That feeling in my chest I: Fries and...Jealousy?

(*chord being rubbed slowly*)

(*violin starting to play*)

The calm and profound sound of strings being slowly touched by the bow creating a beautiful melody that pleased the ears. It was an interpretation of a piece named Spring composed and formally played by Vivaldi. The sound of the string was singing and sustained until it started to go faster and in a matter of seconds the rhythm had changed to the iconic part of that melody when all the heart was put in the violin to play this rapid succession of notes that created a chaotic symphony yet incredible to the audience. This cover was brilliantly done by Matthew right now.

He was playing for several minutes now and he was about to end, his movements were pretty smooth for his size. Some found amazement in watching him play, some even admired his undeniable talent, others were seeing a tough challenger if they were to compete. But above everything, they were all reunited under music right now. Only the long then short strokes of the bow were being heard. Then Matthew proceeded with a long whistling sound that ended the piece.

He opened his eyes that were closed all along to look at the crowd that was still flabbergasted. Until one clap then another then it was a full round of applause.

Even the lecturer Pr. LaCroix was amazed. She was a fox, her red robe was partially turning grey. She exuded French female chic with a tailored navy blazer, a flowy silk blouse, and a slim-fitting trousers in earthy tones for autumn. She completed the look with leather ankle boots, a lightweight scarf, and minimalistic jewelry made of stud earrings and a delicate necklace, showcasing her effortless elegance as she walked through the rows while applauding at the masterpiece she heard from Matthew's playing.

Pr. LaCroix: " Stunning, powerful yet distinguished and elegant. This, students, is exactly what here at RASAC we are looking for. People with the ability to make music not just from the heart but from the core of your souls. M. Adams realized a wonderful performance and I thank you again for your participation, young man. You may get back to your sit, we will go on to the next person."

People looked in awe as Matthew got back to his sit timidly. He didn't really like attention brought on him but he knew that here he had to show that he was able to do not just good but great. He liked music a lot, and showing his passion like this was somehow satisfying. He was smiling while keeping away his violin in its case. Someone behind him, a female labrador nudged him to get his attention. He turned back and she giggled as she said "Hey you were quite great, heck that was fabulous Matt. We surely can get a good grade for this Friday little exam" Matthew scratched his neck and said "well I guess, Imma do my best, Lora" she smiled and looked at him with doe eyes.

Lora: "so huh, wanna grab lunch after class, I heard they opened a branch of fast food in the uni mall"

Matthew pondered for a moment then he smiled and said "Fine by me"

She smiled and bit her lower lip but Matthew had already turned back and didn't see. The class went by pretty smoothly, students were playing their best solos in front of the class while applying the various concepts taught by Pr. LaCroix.

The latter had already asked Matthew to join the Classical, a branch of the music club but he declined politely saying that he had less to no time after practice of swimming and he couldn't take part in another club. She was a bit disappointed but understood and he was happy she did. Soon after the end of class, Matthew got a text from Lauren "Can't wait to talk to you about our little topic, I also asked the same thing to Wyatt and his answer was wonderful as well. Ooh how about we do like a debate?"

Matthew chuckled while walking beside Lora who was walking a tad too close. He replied to Lauren "how about creating a chat group where we could share our ideas and opinions on various subjects?" She typed then replied "That's a wonderful idea, I mean we literally can have intelligent talks. Omg finally some males with brains" he chuckled and pocketed his phone then noticed Lora was walking while giggling.

Matthew: "what's so funny? (*chuckle*)"

Lora: "It's still hard to process that someone as big as you can play violin let alone being good at it"

Matthew: "A book judged by his cover is often misjudged" (*looking at her from the corner of his right eye*)

Lora: "Except here, I was completely shocked. Anyway, where did you learn to play violin? And that well"

Matthew looked in front of him as they got out of the Art facility and made their way towards the mall.

Matthew: "well, I trained hard?"

Lora: "No jokes, you trained hard? And that's it. Nah man, you got a secret power or something?"

Matthew: (*chuckle*) "Superpowers huh? I would know if I had some, I just learned by myself. You into fiction? "

Lora: "self taught violonist? That's dope. Fiction? Like super heroes thing? (*thinking*) I don't really fancy those and you?"

Matthew: "I like that, helps evade from reality"

Lora: "ooh are we having a flashback thing where you start telling me your past and then we hang out and we kiss under the stars?"

Matthew: (*chuckle*)"You are something"

They then walked joyfully in the mall and spotted the fast-food upstairs. As they entered they were greeted by a spicy smell that wrapped around their nostrils and invited them to take a sit and order. They found an empty space at the back of the place and sat there.

