Wheel of fortune

The two unsuspecting acquaintances walked through the cramped lane of the food section. High school students were huddled together; shoulder to shoulder. Gluttony served as a barrier between the sweaty swarm and his newly made friend. They made it to an empty picnic table and continued their chat there.

"What a crowd, huh?" he started.

"Yeah, I haven't seen the school this packed before. I didn't know there were so many people in this town," she said before taking another bite of her hotdog.

"Helheim's baseball games are no joke. People come from out of town just to watch and support the players. This year's game was the biggest one I've ever been to though."

"Oh, this is my first game ever. My brothers had spoken to me about it before, but I finally get to see it for myself. They weren't joking when they said people dressed up. I feel kinda underdressed now that I look around."

"Don't worry about it. I only dressed like this because my friend forced me to."

"Hahaha… I think it's kinda cute."

Gluttony blushed at her statement. He choked down his food as his friend changed the topic and ignored his obvious bashful reaction.

"What's your opinion on sautéed mushrooms? I think they'd be great popcorn toppings. I mean if we dehydrate it and pulverize it to make powdered sprinkle. Maybe drizzle some garlic butter and chopped parsley on top," she spoke with grand hand gestures. "Oh, sorry. I was rambling again, wasn't I?"

"No, no, no. Go on, I was interested. I think it'll be a fantastic idea."

Her finger combed a strand of hair behind her ears, "You really think so?"

"Yeah… " he gazed into her eyes; admiring her beauty and tenacity.

"He-hehe… Why are you staring at me? I know there aren't many redheads in this town, but I don't think I standout that much. Or is it my pigtail? My oldest brother had always hated it."

"No! I mean…no. That's not it. I was just inspired by you. Not many people are passionate about things here."

"Oh c'mon. I'm sure I'm as basic as one can be."

"I swear! The only passionate or borderline self-indulged people I know in this damned school were unfortunately my friends."

"Unfortunately?"

"Yeah, like Pride and Lust. They bathe in glory and praise. They're not as bad as people think, but it gets annoying sometimes."

'He knows them?' she wondered.

"Oh, you're done with your food. Let me get you something from the soda fountain. I'll pour you my signature soda mix," he winked and stood up from the bench.

"U-uh, you don't have to," she tried to backpaddle as she sensed an unsettling feeling about his relation to her childish crushes. "About Pri– "

"It's fine! I'll pay. Just hang tight and don't move. I'll be right back," he smiled and took off.

Famine couldn't help but pondered about the coincidental encounter. She had just met Pride, Lust, and Wrath for the first time in just a week. And now she had innocently fell into another friendship with someone in their circle. She began to gain curiosity on how close Gluttony really was.

He might be one of those fanboys who claimed to be acquainted with the exclusive and wildly popular group of seniors and juniors. She had heard of the mythical group of eccentric teens roaming around the halls of Helheim High, but she would have never thought her new friend was a part of that clique.

She decided to stop thinking of ill-thoughts of him as a lump formed at the back of her throat and her stomach contracted with guilt. Famine looked down at the dirtied napkin from the food stall and fidgeted the thick material. They loud chattering of pupils around her became overwhelming as she waited for her friend to come back.

The plain serviette called out to her as she often fold origami in her spare time. She had learned to make many animal patterns over the years. Being homeschooled forced her to be creative and efficient with the abundant free time she had. After watching a few YouTube videos and looking at the stack of papers laying around her house. Having three older brothers meant that she inherited loads of used books.

As her train of thought overcame the situation, she had produced a greasy paper swan on the tabletop. She smiled at her creation. Somehow, it embodied her in a unique way. A normal who opened herself to the world around her but couldn't see herself being used by them. And despite that, she continued to do so; abandoning her own potential. A girl that everyone saw but seen by few.

"Nice swan," a hand jeweled with titanium rings reached out and picked the swan off the table.

Famine's eyes trailed and followed the hand; up to its owner. Her eyes widened and glistened as she was immersed and mesmerized by her view. The man standing before her looked even more beautiful than ever.

"Good to see you here," he smiled. "You should teach me how to make this someday."

"Lust… H-how did you– "

"Couldn't miss those fiery pigtails anywhere," he smiled. "Famine."

Her heart pounded as he said her name, 'Lust.'