Thirty

Zhan's pov.

On my way to drop Yibo off I caught a couple glances at his peaceful face. I couldn't tell if he noticed I was looking at him but I didn't really care. After following his directions we made it to his neighborhood. To be honest it didn't look very safe and looked kinda run down. I was really questioning if this is where he lived, it didn't suit him at all.

"You can drop me off over there." He told me, pointing to a brown brick building.

"You live there?" I asked, skeptical. It really didn't suit him.

He stayed silent for a moment before speaking his reply. "No, I live in the area though."

"Why don't you let me drive you to your

home." I offered.

"Bye." He said, quickly getting out of my car. He ignored me and hurried away. This kid can be weird sometimes. Why didn't he want me to take him home? Is it messy? Better yet, does he have a home? He most likely does, with the amount of books and clothes he has though.

I sighed and pulled off the curb, driving back to my house. Spending the evening with Yibo was amazing. I'm sad it had to end but happy it happened at all. He really is like a breath of fresh air. The same can't be said for his neighborhood however. I don't even mind being abducted by my parents, I had a great day and nothing could ruin it.

After pulling up in the driveway near the gate of our house I walked up the garden and to our front door. When I got inside my mother stood from the couch and pulled me in.

"How was your day sweetheart?" She asked in a motherly tone.

"It was great actually." I smiled at her. She gasped, probably surprised at my calm reaction. I'm usually pushing them away or resisting them but today I replied normally.

"It must be a girl." She assumed, gasping.

"No mom." I denied.

"It's a girl, isn't it!" She continued, with her gasps growing louder.

"Mom, it's nothing like that." I sighed. "Remember how I was telling you about the trip yesterday? Well, I neglected to tell you that I made a new friend, and he's a cool guy." I explained.

"If he can get you in such a good mood I'd love to meet him. He must be a real angel." She said while pulling me further into the house.

"So you do know you can be annoying don't you." I snickered. She just scoffed and went back to being... her.

"Honey, our son made a new friend!" She yelled. I mentally and physically sigh. Why does she always have to make my life a public announcement? She didn't do this to my brother or sister. It's like she and dad are always trying to humiliate me.

After a ten-minute conversation with my parents, I staggered off to my room. I dropped my school bag next to my cream queen-size bed and plopped my back on the soft sheets, what a day. I hope Yibo

enjoyed it as much as I did. That got me thinking about my friends and how they ignored him for most of the day. That was awful. They didn't drop their attention from me for a moment and blatantly ignored Yibo. If they kept it up they wouldn't be my "friends" for much longer.

Later I grabbed a snack from the kitchen and headed off to bed. When I woke the next morning I prepared myself for school as usual. As I was making my way down the stairs to the kitchen I caught my brother glaring at me. I frowned in response. He's never seemed to like me very much, but I don't know what I did to make him dislike me. He's a pretty cool guy too, so it's a little sad with the way he treats me.

I grabbed a bowl of cereal before heading out to my car. I would take my brother to school but he refuses every time I offer. I guess he prefers taking the bus. I pulled out of the driveway and drove off to school.

Yibo's pov.

It was another day, with the only thing on my mind being Zhan. I couldn't wait to see him but was dreading the fact I'd have to hang around his friends. I woke up early so I could buy myself something to eat. There was only one store open near the area, I could understand why though, no one wants to be working at six in the morning. I opened the door to the small diner and entered. I'd only been here once before so I was still uncomfortable and uneasy here. My first time around the people was nice though.

"Welcome." A middle-aged woman greeted me. She wasn't here last time, I assume she works during the mornings?

"Uh hi." I replied, taking a seat on a stool in front of the counter.

"What can I get for ya?" She asked in a heavy southern accent. I looked at the large menu hung up on the wall behind the counter.

"I'll have a slice of apple pie and a glass of water, thanks." I ordered, speaking slowly to make sure I didn't order the wrong thing.

"Alright, comin' up!" She yelled, turning around to fulfill my order. While she was doing so I turned around to admire the cozy-looking diner. It has a very dark orange palette to it. The small green plants brought the room to life though. It was like being in a forest while at home. I don't know if that makes sense, it's just the best way I can describe it.

"Y' know we could use a few more hands round here" She informed me while placing my order next to me. I looked up at her questioningly.

"We got a few open spots if ya lookin' for a job," she Said, smiling my way. I stayed silent while thinking it over. I could really use a job now that I think about it. I could pay for my meals without using my savings, and just maybe I could start getting real food. I was beginning to tire of junk food. I know it isn't healthy to eat the way I do, but I didn't have much of an option.

