SEVEN

THE whole cafeteria was filled with students roaming around to grab lunch. The smell of different dishes was making me full even though I haven't eaten yet. After the twelve o' clock prayer, we queued for the line. I had a hard time choosing my lunch because I wanted to taste them all, but afraid I wouldn't be able to finish it. Although our meal is free it would still be a waste.

"I'll skip the afternoon class," I told Gab as soon as we sat on our usual table. "Coach Chris told me to visit the university hospital before joining the training again."

Zack followed us and placed his meal beside mine.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"It's Tuesday," he replied as he smelled the curry. "I promise to eat with you during Tuesdays and Thursdays, so you won't miss me much."

Zack grabbed the spoon, smelled his curry again, and widely opened his mouth to savor the taste of his favorite dish.

"Who says we're gonna miss you?" I abruptly replied.

"You're the one who misses Zee," Gab added with a mischievous smile.

Her smile proved she had something going on in her mind again. Probably, thinking about how perfect Zack and I are together. She always teased us. She kept on insisting that we both like each other and were just afraid to lose the friendship.

I always shrugged the thought. I don't want to think about it. Zack is one of the few people I don't want to lose, so I'm okay with being his best friend if it means staying with him forever.

"Nah, she's the one who misses me," Zack muttered while chewing the meat inside his mouth. His white teeth were covered with green curry paste when he grinned at me. I almost vomited upon seeing how disgusting he is. But, I'll say he's still handsome.

"Baka!" I hissed. "No one's gonna miss you."

"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone," he cheerfully sang the line.

"Whatever!" I rolled my eyes. "Just eat!"

Zack laughs pierced through his deep gray eyes.

I hate how he often laughs at me, yet it's a lullaby that always completes my day.

"You two look good together." Gab amusingly turned to us. She placed her elbow on the table and laid her chin on her knuckles as she continued surveying us.

"As if," Zack and I replied, which made Gab giggled an evil laugh. She completely stopped when I gave her a deadly stare.

After filling my stomach, I opened the can of coffee. It wasn't a pleasant idea to drink coffee, but I felt the need to energize.

"Anyway, did you find your earphones?" Gab asked.

I was about to answer when Zack grabbed the can from me. I took a deep breath when I saw him opening it.

"No," I answered after taking a sip. "But, Aae lent me his earphone. It looks the same as mine."

"Aae did?" A sudden shock registered in Gab's voice. She adjusted her eyeglass and tried to find Aae in the crowd before turning to us. "Why would Aae lend his earphone to you? Are you even close?"

"I wanted to give it back to him, but he told me to keep it," I almost shouted when Zack grabbed the can. "Jerk! If you want my coffee, you can ask!"

He pouted. "Here." He handed me the empty can.

"What is wrong with you, Zacky?" I asked in annoyance. "You don't even enjoy cold coffee."

"Ah, Zack. Why not just say you like her, huh?" Gab sternly looked at Zack.

The bell rang before Zack could even acknowledge the question. I doubt if he'd answer it thoughtfully. I knocked him in his head before running out of the cafeteria. I overheard him scream as Gab's laugh echoed. I waved mid-air before dashing out.