Chapter 51: Back Where I Come From
They stepped into the cafeteria to find it half full, mostly with students trying to make the most of their free day.
The morning light streamed through the large glass windows, glinting off trays and the ever-present enchantments keeping the food warm.
The three of them grabbed their meals, with Noah collecting the usual Stone-tier fare, along with the spiced tea that had been added to the package today.
Arlo, on the other hand, paid to get more food, heaping his plate like a man preparing for war.
Juniper, unsurprisingly, chose dainty portions from the Gold-tier section with elegance, though she still scowled at the food options before sitting down.
They sat at their usual spot near the windows. Juniper took the spot right beside Noah, sitting close enough that her shoulder brushed his. Arlo dropped across from them with a thud, immediately beginning to shovel food into his mouth like he hadn’t eaten in days.
"This is nice," Juniper said, placing a napkin over her lap with grace. "The three of us, relaxing like this. Of course, it’ll be just the two of us later," she added, smiling at Noah as she leaned her head slightly onto his arm.
Arlo grinned, still chewing. "Funny you say that, because I thought I already told you Noah and I have some... very important business to handle later."
Juniper didn’t even blink. "Your ’important business’ can wait. It’s not every day a girl takes her boyfriend on their first official date. The entire day is planned. And trust me, there’s no room in it for clingy third wheels."
Arlo clapped his hands. "First of all, ouch. Second, third wheels are the most stable. Three points make a triangle. You know what else is stable? Triangles. The strongest shape."
Noah said nothing. He just ate quietly, eyes moving between the two of them as they went back and forth.
"I’m serious, Arlo," Juniper continued, her tone still sweet but her eyes sharper. "If I even see you lurking around the edge of our date, I will punch you. In the throat. In public."