Jasper

It was about 5 minutes before lunch. I was learning Algebra and honestly, I can't really concentrate. It's either because I don't understand or I can feel the gaze of the hyena burning holes into my back. I think I'll take the latter since I'm not that hopeless.

It's a good thing I sit in the front cause I can escape quickly before that bastard can catch up to me. I was writing down the homework we needed to do while the teacher rambled something along the line of grades and exams.

When the last of the questions were written, the bell had rang. I quickly packed my bags and dashed out of there as quick as I could. It surprised me how fast I could run when I'm trying to avoid others. Anyway, I ran straight to the cafeteria and threw my bag down at the side.

I got in line, well, line wasn't right. I just headed straight to the front and ordered my food. Once I got it, I paid the lunch lady and quickly sat down at the table. I think some of them were staring at me with the way I acted.

A few minutes after my strange behaviour, Dakota plopped himself down opposite of me. "Didn't have breakfast, eh?", he jokes. As he did, I heard someone's stomach growling which was definitely not mine. I give Dakota a smug grin as he turned a bit red at that.

"Didn't have breakfast, eh?", I smugly retort. "Shut it, gay boy", he whisper yells. Um, what? What the actual fuck? He knows? Wait, wait, wait. He might just be joking. Yeah, that makes sense. No way he could know I was gay.

"Seriously?", I ask rather boredly. "I mean, it isn't that hard to make the connection. You only ever draw males and the way you draw them are quite questionable and...unique", he replies. Well, I think my soul had just left my body at that statement.

Of course he knew. He's as observant as a hawk. Why did I even think of hiding it from him? He would've known it sooner or later. Maybe sooner since he did just say I only drew males and in very questionable ways.

Is it so wrong to live out my fantasy on paper? "What's wrong? You know I don't really care if you liked guys or girls. Hell, you might as well identify as an attack helicopter and I would just accept that", he says. His tone is rather laid-back but are filled with truth.

I smiled at that. At least I know, I have a supportive friend. If he did liked guys, I think I'd try my hardest to win his heart. But, I won't do that and I won't go around asking him if he does like guys. I don't need to know every aspect of his life. Like he said, I'll accept him no matter how he turns out to be.

Well, except if he turns out like that hyena. Then, that's gonna be a no for me. "So, you still up for the gym?", he asks me. I nod. "Yeah. I don't really want to waste my parents money", I say, wincing a bit at the memory of what happened after going to the gym.

"Don't worry. I'll personally drag you and help you to improve yourself" he says casually. I know he was joking but why did he sound so serious when he said that? Suddenly, I feel an unwanted presence beside me. It was disgusting and suffocating. It made me wanna puke.

"Hey, mind if I sit here with you guys?", Jordan asks us. I keep silent since I know, if I opened my mouth I'll just be screaming profanities and death threats at him. Dakota looked calm but I could see something in his eyes. It was very familiar and it took me back to the last time he had that look.

It was his pissed off face. I think he knows my relationship with this guy but he doesn't know my 'relationship' with this guy. "How about I-" "I hear Dakota suddenly chime in. His tone of voice was rather deep and serious. It actually scared me a bit when he spoke.

"Huh?", Jordan asks, confused. "It's simple. No, you can't sit with us", he says. He slowly says the words as if mocking Jordan's hearing ability. "But, you can't- I mean, why not? Jasper knows me, you know? Right buddy?", he says, trying his best to appease to both of us. We both stay silent.

"I heard you're popular. So am I and I think if we become best friends we'd be an unstoppable duo. You and I", he starts speaking. How narcissistic of him. And he didn't even include me since he's trying to undermine my social confidence. But, I won't let him do this to me again.

I have Dakota to back me up and to help me in tough situations. Dakota is my guardian and I will not doubt him to protect me at all cost. And when his duty is finished, I will be there to heal him. To reassure him that life isn't as dull as it seems to him. To bring light to a world where he can only see darkness.

He huffs at Jordan's statement. "Whatever. Popular or not, I really don't want you to be near me nor my friend", he replies. Jordan looks taken aback but I know him well. He doesn't back down until he's finally out of words to use. He had the gift of gab when it comes to getting his way.

But paired up with someone as observant and smart as Dakota, I don't think he will stand a chance. "Um... Well, I am...rich, you know? I can buy you things that you most desire. What is it you want? Cars, phones, how about the finest girl in town?", he asks.

"Well, in that case...", Dakota says. For a minute, my heart skipped a beat. How can Dakota lose to someone as manipulative as him. Jordan had such a smug grin on his face too when Dakota uttered those words. This is the end for me isn't it? My only resort was foiled in the end.

"My answer is still no. There will be no more offers at this table", I hear Dakota say. I let out a sigh of relief but I swear, all the colour drained from my face. Jordan's smile turned into shock when he heard that. With Dakota's word still in mind, he left the table without another word.