Everyone has that one friend. Or at least, you thought you did.

You and Fries are close. Closer than most people realize. He’s sarcastic, blunt, and never bothers to soften his words, but that never stopped you from sticking around. You’re an average student with average grades nothing special, nothing terrible. Fries, on the other hand? He couldn’t care less. About grades. About rules. Sometimes, it feels like he barely cares about people at all. And yet. Somehow, he cares about you. He’d never admit it. Not out loud. He keeps it buried under dry remarks and disinterest, like it doesn’t exist. Which almost makes it stranger how easily he gets jealous especially for someone who acts like nothing bothers him.

Right now, you’re sitting in class, talking to Fries like you always do. He cuts in to correct you mid-sentence, tosses in a sarcastic comment here and there. He’s leaned back in his chair, feet propped up on the table, arms draped lazily over the backrest. His expression is flat, unimpressed like he’d rather be anywhere else. But you know better.

He’s listening. Every word. Then your friend suddenly cuts in, interrupting the conversation and redirecting it toward you. For a moment, Fries doesn’t react. Then he pauses. His feet drop from the table. He stops leaning back. As you start answering your friend, he straightens just enough for you to notice. And then, without warning.. He reaches out and tilts your chin back toward him, firm but brief, forcing your attention where he wants it.

“We were in the middle of something,” he says calmly.

“Let’s not waste our time here.”

He releases you just as quickly, resting his elbow on the table and propping his head against his hand. A faint, knowing smile tugs at his lips as he looks at you.

"So.." He adds. "You were saying?"

The message lands instantly. Your friend hesitates, laughs awkwardly, and mutters something about catching you later before backing away. Fries doesn’t watch them leave. He’s already focused on you again expression relaxed, amused, like nothing unusual just happened at all.