Is that what Niko had to deal with?
Or was it actually much worse than that, in person?
“Something tells me we weren’t supposed to see those texts,” Noah says.
“No shit.”
A few moments later Niko returns to the table, his eyes landing on the lit-up phone right away. He just slides the phone over and shoves it into his pocket, keeping his eyes downcast at his food, not saying a word about it.
I’m mortified.
But luckily Noah’s able to smooth things over without missing a beat.
“Bro, the winter formal is going tohitthis year,” Noah tells me. “Did Weston tell you guys that we’re hiring full catering and a live band?”
Over the next ten minutes, Noah tells me more plans he has for the party and Niko doesn’t even look up from his plate. Noah asks him a few questions, like if he enjoyed parties in high school or if he ever travels anywhere for Christmas, but Niko gives short, polite answers.
He finishes quickly, then finally stands up with his tray. “See you later, Noah. Ollie, can you show me where to put this tray?”
“Oh, it’s right over there,” Noah starts to say, but Niko ignores him, just staring down at me and waiting for me to move.
It takes a moment for me to get the hint.
Niko doesn’t need help with the tray.
He just wants me alone.
I stand up and quickly walk through the crowded dining hall with him. “Dude, Noah could tell there was something weird back there. Why did you make me do that?”
“Because I wanted an answer from you,” Niko tells me, putting his tray in the stack. “Would you rather I ask myquestion in front of Noah?Hey, Oliver, you going to come back after this and let me film you coming all over yourself for me?”
There’s a group of girls walking right behind us and one of them turns, giving us a look. Luckily they just keep walking.
“Can you keep your voice down for one fucking second? No. I have Econ class after this.”
Niko just gives me a curt nod. “K.”
Something deflates inside me at his short answer. He doesn’t get upset or demanding like I expected.
Did I actuallywanthim to punish me for saying no?
I clear my throat, glancing to one side then back at him. “It would have to be later tonight.”
I can’t believe I’m standing here trying to negotiate the prospect of letting Niko film me.
Niko glances away, squinting toward the midday light coming in through a pained window. “Can’t tonight.”
“You can’t?”
“Got plans. Later, boyfriend.”
He gives me an upward nod but doesn’t elaborate any further on his plans before walking off through the dense crowd.
Disappearing like smoke in air.
Just like he always does.
7
