Tom's POV
After gym class, I made my way to one of the prefects near the lockers. I told them I had to miss second and third period—just an excuse to get out of class early—because I was showing Luke around. They nodded, not really caring, and I headed off with Luke. As we walked down the hallway, I asked, "What's your locker number?" "107," he replied. "That's on the second floor," I said, nodding. "A little closer to mine. Let's go—I'll show you."
Without waiting for a response, I led him towards the stairs, heading up to the second floor. It wasn't much—just another part of this shitty school filled with the same dull corridors and tired faces. But I figured a quick tour might help him settle in, or at least keep him from bothering me for a little while longer.
I continued the tour, pointing out the key spots as we moved through the school. "This is the swimming pool," I said, gesturing toward the distant building. "And there's the gym," I added, glancing toward the side.
By then, the bell was about to ring—almost lunchtime. I looked at Luke, feeling a bit tired but relieved I'd helped him get familiar with the place. "Well, uh, Luke, that's the whole school," I said, brushing my hands off. "Let me know if you need anything."
Just as I was about to turn and walk away, a voice called out—a voice I knew all too well, and I immediately tensed. "Hey, Tom!" The voice was annoyingly familiar and a little too cheerful. I turned around slowly, already knowing who it was. Imogen was walking toward us, her bright smile lighting up her face. She closed the distance quickly.
"I said hey," she greeted, once she was close enough. "Hi, Imogen," I replied, keeping my tone casual but guarded. "What's up? Who's this?" she asked, eyeing Luke with a bright, curious smile. "This is Luke. He's new here," I said, glancing at her. She turned to Luke, waving enthusiastically. "Hi, Luke! Hope you can join us for lunch," she said, her tone light and friendly as she turned to walk away.
"Bye, Tom. See you later," she added, heading down the hallway. I watched her go, feeling my stomach tighten. Wait—what did she just say? Hope you can join us for lunch? Is she talking about me and her? But we don't usually eat lunch together. Or was she telling Luke to join her and her friends? My mind spun with confusion and a flicker of something else—maybe hope, maybe irritation. Whatever it was, I knew I'd be thinking about that moment for a while.
When the lunch bell finally rang, I made my way toward the cafeteria, Luke following close behind me. The crowded halls buzzed with noise, but I kept my pace steady, heading straight for the main room.
"Alright, Luke, this is our last stop—the cafeteria," I said, gesturing toward the entrance. "I'm sure you've been issued a student ID. You'll want to get your parents to fill it out. That's what you'll use to pay for lunch and stuff," I added, watching him nod in reply.
I moved quickly to the lunch line, ordering a chicken wrap, fries, and an energy drink—Lord knows I needed it. The day had already drained me, and I figured I deserved a little boost.
I found an empty table and sat down, pulling out my food. It was quiet for a moment, the chatter and clatter of trays filling the space. Not long after, Luke slid into the seat beside me.
I glanced at him, expecting him to start a conversation or try to socialize with others, but he just sat there quietly, eating. Weird. I'd thought he'd want to get to know more people, to find some friends or at least make small talk. But I guess I was wrong.
It had me wondering if I was just reading into things. Or maybe Luke was just different. Whatever the reason, I didn't say much, focusing on my food instead, feeling the weight of the day settle over me again.
We sat in silence, eating our lunch, the background noise of the cafeteria filling the space. I was lost in my thoughts when I looked up across the table and saw her—Imogen—approaching from the opposite side. Her smile lit up the entire cafeteria, bright and warm, like she was genuinely happy to see us.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," she said, her voice cheerful. Late? What is she talking about? This was the first time she'd actually eaten lunch with me—us. I was about to respond, to ask what she meant, when Luke beat me to it. "No worries," Luke said, smiling warmly at her. For some reason, that simple response made me angry. Fuming inside, I clenched my fists slightly, but I kept my cool. I didn't want to cause a scene. Still, I felt that familiar rush of irritation, like a prickling under my skin.
Imogen smiled back at Luke, but her eyes stayed fixed on me—like she knew exactly how I was feeling, or maybe she was just trying to read me. Whatever it was, I kept my expression neutral, trying to hide the storm brewing inside.