"I'd love a job, but I'd have to think about it." I replied, giving her a thankful smile.

"Sure no prob. Just don't take too long now. Ya don't want someone snatching the job." She spoke jokingly. Another smile crossed my face before eating the pie.

After eating breakfast I hurried to the bus stop, not wanting to miss the bus. I made it to school and headed off to my locker. I got my stuff and headed to homeroom, then my first class. Nothing interesting happened the whole time. During my second class, there were some kids causing trouble for the teacher. This happens often. I'd expect her to quit any day now.

When lunch break finally arrived I made my way through the halls, and to the cafeteria. I hadn't seen Zhan or his group yet, and I ended up being spotted by my old "friends".

"Hey, got any of that cash?" One of them chuckled, making their way to my side.

"None for you." I replied with a dull expression. It seemed to tick him off.

"If you know what's good fo-" He began his reply before being interrupted.

"Is there a problem here?" Someone asked, closing in on us. I turned to see who this familiar voice belonged to. To my surprise it was Cindy. She walked up to us, glancing back and forth.

"Get lost, Cindy." One of the guys hissed.

"Trust me, you don't want to take that tone with me. You know what I'm capable of." She fired back in a snooty way. One of the guys looked extremely intimidated while the others just glared at her.

"Tsk, let's go." One of them surrendered, walking away with the other following behind soon enough.

"Thanks... for that." I said, looking at the brunette beauty.

"No problem." She replied simply.

"Uh... where's Zhan?" I ask her since his friends are usually glued to him like a kindergarten art project.

"You two seem to get along really well. what happened on that trip?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. I felt the heat crawling to my face. "I don't know where he is, probably heading here now though." She finally answered, eating what looked

like apple sticks.

"I thought you guys were always together?" I asked curiously.

"Well, we usually are, but I came to see you." She explained. I pointed to myself and mouthed the word "me?"

"Yes, you. You seem like a pretty cool guy and I want to get to know you." She said, smiling at me. I was taken by surprise. I didn't think anyone would have thought of me that way.

"Thanks.... I think." I mumbled out. blushing. Hopefully, she doesn't have any romantic feelings for me, because I don't know how I would tell her that I'm gay. I don't want that getting around school, because I know it would cause me unnecessary trouble.

I bought my lunch and sat down at our table... or theirs rather, with her following behind. I got an apple, milk, and a tuna sandwich. I think she just got a chocolate pudding cup and some apple sticks. It was an odd lunch but it did look pretty

delicious.

"So what are your hobbies?" She asked, starting a conversation.

"I.. read. That's pretty much it." I shrugged a little.

"C'mon, there has to be more." She squinted and looked into my eyes.

"Ahh... well." I trailed off trying to think of something else I do besides reading.

"I walk?" I hesitantly added.

"Oh come on! Are you serious?" She yells and sighs, making me crack a smile.

"Gosh, you're boring." She pouted. Is this where she starts ignoring me? Is she just going to forget about me since I'm so boring? I'd assume so.

"You and I are going to do something fun later." She said in a demanding tone. I was honestly shocked. She still wanted to hang out with me even though I'm so...bland?

"A-are you sure?" I ask, raising a brow.

"Am I sure? Boy, you better be ready!" She retorted. That was when Zhan and the rest of his group appeared. They looked surprised to see us already at the table.

"Yo Yibo!" Zhan called, throwing up a wave. A smile parted my lips at his presence.

"No greeting for me?" She scoffed, flinging her head in his direction.

"Cindy, we just saw each other this morning." Zhan replied to her question with a smile. They made it to the table after getting their lunch.

"Yibo and I are going to hang out after school today." She told Zhan. He looked up from his tray, surprised.

"Wow, you two have already become good friends." He chuckled, turning his bright gaze to me. I felt like I was sitting under the sun with his warm smile. My heart melted into a puddle in my chest.

"Well, that depends on how the day goes." She glared at me jokingly and I threw my hands in the air in submission. Somehow I felt relaxed around her, I felt like I could let my wall down a little. It happened without me even noticing it. I guess hanging around Zhan all this time loosened me up.

It seemed as if the school passed quicker than normal, and even though I was excited for it to end, it was usually the other way around. To be honest, I was terrified of hanging out with someone other than Zhan, but Cindy comes off as very friendly and genuine, so I'd give her a chance before turning her away. I met Cindy in the school parking lot. She jumped and waved when she saw me coming over.