Lora: "I heard this place was quite a choice in terms of price quality ratio. Like their restaurants that are in town."

Matthew: "I never got to this kind of places, I mean fast-food "

Lora: "How the hell didn't you?"

Matthew: "Well, mostly because I have a strict diet so I avoid taking unhealthy food"

Lora: "Boy, don't worry, they got a special menu for big boys. They got a menu for people that work out, completely healthy and even good for your after work session."

Matthew: "That's... terrifyingly accurate"

Lora: "It's the food industry for you baby"

Matthew: "say so"

As they talked, a waiter came to their table and asked what they would order. Before they gave their orders, a long jolting scream was heard behind the waiter. It was Lauren, she was jolting the moment she saw Matthew and came for hug while saying joyfully"you good?" Then she noticed the female and turned to her "Hello" Lora smiled and greeted her as well before giving the "Who the fuck is that?" Look at Matthew who just said "Oh yeah, Lora this is my friend from History class, Lauren. Lauren this is Lora, my friend from Music class"

Lauren waved her hand in greeting motion. From behind, Wyatt was walking while texting. He looked up and saw Matthew and a girl and he paused for a second. He came closer and talked.

Wyatt: "Hi"

Matthew: "Hi Wyatt"

Wyatt turned to the female dog and his face was blank absent of all kind of emotions. Then after an awkward second of silence he smiled "Hey" she tilted her head and said "Hi"

Matthew: "Wyatt, Lora. Lora, Wyatt"

Wyatt: "Greetings"

Lora: "yeah (*giggle*)"

Lora looked at Wyatt up and down and smiled.

Lora: "you are good-looking"

Lauren: "Bitch you better say you are blind. No way he looks good (*laughing*)"

Wyatt: "Not again (*embarrassed*)"

Lora: "Nah i would say he does look good."

Wyatt: "Thanks"

The waiter faked a cough and it them realize he was still there. It was a rabbit with slightly ginger fur.

Matthew: "oh yeah, sorry sir. Huhm guys you gonna sit right ?"

Lauren sat next to Matthew and Wyatt had to sit next to Lora. They all ordered and the waiter excused himself before heading to the counter. Then Lora spoke up.

Lora: "so you guys are friends from high-school or something ?"

Matthew: "huh I literally told you, from History class"

Lora: "yeah for Lauren, and for this cutey here?"

She turned her head to look at Wyatt with some doe eyes.

Wyatt turned to her and for a split second there was like a terrifying look on his face that made her turn her head again. Wyatt turned and took out his phone a bit frowning.

Matthew: "same thing History class"

Lora: "yeah i see. (*side eyeing*)"

Matthew looked at the scene and there was some awkward silence so he decided to talk about something.

Matthew: "hey guys, Pr. LaCroix told me that this week the sophomore are supposed to conduct the party. Remember? the one where the selection for the frat will take place"

Lauren: "woo so soon. I like that"

Lora: "yeah, same here. Can't wait to shake my ass all night"

Lauren: "Guuurllll that's exactly the spirit."

Lora: "and I heard that Jørgen Olsen will be there"

Lauren: "Who's that bitch? I like the name, sounds fancy"

Lora chuckled and took out her phone, typed something and turned her phone to Lauren. She was showing a picture of a male shark with quite the built of an actor. He was probably a great white shark. He was looking like a model from a luxury perfume brand. The photo was one where he was sitting next to a glass in a restaurant in a tropical country by the looks of the coconut trees that could be seen in the distance.

Lauren: "hm, an Ocean folk, quite interesting. That's giving rich boy vibes"

Lora: "Preach guurl cuz this sharp teeth is litterally the star around campus. Apparently he is like only 2 years older than us but he got famous for being the first new student to join the Epsilon mu Omega during a sophomore party in 5 years. Can you believe it? The pickiest frat chose him. He is clearly something."

Lauren: "sounds like something is just going about money for that frat"

Lora: "well, clearly when you look at all the members they are from the richest families around RASAC."

Lauren: "Hey Wyatt, bet you can join them no problem"(*smirking*)

Wyatt was not part of the conversation, he was focused on his phone. His ear barely moved at his name.

Lauren: "hey rude. Wyatt "

He lifted his head up and looked at her.

Wyatt: "yeah, you were saying something ?"

Lauren: "huh duh, i was saying you can probably join the most famous frat here, since they have a taste for rich people"

Wyatt: "and what does it have to do with me?"

Matthew understood the situation and quickly said

Matthew: "Anyway, so are we planning on going at the sophomore party? It is an all night thing I guess. And if you are picked by a frat, your party continues in that frat house."

