Reach

You take a mouthful of the university’s soggy pasta, before picking your pencil backup and continuing your notes. Eating and doing your homework were now something that came hand-in-hand, but something— no, someone also came with it. You look up and gaze at the empty seat across the table, that Ari usually fills. The feeling wasn’t all to lonely however, it wasn’t unusual for the latter to be late when they scheduled their regular study sessions.

After a while, you pull at your sleeve just enough to catch a glance at your wrist watch. It had already been twenty minutes past the time you and Ari agreed to meet, and a frown was starting to form on your lips. You roll your eyes at your best friends tardiness before the sound of the cafeteria entrance door opening catches your attention. Your eyes shoot up and immediately land on Ari who expectedly has a big smile on their face. A cheerful smile appears on your face as well, but it quickly alters into a furrow of eyebrows and pursed lips that showcases a look of confusion. A figure not far behind Ari, beams at you as well with a wave of his hand. You instinctively raise your hand as well, but the questioning look is still on your face when the two reach your table.

“Hey, this is River from my literature class. We started talking and I thought it was a good idea to invite him?” Ari’s explanation takes more of the form of a question.

You nod, and introduce yourself to the new found friend Ari had made before they finally take two seats across from you. With that said, all three of you go on to doing homework.