~Episode 13~
In the lunch time, Ivan was sleeping on his bench, making a pillow of his hand. Ryaan went down to grab a few snacks for him. He knew Ivan didn't like to come downstairs and eat in the crowd. And there was a rule to eat lunch only in the meal room. So he couldn't grab his lunch like roti, sabji, and rice, so he simply took biscuits and chips. At least something would go inside his stomach, and he would get some energy.
The canteen was packed with students. They were making loud noise, chatting, laughing… a few were just eating silently.
Ryaan passed by a group of senior students. Someone crossed his path and stopped him with his hand. He was taller than Ryaan. His hand was still on Ryaan's chest. Ryaan slightly lifted his head.
He didn't like someone touching him.
"Ryaan, you won in chess again," a girl said, almost flirting with him. Her eyes were on him.
"Ryaan's really intelligent… and good at everything," another boy mocked her. They all were from one class—senior class—and they all were popular for their biking club. They did bike racing illegally, a few for money, a few for passion.
"Yeah, I heard he was the topper of his school," a boy who was standing behind said, coming forward.
In one week of school, Ryaan became more famous. Everyone knew about him. He was good… he was popular. Everyone wanted to catch his attention and be his friend.
"Even I heard he's good at coding."
"Hey, Ryaan, do you wanna join our group?"
This time the leader of the group asked him nicely. He saw a spark in Ryaan. He wanted him in his club because Ryaan's vibes would drag more students towards them. And they would make money from the advantage of his popularity. Many students would come to see the bike race matches, and they would earn from the match tickets.
"What kind of group?"
Ryaan asked without curiosity.
"We're riders. Bike rides," the leader informed.
"Sorry, guys. I can't."
Ryaan went towards the counter for grabbing a few chips and snacks for Ivan. He wanted to feed something to Ivan.
"Why? You've got the perfect height."
This time the leader crossed his path and came before him. He wanted a valid reason to understand why Ryaan avoided his offer.
"I don't have a bike," Ryaan said, moving forward.
"That's not a big deal. You can take mine."
Something like a battle started here. The whole canteen students were looking at them.
"But I already have plans… with my friend… Ivan."
Ryaan said proudly and with zero interest in his offer.
"Ivan? Who's he?"
He was confused. He had never heard this name in the school. He had never seen Ivan either. Maybe they crossed paths, but he never noticed him due to his less popularity and because he never opened his mouth.
"That boy who's in my class."
"Ohhh, did you mean that silent guy whose mother cheated on his father?"
This time a fat guy mocked from behind Ryaan. The leader heard this, and he almost taunted him,
"Ryaan, your choice is very weird. In friendship, you don't know whom to make friends with."
"Maybe I'm a bad chooser… but I don't tolerate who split anything against him."
"Why do you feel bad for him? Are you guys dating?"
Ryaan punched him. Blood came out from his mouth.
The whole room became silent. Everyone shut their mouths in shock, and a few were frozen while eating their food.
This was a fight, and Ryaan would definitely get punishment. He knew it. But he did it because he couldn't control his anger. He couldn't hear anything against Ivan… or whoever was in front of him.
He walked to the counter. The canteen lady who sold things was shocked and afraid.
"Three chips packets and two cream biscuits… give me chocolate also," Ryaan said carelessly. He didn't care what happened to that fat guy and what he did a few minutes ago. He simply walked in the corridor and reached the class where Ivan was still sleeping.
He placed the packets of chips, biscuits, and chocolate on the desk, and went down to the principal's office by himself without anyone saying anything, and told him whatever happened in the meal room.