{EMY}
The boys gathered around, plates in hand.
I tried to slip into the background—quiet, unobtrusive.
But of course that didn't last long.
Lance shoved a plate at me. "Eat."
Kai shoved a drink. "Here!"
Eric handed me a spoon and fork. "Don't hesitate."
Ren… quietly placed a napkin beside my hand like it was the only contribution he trusted himself to make.
The boys began eating loudly, exaggeratedly happy, but the atmosphere wasn't chaotic anymore—it was warm.
Familiar.
As we ate, Kai peppered me with questions.
"When did you arrive here?"
"Where have you been staying?"
"Why didn't you contact us?"
"Do you still hate coffee with milk?"
Lance jumped in whenever Kai paused for breath.
"Did you lose weight?"
"Or was I just blind?"
"How long are you working here?"
"Wait—why are you even working? You should be with us."
