The bell rang, echoing through the hallway like freedom. Chairs screeched. Bags zipped. Voices exploded into chatter.
Thyme was already on his feet.
Min blinked. "Uh—"
But he was gone. Backpack slung over one shoulder, already halfway out the classroom like he'd been dying to escape. She barely had time to register it.
"Seriously?" she mumbled, fumbling through her bag. She had lunch money, somewhere—
Crinkle. Found it.
She followed the crowd out, eyes scanning the halls. Everyone seemed to know where to go, what to do. Everyone had someone.
She didn't.
Her eyes caught Thyme's figure in the distance—broad back, confident steps, perfectly gelled hair. He turned a corner, and she picked up her pace.
The cafeteria was loud, chaotic, and smelt like melted cheese and cheap fries.
She grabbed a tray, picked out a brownie and a drink, and paid quickly. Her eyes scanned the tables. She spotted him instantly.
He was surrounded by his crew.
Kim—round, loud, and laughing with his mouth full. Jake—tall, thin, already halfway through his fries, hoodie sleeves pushed up. Thyme sat in the middle, pizza in hand, tossing casual comments and smirks like he was in a music video.
He looked… happy. Like the whole cold, annoyed version of him from class didn't exist here.
Min stood frozen for a second, tray in hand.
Should she join? Say hi?
No. Bad idea.
She walked to the farthest table in the corner. Sat alone. Unwrapped her brownie. Took one bite.
Chewy.
Sweet.
Lonely.
She kept her eyes down, but her ears didn't miss the laughter from across the room. His laugh—low and careless—somehow made the brownie taste worse.
Her stomach wasn't empty. But her seat was.