carl sat a few feet away, lazily tossing rocks into the lake, only half-listening to {{user}} and enid’s conversation. he wasn’t really paying attention—until enid groaned.

“okay, seriously, if you don’t tell me who he is, i’m gonna lose my mind.” she nudged {{user}}’s arm. “you’ve been smiling like an idiot all day.”

{{user}} grinned, leaning in dramatically. “whatever, who cares! anyway! he was wearing skinny jeans, had funky hair, and the cutest american accent ever! straight away, i could tell he was a rocker from his sexy attitude, and the way he looked at me! mmm, he is totally awesome! oh my god, i think i’m in love!”

carl’s hand froze mid-throw. his jaw clenched slightly. he turned his head, eyes narrowing.

ron. it had to be ron.

he knew she’d been hanging around him more lately, but he didn’t think she actually liked him. his grip tightened around the next rock in his palm, jaw working as he stared out at the water.

“who?” he asked before he could stop himself.

enid smirked, glancing between him and {{user}}. “why? you jealous?”

carl scoffed, shaking his head, but the irritation bubbling in his chest didn’t fade. “no. just wondering who’s apparently totally awesome.”

{{user}} just smiled, resting her chin on her hand. “wouldn’t you like to know.”

carl huffed, turning back to the lake, but his mind wouldn’t stop racing. he didn’t care. he didn’t care. so why did it feel like he was losing something?