•͟U͟N͟D͟E͟R͟S͟T͟A͟N͟D͟ ͟c͟a͟r͟t͟i͟u͟z͟i͟•͟

VI

I lightly elbowed him, thanking god that I was able to find myself some decent people in a life that had just been thrown entirely out of order. The bell rung, and we we all went our separate ways, with me, in particular, being excited about Friday night for a variety of reasons.

SYMERE:

THE NEXT DAY:

The food served in the cafeteria always managed to disgust me, but hell, it was edible, and it was free, so who was I to complain. On this particular Wednesday, I really didn't want to eat anything that was being observed by my eyes in the lunch line, even if it didn't taste as bad as it looked.

While it still managed to repulse me, I couldn't keep my eyes off of it; I guess it was sort of reverse psychology thing I was trying to perform on myself, I really didn't understand it either to be honest. But, I was distracted enough for my lunch tray to collide with the person in front of me's tray. Nothing fell or got disorganized on either of our trays, but the plastic trays made a loud noise during the collision, causing a bunch of people to look my way.

I, automatically, got nervous. Hell, I was just some 5'4" kid with purple dreads, and an emo looking style, and sure, while I was definitely fit, and did kinda have a six pack, nobody could see that. It really didn't help my already wild imagination that this person looked like they were two times taller than me, either. Luckily for me, though, when the person turned around, I was greeted to a familiar birthmark on the side of their face.

"Ayo, is that Symere?" Jordan asked, turning around. I smiled and nodded. "Ayeeeee it's been a minute, G." he said, dapping me up.

"I'm sorry I-uh, hit your tray, J-Jordy-" I stopped mid-sentence. "Ah shit, he heard my secret nickname for him." I thought to myself. Yeah, as cheesy and stupid as it sounds, I had a fucking secret nickname for him. Jordy was just so cute and adorable, and it reminded me of him so much.

Jordan laughed, " Don't worry, 'Mere, it's all good, and uh, what did you call me?" I hesitated, "Uh, I accidentally called you Jordy; I didn't mean to, I was just kinda stumbling over my words."

Jordan and I continued to move through the lunch line, "Ya know, Symere, I actually kinda like that name, if you want me to be honest." Jordan explained. I perked up, "You-you do?" I asked. Jordan nodded.

"So do you want me to call you that from now on or something?" I requested. Jordan laughed again. "God, his laugh is so fucking cute." I thought. "I mean, I've gotta make a name for you if you're gonna give me one." Jordan explained once again. "I'm honestly fine with anything." I replied.

"Hmmmmmm," Jordan thought to himself, "what about Sy, since it's just like the first part of your name, and I wouldn't have to say the whole thing?" I blushed, "Yeah that's good, Jordy." Jordan smiled, and moved to the register, but waited for me after checking out.

"You good?" I asked, with a confused look. Jordan nodded, "Yeah, I'm good; do you wanna maybe eat with me?"

I stopped for a moment, "Ah shit, now's my chance," I thought to myself, "and do I really want to listen to Sheyaa and Miles' asses argue about mindless shit for thirty minutes?" It was an easy decision now, "Uh, sure, Jordy!" I eagerly responded, "Where do you sit?"

Jordan smiled at my nickname, and replied, "Here, follow me, Sy." I blushed, but tilted my face down to where nobody would see it. I followed Jordan through the expanse of tables and students, literally hitting vapes out in the open. He lead me to a table occupied by two other people: that kid Caleb from my homeroom, and Travis, a mutual friend of mine through another one of my friends, Nayvadius.