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The cafeteria bustled with the friend group, chattering and laughing throughout. Tai and Rejoice sat beside each other, as they always did. They always sat in the same spot; it was theirs and theirs only.
Tai and Rejoice were chatting as they normally would, ignoring their other friends at the table. It was weird though… Rejoice would place his hand on Tai’s thigh, stare at him with a certain look. It made Tai blush—it was hard for him to admit he liked it, so he just let it happen.
As Tai was ranting about his French teacher and how he didn't understand a single thing she said, Rejoice suddenly spoke up.
“Whoa whoa! Wait a second! Stay still, Tai.” Rejoice yelps. Tai has a confused expression on his face. How could Rejoice interrupt his story?!
Tai remains still. Tai’s gaze remains on Rejoice—Rejoice’s gaze remains on Tai. They stare at each other for a few seconds longer, Tai looking more confused with each second passing. Rejoice suddenly leans closer in, still rubbing Tai’s thigh.
They’re a mere few centimetres apart, feeling each other’s breath in the middle of the school cafeteria! Tai was panicking inside, but he would never deny Rejoice. Were they seriously going to do this here?! In front of all their close friends?!
Rejoice grins, a stupid, smug smile. Tai still looks so confused, except that the blush on his face has reached his ears; basically, his entire face is painted a deep cherry red.
Tai blinks at Rejoice, waiting for him to take what he wants, what they both want. But oh Tai… Rejoice always loved teasing him, playing around with his feelings.
Rejoice lightly blew onto Tai’s face, making Tai jump a little. What the hell was that?! Tai’s face squirmed, giving Rejoice a pissed-off expression.
“What the hell was that?!” Tai chirped.
“You had a loose eyelash, I had to get it out of the way, baby… I couldn’t focus on your story.” Rejoice purrs with his stupid cat grin. Was this guy being serious? Baby? Seriously?
This guy is so ridiculous, Tai immediately thought. He tilted his head to the side, looking away from Rejoice’s eyes. Tai wanted to die—he wished it weren’t a simple puff of air.
Tai went silent. I mean, what does one even say after that moment? In borderline nose-to-nose distance, almost about to kiss, in the MIDDLE of a high school cafeteria, RIGHT beside their close friends?
“Taaaiii! Cmon, tell me the rest of your story!” Rejoice whined, teasing Tai more and more. His hand was creeping dangerously close, and Tai was becoming way too flustered.
Tai is really sensitive—why is Rejoice playing around with him? Tears started welling in Tai's eyes, but he just had to push it all down. He can question Rejoice later; right now, he needs to calm down. Rejoice could hear his whimpers, his expression softening a little.
"Awwhh... I'm sorry, baby, I won't do that again. Please don't cry, Tai." Rejoice moved his hands to soothe and hold Tai's hands. "Take deep breaths, Tai. Do you still want to talk about your story? I'll always listen to you, you know that, right?"
Tai inhaled slowly, trying to calm his brain down. His mind was starting to clear up, and he could finally speak again.
"I'm sorry..." Tai mumbled; he felt terrible for making something so innocent feel like a problem. He didn't want Rejoice to think he was weak or that he should give up on him for being sensitive. "I'll keep talking about my French teacher... but just so you know..."
"What's up, Tai? You can tell me anything. Just take your time." Rejoice replied, the soft smile remaining on his face.
Tai was silent for a second before suddenly speaking, "I did not hate that at all," he squeezed Rejoice's hands, "so please don't think I am mad at you for whatever you just did. I was just overwhelmed."
Rejoice smiled. What a sweetie Tai was sometimes, if only he were like this 24/7. Regardless, Rejoice nodded and said, “Okay, I love you so much, I’m sorry.”
Tai could never be angry at Rejoice. Whatever odd, romantic bullshit he did that went so far past a line that had never even really been set, Tai couldn’t care less.
Tai hugged Rejoice—he didn’t want this moment to ever end. He whispered, “I love you too.” Squeezing Rejoice harder—he couldn’t care less about how they looked! Fuck their friends! He wanted Rejoice all to himself.
Thank God, no one made any comments—they held each other for a few moments longer until the bell rang, and they had to part ways for the rest of the school day.
Tai hoped maybe another stray eyelash would appear, so he could redo that entire situation. One day, he thinks, he has all the time in the world to spend with Rejoice.