After buying their lunches, Noemi and Dan sat at a table, facing each other.
-Does your class also have free time?- Asked Dan.
-Yes, today the History teacher didn't show up so I decided to take advantage to eat something.
-We thought the same, I also wanted to eat something.
-Do you like to eat?
-I love it, it's my favorite part of the day. And you?
Noemi blushes slightly, embarrassed to admit it.
-Me too, I like it a lot.
Dan eats a bit of his lunch.
-It seems we have more in common than we thought. By the way, where are your friends?
-I don't know, they're probably looking for me. They went to the bathroom and since they were taking so long I decided to go ahead.
-Wow, you've become really close in a short time.
-Yes, Sofia and I have been like that for a long time and Emily talked to me every day so I got used to her.
-Yes, she's always like that. When we met she talked to me for two whole hours.
Noemi laughs softly.
-Let me guess did she talk about how stressful it is to be student council president?
-Yes! Also about all her responsibilities.
-Me too! But I like having a friend who tells me her stories with trust.
Josias enters the cafeteria, his eyes quickly spot Noemi and Dan. He's surprised to see them together again but this time decides not to interrupt them.
He smiles and buys the water bottles trying to make sure Noemi doesn't see him so he doesn't make her nervous.
Josias returns to Brandon and Jhonatan.
-Guess who I saw together.
-Mmm, the Science teacher and the Technology teacher?- Asked Jhonatan.
-What? No, them too... Well yes, but that's not who I mean.
Brandon laughs.
-Those teachers, I still can't believe they're dating.
Josias crosses his arms.
-Yes, do you remember the last Technology class? He spent the whole hour talking about her.
-Well, at least he didn't give homework, he was in a really good mood.- Brandon said as he snatched a water bottle from Josias's hand.
Josias shook his head remembering his initial question.
-I'm getting off track! Anyway, I ran into Noemi and Dan together again.
Jhonatan isn't as surprised as the first time.
-Now I don't know if he's doing it for the bet or if he actually fell in love.
Josias handed a water bottle to Jhonatan and then said.
-Most likely it's the first option. Dan has never fallen in love and even though he's popular he's never had a girlfriend.
-But what if he just fell in love for the first time now- Said Brandon.
The three of them stood there thinking about that possibility. Then Jhonatan stood up and dragged them back to the soccer field.
-Alright! Let's leave that for now and go play the second match!
-No! I'm already tired!- Josias tries to resist but Jhonatan already pulled them back onto the field. Brandon didn't even complain because he knew it was useless.
Back in the cafeteria, Noemi and Dan were still talking.
-You know - ever since they saw us talking together, most of the girls look at me with jealousy.- Said Noemi with an amused smile.
-It's always been like that with any girl I talk to- He says in a dramatic and proud tone- It's the price of being so popular.
Noemi laughs softly.
-Yes, I guess so.
Dan notices a spot of food at the corner of Noemi's mouth. Without thinking, he picks up a napkin and leans forward to wipe the spot off.
Dan realizes what he did and both of them freeze. Noemi blushes deeply, looking like a tomato.
Dan sits back down in his chair trying to say something quickly.
-Ahh! I'm sorry! Really, I'm sorry!
Noemi looks down, her face still red and her voice trembling with shyness.
-No... Don't worry. Y-you just wanted to help me... Don't apologize.
They sit in an awkward silence until Sofia and Emily enter the cafeteria. Sofia sees Noemi.
-There's our girl.
The two of them realize she's with someone and are surprised. They get a bit closer but their hopes fade when they see it's Dan.
They approach the table completely.
-Noemi we were looking for you... Are you blushing?
Noemi's body tenses slightly. Emily frowns and approaches Dan to give him little taps on the head.
-What did you do to my little friend?!
-Ouch! I didn't do anything bad, I swear.- Says Dan.
Noemi looks up still red.
-No... It's just that... Well it doesn't matter.
Emily sighs.
-Okay- she gently pushes Dan so he sits in the other chair- Move over.
Dan moves over reluctantly and the four of them sit at the same table.
Sofia says enthusiastically.
-It's time to start our girls' chat... And one tag-along.
Dan sighs and says to himself.
-But you won't let me leave.