Chapter thiry-three – A Table for Four

The cafeteria was buzzing as usual—trays clattering, voices rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Ryan and Ben sat at their usual table, toward the edge of the room. Ben poked at his food while Ryan leaned back in his chair, his hand still wrapped with a bandage, the pain dull but lingering.

Neither of them talked much at first. They were still carrying the weight of the principal's warning, even if the worst was over. Ryan kept his eyes on the room, scanning, distant as always.

Ben finally broke the silence. "I really thought we were gonna get suspended."

Ryan smirked faintly. "Would've been worth it."

Just then, two familiar voices approached.

"Hey," Savannah said, sliding onto the bench beside Ryan like she'd done it a hundred times. "Mind if we join?"

Anna followed, taking the seat next to Ben, looking between the two boys with curious eyes.

Ryan raised an eyebrow but didn't object. Ben nodded awkwardly. "Yeah—sure."

Savannah rested her chin on her hand and glanced at Ryan's bandaged hand. "So… why did the principal pull you two out of class?"

Ryan didn't answer right away. He just took a bite of his sandwich like it wasn't worth explaining. Ben shifted in his seat, clearly unsure if they should say anything.

Anna leaned in slightly, her tone more serious. "Did it have anything to do with that guy from the hallway? The one who shoved Ben the other day?"

Ben looked at her, a little surprised. "You saw that?"

Anna nodded. "Everyone did. It spread around pretty fast."

Savannah crossed her arms. "So? What happened?"

Ryan sighed and finally gave in. "They were bothering Ben. I showed up. Things got physical. Principal found out."

Anna's eyes flicked to his hand again. "Did they hurt you?"

"No," Ryan said, simple and sharp.

Savannah raised a brow, unimpressed. "Well, I think it's kind of hot you stood up for your friend."

Ryan blinked, caught off guard, then rolled his eyes and looked away. "That's not why I did it."

"I know," Savannah replied with a smile. "But still."

Ben laughed under his breath, then looked at Anna. "So… what about you two? Tryouts for cheer squad still happening?"

Anna nodded. "Next week. We've been practicing."

Savannah nudged her. "She's way better than me. I'll probably fall on my face."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Anna teased.

The four of them laughed, and for the first time in a while, Ryan felt a weird sense of ease—like maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to keep pushing everyone away.

Even if he wasn't ready to say it out loud.