Lunch

As of wherever my memory takes me that was the first time Kim actually wanted to know my friends. Back when we were in school Kim would always ignore the guys I spoke too. Even if he was right next to me he was unbothered about them. That didn't mean Kim spoke only to me, he would speak to others too but not until the other person started the conversation. But he himself asking me to introduce my friends was something I had never imagined.

Because of Nathan, I had to go for lunch with Kim along with others. I really didn't want to tag along that day because remembering what happened an hour or so ago was already sickening. And the fact that Andy was also going, I didn't like the idea. I guess I disliked Andy since our first meet.

Nathan was the one who suggested the restaurant. The place was decent with refreshing menu, students everywhere but the place was not crowded. The staff greeted us and took us to our table that was next to the glass window on the first floor.

It was a bit awkward for me because I was sitting at the extreme right corner and Kim was on the opposite side facing me. I avoided turning or looking at him. But I could sense Kim was looking at me every now and then. Our table was a bit noisy as my friends and Andy were trying to know about eachother talking all random stuff, their interests. Kim was silent, he was observing each one of them. He was smiling during the conversation every now and then. I was listening to whatever they were talking but when Andy called my name I jerked a bit. Then he asked me how Kim and I became friends. All my friends started "yeah, tell us how you became friends". That question I am not sure how did it drive these guys curious.

I didn't have an option so I tried answering them vaguely with few details like from how many years we have known eachother and how we were classmates and things like that. While I was explaining I had to look at each one of them because all were looking at me and whenever I looked at Kim I felt a warm feeling in the chest because he was listening like a curious kid listening to some story with those sparkly eyes. Initially I didn't tell them that we stayed together and were staying together but soon all my friends knew it because of Nathan. He was curious as to know where we lived.

I all of a sudden asked Andy as to why I haven't seen him till today if he was Kim's cousin.

Andy chuckled and said "Don't tell me that you never saw me man, we have met once, I stayed over at Kim's place for a day when we were kids".

I gave in some extra thoughts trying to recollect as to when had I met him, then all of a sudden I said "Shortie?" trying to make sure if he was that kid.

Andy was like "oh you remember me now". I just nodded.

Simon told that it was like a family reunion. Andy was really happy at what Simon had said. Kim too gave a smile.

My mind was busy trying to think as to why I had to give so much thought to recollect memories about Andy, then I remembered the day he stayed at Kim's place. He wanted everything that he saw whether it's toys, books or whatever it is. And I didn't like him that day too.

Soon after, these guys drifted their attention to some other topic.

We had our lunch and to everyone's surprise we had spent more than three hours in the restaurant itself. It was already evening. We left the place said goodbyes to eachother after exchanging phone numbers. James, Nathan and Simon all stayed in the hostel so they left together. Andy, Kim and I were still standing outside. It was awkward because none of us spoke a word.

Kim broke the silence by calling my name. I turned towards him and face him to listen but all he said was that he would be accompanying Andy today and probably would stay over at his place.

I felt left out. I felt the urge to ask why he was choosing Andy over me. I was about to lose my composure while my mobile started ringing. I took out my phone saw it was my mom, I calmed myself. Told both of them that I had to answer the call and that I would be leaving. Andy said bye while Kim's face turned gloomy. I noticed it but I didn't know what it meant. I answered the call and started walking towards my home.