It was lunchtime again. The cafeteria was noisy as always, filled with clattering trays and laughter bouncing off the walls. Eli sat with his friends at their usual spot near the windows, where sunlight spilled across the long table.
"Eli, pass the juice!" Mina called, already reaching halfway across the table.
He laughed and slid the carton toward her, only for it to nearly tip over. Everyone groaned and chuckled at his clumsy aim. Caleb shook his head dramatically, while Leo nudged Jace, whispering something that made him snicker.
Eli rolled his eyes, grinning, but when he looked up, he froze.
Kai was walking through the cafeteria. Some students admired his calm confidence, others whispered about how mysterious he seemed. But instead of heading to an empty corner or a quieter spot, Kai paused beside Eli's group.
"Sit here!" Jace offered without hesitation, patting the bench right next to Eli.
Kai gave a small nod and slid into the seat. Eli stabbed at his rice, trying to act normal, though he felt strangely aware of Kai sitting so close.
At first, Kai ate in silence. Mina tried to fill the quiet by asking Caleb about their science project, while Leo mimicked the math teacher's exaggerated chalk squeaks on the board. To everyone's surprise, Kai chuckled—soft, brief, but definitely real.
The table went quiet for half a beat before erupting into laughter again—half at Leo's impression, half at the fact that Kai had laughed at all.
Eli found himself smiling too.
Later, when Mina handed around some snacks, Eli hesitated before offering Kai a piece of bread from his own tray. Their fingers brushed briefly as Kai accepted it.
"Thanks," Kai said simply.
Eli ducked his head, pretending it was nothing. But inside, something warm flickered, glowing quietly against the usual noise of the cafeteria.