I felt my heart stop.
Nick, who was reaching for a mug, froze midway.
I gulped, "What?"
She brought her hands together in front of her and smile at us evilly.
"I think I'm just going to head back up to bed," Nick stated cautiously.
"Nope!" she said, "we're all going into the living room, and we are going to talk. All of us."
As she said this she looked pointedly at Nick.
I felt a pang in my chest. Was there something going on between them? Is this why she wanted to talk to us? Oh god, my heart wouldn't be able to bear it.
"I never knew Asians could become pale," Maki commented amusedly.
I glared at her and stomped into the living room.
As soon as everyone was seated, she looked at both of us expectantly.
"Well?" she asked.
Nick and I looked at each other, confusion clear on both of our faces.
"Well what?" I asked.
She sighed, "Aren't you going to tell me what's going on between you two?"
I stopped breathing, "What?"
"Oh please," she waved her hand around, "anyone with eyes can see the way the two of you act around each other. Shit, a blind man can see what's happening between both of you"
"Maki," Nick started, "I don't think it's in her best interest to talk about this now."
I looked between the two of them. They looked like they were having a secret conversation
meant only for them. I felt like I was intruding.
I cleared my throat, "Can someone explain?"
They both shared another secretive look and Maki opened her mouth to respond to my request.
"Maki knows."
I looked questioningly at her. Her mouth was open, but it wasn't her voice.
"Brin, Maki knows," Nick said.
I glanced at him, "She knows what?"
"She knows about us. About what we've done."
I opened my mouth.
"No," he interrupted, "let me finish."
Surprise flickered on my face. He must've seen it too.
"Don't worry, she hasn't said anything to anyone. It's only her who knows."
"Wait, wait, wait. Can you please clarify what exactly it is Maki knows?"
He cleared his throat, "She knows about our relationship. How far we've gone. What we did."
"Okay, I get it."
I turned back to Maki, "How?"
She smiled gently, "Brin, I'm your bestfriend. You tell me everything. You told me what
happened when you were 12. I didn't judge you then, I'm not judging you now."
I took a moment to take all of this information in.
I nodded, "Okay, so you know."
She nodded, "No worries, you're secret is always safe with me. I haven't told a single soul."
I smiled and suddenly a loud growling could be heard.
A giggle escaped from my mouth.
"I'm hungry," I told them sheepishly.
Nick chuckled, "The whole continent could tell."
I pushed his shoulders, "Shut up."
He stood up and held out his hand for me, "Let's go get something to eat."
Maki also stood up, "I'll leave you guys be for now. It seems there's unfinished business that
you both need to discuss."
I opened my mouth to ask her, but she beat me to it.
"I know everything, Brin," she winked at me, and took her leave.
I looked at Nick and smiled.
"Let's go," I said while dragging him towards the front door.
~
"I've never seen a girl eat like this before," Kane stated with disgust.
I stopped chewing, shrugged my shoulders, and resumed my unladylike way of eating.
We were all sitting around a round table during lunch.
As usual, I was being my disgusting self.
Maki giggled and I looked towards her in shock.
Giggled.
She giggled like a damn school girl.
Our table turned silent and we all looked at the person who caused her to act this way.
Kole.
He stopped chewing and looked at Kane and I.
"What?" he asked with his mouth full of food.
I pointed at him accusingly and turned to Kane.
"He's doing it too!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, but he's a guy. And girls just don't eat like that," he said while scrunching up his nose.
I stuck my tongue out at him.
Kane pointed at Kole and Maki, "Back to the point."
I snapped my fingers, "Oh yeah! What's going on between you guys?"
They turned silent and looked at each other.
Kole shrugged, "I have no clue what you're talking about."
I narrowed my eyes.
"Yeah right. You guys have been super close lately. He won't even hang out with me anymore because he made plans with you," Kane accused.
My mouth popped open, "Are you guys dating?"
The whole cafeteria turned quiet, and they all turned to look at us questioningly.
I waved my hand dismissively at everyone, "Oh, this has nothing to do with all of you. Just go and eat your food."
Kane chuckled and patted my back, "Glad to have you back."
I smiled at him and continued on eating my food while waiting for either Maki or Kole to respond.
"Well?" Kole asked.
Maki sighed, laid her head down the table, and mumbled something.
I cupped my hands around my ears, "A little louder, please."
"We are dating!" she shouted.
Once again, the whole cafeteria turned completely silent.
Kane and I were staring at the couple with our mouths open.