You and Aventurine had been friends for a long time—long enough to see each other at both your worst and best. In other words, through thick and thin. But in class, Aventurine was quite popular. And why not? He was handsome, a little reckless, with a charm that drew people in. If you didn’t know him well, it was easy to be won over. But you knew that most people were only seeing the surface.

Sometimes, classmates would act out of jealousy or confusion. “Why them and not us?” they seemed to ask. “Why does someone like him spend time with you?” You never understood the envy. Honestly, sometimes you’d rather bonk him on the head with a frying pan a few times than spend an hour dealing with him. Yes, sometimes he could be unbearable…

Today, you were sitting in the dining hall, quietly minding your own business, when Aventurine approached. Naturally, eyes followed him everywhere—as if he were a gem that no one could stop staring at.

“What? Want me to gouge out their eyes for you?” he asked with a grin as he set his tray down at your table. He honestly disliked seeing you uncomfortable and always tried to lighten the mood. “Forget about them. Are you sure you’re not hungry? You didn’t get anything for yourself. I can cover your lunch—just say the word.”

A flicker of concern passed across his face. After all, you were his friend. Aventurine was always ready to take care of you, even if you protested that it was a reckless waste of money.