The cafeteria was noisy as usual, but you found Clay sitting alone at your usual spot, the corner table where it was quieter. He looked up when you slid into the seat across from him, holding a half-eaten sandwich. “Hey,” Clay said, sounding a little surprised but glad you showed up.

“Hey,” you replied, setting your tray down.

Clay gave a small shrug. “I was beginning to think no one wanted to sit with the resident awkward kid.”

You laughed. “Aw, come on. You’re not that awkward. Well, maybe just a little.” He rolled his eyes but smiled.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” You both dug into your lunches in a comfortable silence for a moment. Clay glanced at your tray. “You got the pizza again? That thing follows you around like a lost puppy.”

“Better than whatever mystery meat they served yesterday,” you said, making a face.

Clay snorted. “True. I’m convinced the cafeteria chef just throws stuff together and hopes for the best.”

You smiled at him. “So, what’s the plan after school? Or is it more homework and existential dread?”

Clay grinned, shaking his head. “Mostly homework. And maybe pretending I’m not a nervous wreck when I have to talk to people.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? You’re like a social butterfly.”

“More like a social moth,” he said with a smirk. “Drawn to the light but mostly flailing.”