Lauren: "bitch we goooo"

Lora cheered

Lora: "Like is that even a question, Lauren find yourself a good partner for the party. I heard it's sometimes easier to get in a frat while being with someone. I will go with Matthew, right? (*reaching for Matthew's hand*)"

Wyatt rolled his eyes and Matthew saw.

Matthew: "Wyatt, you okay?"

Wyatt: "I'm fine"

It was so harshly said that Matthew felt a bit bad.

Lora: "oh yeah Lauren, you can get with Wyatt" (*she smiled*)

Wyatt: "(*mumbling*) where is the waiter?"

As he whispered the waiter came back with their order and they all jumped in. The food was tasty but something was off with Wyatt. Something was clearly troubling him. Lauren reached for his hand and leaned to ask so that only he could hear.

Lauren: "Hey buddy, what's wrong? You doing a grumpy face since this morning"

Wyatt: "(*sighing*) sorry, my dad texted me. Guess what he won't be coming home till next week."

Lauren looked at him in concern.

Lauren: "Normally people would be thrilled to have their house just for themselves without any parents around but in your case i feel it does trouble you. (*pondering*) how about I come by to stay with you while he is away so you won't feel utterly lonely and helpless (*grinning*) probably whining like a baby"

Wyatt chuckled and put some ketchup on her face.

Wyatt: "Yeah, that will be great. I never had someone sleep over. What are we gonna do?"

Lauren: "oo first of let's know if Matthew can come too. So we could have that debate we talked about and more. Like you told me you had games right?"

Wyatt: "I huh (*ears going flat and flustered*) I do."

Lauren: "then it settled. Let's say that from Friday afternoon till Sunday. A whole weekend. We could get ready and head to the parties together and actually have like our HQ"

Wyatt: "I guess (*chuckle*) Thanks Lau"

Lauren: "you're welcome my luv. Now eat your fries before I do. Oh and i created a chat group with Matthew you and I. So you can tell that there again later."

Wyatt: "oh okay, great then."

Lora coughed.

Lora: "oh sorry. Matthew, do you mind fetching me a tissue please?"

Matthew nodded and stood up. He went to the counter leaving Lora, Lauren and Wyatt for a moment.

Lora: "So you guys are like a thing or something ?"

Wyatt looked at her dumbfounded. Lauren then replied.

Lauren: "Nope, could never be with this cry baby"

Wyatt: "you did NOT call me that. You witch"

They chuckled and Lora did as well.

Lora: "you do look cute together though, just saying."

Matthew came back with some tissues. He sat back and noticed everyone seemed in better mood even Wyatt although the latter had avoided eyes contact all the while. Lora had something to do so she left the fast-food. Matthew shrugged it off as they were done eating. Ready to get to their next course then Lauren chuckled.

Lauren: "Bro, it's like Wednesday today right?"

Matthew: "yeah?"

Wyatt: "class stops at noon. Then we get club presentations today."

Matthew: "wait what?"

Wyatt: "huh you didn't read your schedule did you ?"

Matthew looked away slightly embarrassed.

Matthew: "I huh ...No "

Lauren: "And you will talk about me being carefree (*laughing while addressing Wyatt*)"

Wyatt: "I'm sure he just forgot, you CHOSE not to. It's not the same"

Lauren: "Fuck you (*laughing*)"

Wyatt: "Anyway that's it. We have club presentations today. But since we did joined clubs already we have till 4PM before club activities and your practice i guess"

Matthew: "That's correct, hey how do you know I have prac- (*interrupted*)"

Wyatt started acting awkwardly while moving anxiously his hands and babbling.

Wyatt: "Yeah huh so my father is not home till next week and huh with Lauren we wanted to do a sleep over from Friday to Sunday and ...Wanna tag?"

Matthew looked at him a bit confused by his attitude but shrugged it off and chuckled.

Matthew: "Friday you say? Hm I do have practice later that day. So what? It's like after the party ?"

Wyatt: "wait that's true, the party is on Friday "

Lauren: "and? I mean, we could meet at your house and then head to the party. Then come back to it"

Matthew: "Sounds like a plan, but then i will get at your place later once I'm done with my practices. "

Wyatt: "yeah sure, you can take your shower and get prepared there as well before we go" (*tail wagging a bit*)

Wyatt didn't notice his tail was wagging softly behind him and his expression was brighter. Lauren literally joked saying he was like a pup which made him blush and Matthew laugh hard.

They agreed on going for a walk around the campus while waiting for 4 PM, so they chose to go for the Tech facility.

What wonders await them?