lunch
Yes, rumor and gossip passes by like wildfire in Zaun, despite the schools’ abnormally large size.
A dirty bit of pride had lodged itself to the back of your head, considering the fact that Zaun’s dreamboat had asked you out. Not just any person, but someone as new as yourself. Extra brownie points for the gospel truth that Vi doesn’t usually date.
Though the numerous students that had crushed on Vi had quickly grown to despise you, all they could do was just talk.
Though you didn’t know it at the time, being Vi’s romantic choice had given you automatic immunity towards any trouble at school. Vi had overruled the school not with just effortless charm, but with intimidation. Others knew not to mess with you, or they figured they’d get a cruel beating from Vi.
After passing through a hefty amount of murmurs and stares here and there, you meet up with your locker door once more.
You tried to make yourself look presentable today, wearing a nicer outfit than normal. Yes, it was just lunch, but better safe than sorry.
Vi marched up to your locker as soon as your back was turned, as if she had the full intention of creeping up on you.
You felt two fingers jab at each of the sides of your waist, making you flinch and yelp embarrassingly loud for your liking.
“Gotcha!”
You swerve around, frowning at first, but your annoyance melts into reluctant happiness as soon as you meet eyes with Vi. She laughs, and you can’t help but smile for it.
It was surprising to you that Vi was up for being this close so quickly.
Playfully, you roll your eyes, crossing your arms in fake irritability.
“M’ sorry! I couldn’t help it!”
As if to make it up for it, she gently slips one hand onto your side, gazing at you as if to ask for permission to do so. Flushed, you lean in a little, and she presses you into her. Admittedly, she smells nice.
The two of you walk together towards the wretched cafeteria, earning a few stares as Zaun peer’s at Vi’s new love interest.
Abnormally, the lunch line was speedy. You assumed it was because Vi was around, but there was nothing to complain about.
With trays set out in front of you, it was time to pick choices for today’s sludge.
“You like the salad, sweets?” Vi asks, stepping closer towards you.
“No.”
The lunch lady seemed to know immediately what Vi wanted, walking towards the back for some secret, special dish that you didn’t know about.
It gets set down on Vi’s tray, and you both move on.
“What is it?” You ask.
“I don’t know, but I think it’s good.” She shrugs, leaving the line.
The cafeteria’s crowded, hosting a plethora of rough and rowdy students. Seems as though some of them have already started throwing food at each other.
Unexpectedly, you follow Vi towards the table you sat at yesterday. It was more private, which you preferred over the various students gazing at you like a wolf with a bunny.
Before you even realize, Vi takes a seat, patting the spot next her with an expectant look.
You sit, and Vi pokes a little bit at her food.
“So, why’re you here?” She asks. “Out of all the schools, you pick Zaun.”
You shrug, popping an apple slice into your mouth. “I didn’t really get to choose. We just happened to move here, I guess.”
Her eyes fixate on you, and she nearly forgets to respond.
“You got any crazy backstory? Like you murdered a kid, and now you’re here?”
Casually, she pokes an apple slice to your mouth. Gladly, you take it.
“Eh, something like that-”
“What, really?!” She laughs.
“No.”
“Oh.”
You chuckle, poking your fork at the very suspicious chicken sandwich.
“I’m kidding, I don’t really have anything interesting.”
Vi gently elbows you in the arm a little. “C’monnnn, there’s gotta be something I could know.”
“Hmmm, I don’t know? I like clothes?”
She leans into you. She rests her head on the palm of her hand, leaning her elbow on the sticky table. The way she listens, the way her attention is on you is attractive.
“Dress me up sometime, I’ll love it.” She says.
“How do you know?”
“I just do, sweets.”
"Why the nickname? You just met me." You reply, popping a stupid grape into your mouth.
Vi shifts her position, pushing aside her tray.
"'Cause you're soo sweet. Duh."
She plays with your knuckles, and you playfully roll your eyes.
Slyly, she snakes her arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer as you bite at a stray piece of raw broccoli.
For a moment, Vi peers around the dimly lit cafeteria, looking as if she stole something, and she was making sure no one saw.
Mischievously, Vi smiles, leaning into your ear.
“You wanna skip with me?”
It sends shivers down your neck, but you hesitantly nod. She even kneads your hand a little, as if to butter you up to say yes.
She then stands up and coaxes you with her. You stand, and she clasps your hand in her own. It’s calloused, but warm.
Vi seems more excited to you, there's more of a sparkle in her eye that you can’t explain.
The two of you trail out of the cafeteria, running off towards the back doors of Zaun.