelligent? Hard working? I mean I'm happy she thinks that but she's completely wrong. How'd I even get that image?'
"Thank you but that's not true. You're definitely more intelligent and hardworking, I just get my work done."
Go to school and get your work done. Work out and stress out your muscles. Study and remember the information.
There were plenty of things I didn't want to do. But I still did them.
That's how life went.
Audrey shrugged.
"I disagree but I won't argue with you. Although I do suggest joining a club for next year."
I smiled.
"Maybe I will."
If I joined a club, I'd have to speak to a lot of people.
I'd have to try not to embarrass myself and commit to the club while balancing sports and academics.
Even so, maybe that wouldn't be so bad.
I was a bit afraid, yes, but there were benefits.
I could put it on my college resume and build connections.
'I guess I'll have to try it out.'
Fear would always linger, but opportunities wouldn't.
So right there, I made a mental note to look over what clubs to join next year.
**
"Guys," I called out to the group.
Lunch time had come and I had come up with an idea.
"What is it?" Soriel asked calmly.
Her expression was a slight bit restrained, still leaving a glimpse of sorrow in her eyes.
"Why don't we blow up…"
"No," Tristan cut me off.
"You didn't let…"
"I agree with Tristan. No more blowing up countries," Nishimoya added.
I looked at her, hurt evident in my eyes.
"How dare you…reject me…"
Nishimoya looked at me with a deep sorrow.
"Only cities. No more countries."
"Excuse me? Can we not blow up anything?" Soriel cut in.
"I'm afraid that's impossible," I quickly replied.
Soriel gave me a tired look.
"Sorry. It's my duty," I added.
In the corner of my eye, I could've swore I saw Tristan roll his eyes.
We soon changed the topic and began discussing other things.
Our lunch time was as long as it usually was, yet that time it felt short.
Perhaps it was because I was having so much fun.
Once again, I was reminded that I truly did love my friends.
**
The school bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.
However, I did not head toward the music room nor did I begin my journey home.
Instead, I exited the school building and headed towards the park nearby my school.
'Finally, I can run again.'
You see, since it was spring time, Track and field was beginning training once again.
And this time we were competing so we'd have a lot more practice days than before.
'Wait did I tell Soriel?'
Checking my phone, I scrolled back to when I texted Soriel about practice.
She replied with…
— Soriel: I'll miss you but I hope you have lots of fun
Soon after I checked my phone, I arrived at the park.
As usual, I was early.
"Ah, Elliot, good to see you again," Coach greeted.
His voice was deep, deeper than it was the last time I saw him.
"It's good to see you too, Coach," I replied.
Throwing my bag on the ground, I sat down next to it.
"I trust that you'll work hard?" Coach said calmly.
I nodded.
"Yes sir."
He paused.
"But more importantly, you'll have fun?"
Again, I nodded but this time a smile came with it.
"Yes sir!"