I head to the dining room, everyone is already seated and I see Sammy patting the chair beside her. “Sit next to me, Kian!” She smiles. I grab the seat when Ms. Rumine comes in from the kitchen. 

“Hot spaghetti incoming,” Ms. Rumine hums. The aroma of spaghetti alone is wonderful. Oh, am I excited to eat this! I’m served first. 

“Guests are always first,” Sammy says, waving her fork. I grab a fork-full of spaghetti from my plate, and the only word to describe it is flavorful

“Woah, this is amazing!” I continue with another fork-full, “I’m in love with the sauce.” Maybe it’s because I’ve been making food for myself for a few years now, so you can say I’m somewhat of a cooking connoisseur, but this tastes amazing!

“Oh, stop! You're too kind,” Ms. Rumine flushes, grabbing a seat beside Benji in the high chair. 

“No, really. This is delicious, and is that fresh oregano I’m tasting?” I exclaim. 

“Yes! I grew it in my backyard!” She grins, asking, “Do you cook at home?” 

“Yeah, I love to cook! My favorite meal to cook recently has been chicken stir fry.” The two of us continue to talk about cooking, it's adorable to see Ms. Rumine light up with her love for cooking.

“It’s great you learned to cook young, Andy here can’t even cut vegetables properly!” She chuckles. I laugh, looking over to see a rather pissed-off Anderson. A sight I love to see. 

Once we were done with dinner, I helped with the dishes before heading home. “Thank you for dinner, Ms. Rumine,” I acknowledged while grabbing my coat from the hanger. 

“You’re welcome, sweetheart! Please stay over for dinner again, maybe we could make something together?” She proposes with a soft smile. 

“Sounds like a plan,” I say, smiling back at her. I notice Anderson walking up from behind, “I’ll leave you two alone, now. It was great having you here, dear!” She hums, waving bye before heading to the living room.

My eyes meet Anderson’s as I chuckle, “You sure didn’t hide the fact that you didn’t want me here.” I turn around and open the door, walking down a few steps until he speaks.

“I’m stunned you can read social cues, though it appears you’re not great with following through,” he responds. 

I click my tongue, scowling at the boy. “I’m leaving now, aren’t I?” 

“Would’ve preferred you had left right after the tutoring,” he confesses before closing the door on me. I roll my eyes, seriously, how can he have such a kind family while he’s a spawn of satan? 

***

“For someone who didn’t want to go, you are quite dressed up,” Mateo teases. I stuff my hands in my jacket and huff in embarrassment,

“Shut up…I thought I should at least make an impression.” 

Mateo laughs, “Well, give me a minute so I can dress better. No way we’re going out with you looking better than me.”

I roll my eyes with a smile. “Hurry up, then! We don’t have all day,” I shout from downstairs. 

Thankfully, he doesn’t take much time and we head out. I look over at him, he seems too calm for this meet-up. “Tell me when you’re uncomfortable, and I’ll leave with you,” I bring up to him. The last thing I’d want is for him to sit through something he doesn’t want to. 

“I know, thank you for that, but I’ll be fine. I’ve been pretending I’m straight all my life, what’s a little meet-up going to do?” I let out a sigh, I’ve known this boy for a while but sometimes it’s difficult to read him…

“Fine, just pinch my knee or something. I’ll come up with a lie.” Mateo flashes me a soft smile, 

“Yeah, yeah. Now let’s get going, maybe you’ll meet a girl you’re going to like?” I flush a bit, I know I said I don’t want to do relationships, but I wouldn’t mind it.

We arrive at the cafe shortly after, and we see Rahim the moment we enter. 

“Over here!” He waves, and I see three other girls at the same table. 

“Remember what I told you,” I whisper to Mateo. He gives me a nod. “Hey, Rahim! Are we late?” I ask, high-fiving him. 

“Nope, you’re good,” one of the girls says, “My name’s Maia.” 

I flash her a smile, “My name’s Kian,” I turn over to Mateo, “and this is Mateo.” I look to see Rahim has a large smile.

“She’s my girlfriend…that’s who I wanted you guys to meet,” Rahim suddenly confesses. My eyes widened, and I quickly shot a glance at Mateo…he looked fine.

“It’s nice to meet you, Maia,” Mateo suddenly says to her. I’m worried. 

“It’s great to meet you as well, Rahim has talked about you two a lot.” Damn it, Maia! You couldn't say anything else! 

”Oh! Let me introduce you guys to my friends,” she continued. I look up at the girls and I’m caught off guard,

“Hey! I’m Rosalind, but you can call me Rosa.” 

“And I’m Caitlin…it’s nice to meet you, Kian,” I swear, I can feel my cheeks ignite just from hearing her say my name. 

I clear my throat, “Likewise…”