DeShawn's already dominating the conversation, typical. Devon cracks another joke, and everyone laughs. The other guys are doing their usual thing, but I'm more interested in watching Jamal actually trying to include Haru in the conversation.
Most quarterbacks I know would ignore the awkward exchange student, but Jamal keeps asking questions, genuinelyinterested. And Haru's vocabulary is getting more complex by the minute;he's nervous as fuck. Poor guy sounds like he swallowed a thesaurus.
"So, Haru," Jamal says during a lull, "what sports did you play back in Japan?"
"I participated in competitive archery for six years," Haru answers, then adds with unexpected confidence, "I was prefectural champion in my age division."
"No way!" Jamal leans forward, genuinely interested. "That's badass."
The blush returns to Haru's cheeks. "It is merely a matter of discipline and focus."
"Still cool," Jamal insists. "You should show me sometime."
"I would be honoured to demonstrate the techniques," Haru replies, a smile breaking through his nervousness.
When the football guys eventually head out for their afternoon classes, Tyler, Ethan, and I immediately turn to Haru with knowing grins.
"So," Tyler drawls, "adequate seating for additional persons, huh?"
"Most pleasurable to make your acquaintance," Ethan mimics, barely containing his laughter.
"I do not appreciate this mockery," Haru says with all the dignity he can muster. "English is my second language."
"Your English is perfect and you know it," I counter. "But your game needs serious work."
"I have no idea what game you are referring to," Haru says primly, then continues on in rapid Japanese that I'm pretty sure isn't complimentary.
"Translation?" Tyler asks.
"He told us to mind our own romantic business in extremely polite Japanese," I guess.
Haru looks surprised. "Your intuitive abilities are most disconcerting, Gavin-san."
"Just doing what I do," I tap my temple. "Reading people is my superpower."
"And yet," Ethan says thoughtfully, "you're oblivious when that cute guy from your Econ class stares at you."
"What?" My head snaps up. "Who?"
"Dark hair, always wears those blue sweaters," Ethan continues. "He practically drills holes in the back of your head with his eyes."
"I haven't noticed," I lie, even as my heart rate picks up. I've absolutely noticed. I didn't think anyone else had.
Tyler studies me with narrowed eyes. "Interesting reaction there, GR."
"Don't know what you're talking about," I say, gathering my trash with sudden intensity. "Anyway, I've got class in fifteen."
"As do I," Haru says, clearly grateful for the escape. "Advanced Economics awaits."
As we leave the dining hall, Haru steps beside me. "Gavin-san," he says quietly, "may I make an observation?"
"Go for it."
"You possess remarkable insight into others' emotional states and interpersonal dynamics."
"Thanks?"
"However," he continues, "you apply considerably less of this analytical ability to yourself."