"When you told me to meet you in the parking lot I didn't expect you to be driving as well." I said in awe as I scanned her car.

"It's my mom's. She lets me take it out if she doesn't need it." She explained nonchalantly, presenting the car while flicking her hands back and forth.

"It looks nice." I complimented, making my way to her side.

"Are you ready to head out?" She asks, popping the driver's door open.

"Yeah..." I replied, getting in the passenger

side.

"Did you want to drive? I can tell you where to go." She asked once we were in the car.

"Uh, no... I don't have a permit or license so I probably shouldn't be behind the wheel." I force a laugh. I'm very sad I haven't been able to get one. My life is so messed up that it just isn't even a possibility. I'd have to wait until I move out or something. In the meantime, I guess I'd probably just have to walk or something.

"I see. Yeah, I wouldn't want to end up in a ditch or anything." She teased. That hurt. I just pouted at her.

Soon enough we were off. Cindy turned on the radio and started singing along. I smiled at her. She seemed so carefree and cool. If only I could open myself up like that again, I'm just too afraid of getting hurt. I'm pathetic, I'm weak, but that isn't something I can easily change. When she caught my eyes on her she smiled and continued singing. Her voice wasn't bad, to be honest, I know she's better than me.

"So.. where are we going?" I ask, noticing we've been driving towards the town.

"The arcade." She replies, rocking her head to the music.

I raised a brow. "You're into games?"

"Yeah, why?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"It's just... I didn't take you for much as a gamer." I answered.

"Well no one would take you for a bookworm, well at least I don't think so." She studied me before turning her eyes back to the road.

Several songs later we arrived at our destination. She pulled into the curb near a few other cars. We got out being engulfed in the unique town air and the barely present sun. We entered the arcade through the large clear glass doors. This arcade looked modern and up to date. There were a lot of expensive-looking things around. With that said the prices were relatively low.

As I was offering to pay she turned me down. "Let's put gender roles aside, shall we?" She replied a little irritated. I probably would've offered to pay whether she was male or female but I didn't say that out loud. "I'm the one who invited you out today so I'm not going to let you pay for a thing." She added before going up to the counter to pay for tickets. She gave me half and we were off to the first machine.

"I have to warn you, I suck at games." I warned as we sat down on fake motorcycles.

"I guess I'll be winning today." She hopped happily in her seat. I don't know how she did it, I was hardly able to keep myself up on this thing. We began our virtual race and just as I expected I sucked. She was laughing at how terrible I was throughout the whole race. I was pretty red-faced with embarrassment, but moreover, I was happy that she was having fun, and to my surprise, I ended up having a lot of fun with the other games we played. We ran around the building going between games and laughing our butts off. We played whack-a-mole, basketball, a couple of rhythm games, a hunting game, and several others. By the time we exited the arcade, we were out of breath.

"I had a lot of fun." I breathed out, looking at her through my one parted eye as we sat on the curb.

"Me too!" She bounced eagerly. "We have to do this again."

I nodded "Yeah, definitely." I was still huffing, out of breath. I never expected to be playing a dancing game. That's what wore us out. I didn't suck too bad at it but I still lost in the end. Cindy has much more experience with these games than I do.

We decided to take a little stroll around town before heading home. We got complimented as being a cute couple. I was flattered, but I didn't want Cindy to get the wrong idea. She seemed to take it lightly though. I bought two hot dogs from a stand as we passed and handed her one. She grinned before biting into it. We toured the lovely streets. I wish I could've done this with Zhan, but I'm still grateful to be doing it with anyone at all. I felt comfortable in her presence, unlike earlier today.

"Oh shoot, I just remembered I have a project to finish. I think we should head home now." She said apologetically while looking guilty.

"It's fine, we were heading back soon anyway." I reassured her. She nodded with a thin smile. I guess she still felt bad. We turned back and reunited with her mother's amazing car. We got in, buckled up, and were on the road.

"Alright, you're going to have to give me directions to your home." She demanded as we pulled back on the main road.

"Alright." I agree, but I'd just do the same thing as I did with Zhan.

We eventually arrived in my neighborhood and I told her to pull up on the same curb as I did Zhan.

"Thanks for today, I really enjoyed it. " I said as I stepped out of the car.

"Sure thing, I had fun as well so it was a win-win, no?" She asked, knowing the answer.

"See you at school." I chortled before walking off. To my relief, she didn't ask any questions as Zhan had.