Chapter 3:POV Andrea

Lucas and I are almost at school. But ever since we got off the train, neither of us has said a word.

I sneak glances at him every now and then, trying not to be noticed, but his face stays unreadable, as if he’s lost in thought.

I feel bitter, because as a good friend I should ask him something, show some interest, but… I’m stuck.

While I’m lost in my thoughts, I hear someone running up behind us and before I can react, I find myself wrapped in a strong hug. He squeezes me so tightly I can barely feel my bones.

I turn to look and see that it’s Seth.

He’s been boxing since he was a kid, maybe that’s why he’s so strong. His blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail, smooth and neat. His hazel eyes and handsome face make him stand out.

Then I notice his hands and… of course, he’s holding a bag of chips again. At the start of every school year he always brings food—I think it’s his way of releasing tension.

I wish I could release some tension too… maybe by using Lucas as a punching bag.

That would be so satisfying.

While I’m caught up in that thought, a faint smile creeps onto my lips, and Seth notices right away.

“What are you thinking about, smiling to yourself like that?” Seth says flatly, offering me a chip with a little nod.

I look at him amused, grab one from the bag, and start eating.

Delicious. Not that I didn’t eat junk food during summer vacation, but I need to get back to eating healthy and working out if I don’t want to lose all my progress.

Seth follows me and Lucas toward the school. He starts talking about how great his summer went, telling us he met a girl on his trip.

Gesturing excitedly, Seth says, “…so in the end we decided to keep in touch on Instagram. I’ll show you her now—” Then he pauses, realizing something. “…Ah, right. She doesn’t have any photos on her profile. When I go see her, I’ll take one of us together.”

I can’t help but smile—he looked so disappointed. Clearly, it really mattered to him to show her to us.

After a moment, I reply with a deliberately straight face, though a smile was tugging at the corner of my lips:

“It’s not like we were that interested anyway…”

Suddenly, Lucas interrupts. Leaning casually on Seth’s shoulder, he turns his gaze to me. His voice is serious, though with a hint of restrained laughter, as he says:

“You weren’t interested. After all, you only have eyes for Sole—you don’t care about your friends’ girlfriends.”

I stare at him, puzzled. I know he’s joking—that’s typical Lucas.

But this time, it feels almost like a reprimand. I stop for a moment, clenching my fists.

Maybe he’s right… maybe he’s annoyed that I never ask him about his girlfriend, not even when he told me he finally met her in person after years of an online relationship.

While I’m lost in thought, Seth waves at me, telling me to catch up. I walk toward them, and we continue on together.

But my mind keeps replaying that phrase: “You only have eyes for Sole.”

Why would he say something like that? I do care about him, but maybe I haven’t shown it enough… after all, we’ve only known each other for a year.

All of a sudden, I feel a nudge on my shoulder. It’s Lucas, and with a concerned look he asks:

“What’s wrong with you?”

I’m speechless, unable to answer.

I look at him in disbelief. He noticed right away that something’s off with me, while I don’t even have the courage to ask if something’s bothering him.

But maybe this is my chance to ask.

I look at him intently and say:

“Did I upset you somehow?”

He seems a little surprised by my question. For a moment, his eyes seem to flicker with a deeper shade of blue.

Then he breaks into a wide smile. He presses his fingers against my cheek and tugs gently, saying:

“Hahaha, what goes on in that head of yours? You could never upset me… if anything, you just make me smile.”

He keeps pulling my cheek harder.

It hurts!

Okay, I get it—I’m not upsetting you! Now let go of my face, I’m not a doll! I think, glaring at him more and more annoyed.

Finally, satisfied, Lucas lets go.

I check my phone camera: a red mark on my cheek!

I glance at him sideways and mutter:

“Look what you did to my face!”

“It’s not the end of the world, it’ll fade quickly.”

Meanwhile, Seth watches us while still eating his chips, like he’s watching a live show.

With his mouth still full, he speaks up:

“You guys know you look like a typical manga couple, right?”

We both stare at him for a moment, as if we weren’t expecting that observation.

Well… now that I think about it, maybe this is a good chance to tease Lucas a little.

I step back, then suddenly leap forward, wrapping my arms around Lucas from behind. I press my cheek against his and, turning to Seth with a mischievous smile, I declare:

“Well, we would make a pretty good couple, wouldn’t we? Look how good we look together. Too bad Lucas doesn’t like boys.”

A few seconds of silence pass. I stay clinging to him, waiting for his reaction.

Damn it, don’t just stay quiet!

Then Lucas gently takes my hand in his and, with his other hand, tilts my face toward him.

His gaze turns more serious, hiding something unfathomable.

Finally, he breaks the silence, his voice low and calm:

“You have a much better connection with Sole than with me.”

Then he pulls away, adding:

“Come on, we can’t be late on the first day of school.”

Seth nods without a word.

“He’s right, if we hang around here we’ll be late. Let’s go.”

I walk beside them, but Lucas’s words keep echoing in my head.

Why did he say that of all things?