∆📷⚰Buddy System 2

                                    

                                          
Basically Joseph fights with a rat 
                          
--•--
                          
The atmosphere was terrible. Just how long had it been since Aesop was alone with Eli. It was a long time, which was the only answer either could pull out of past events. Due to Chloe loving to interact with her friends, Kurt tagging along with the group on his library days, and Joseph popping out of nowhere to gossip about people with Chloe, there was hardly any time where Aesop and Eli got to talk alone. Much less hang out together. 

                          
But despite this, the look on Eli's face was bubbly, and he was smiling like a dork. Aesop was sure that the book he held in his hands was just a prop. I mean, why would Eli of all people have an interest in books about historical buildings? He has never once mentioned liking history at all. It was more of a hatred to the school subject.

                          
"You have something on your face, and I don't know if I should be concerned," Aesop said while pulling the hard cover away from his friend. There was no protest, no playful input, and basically no response from his most impish friend.

                          
Still not getting any answer, he pinched his friend's cheek. Eli whined at this, pulling away from Aesop's touch.

                          
"Finally your face changes! I was worried you were just a doll."

                          
"Well, what can I say? I'm feeling like such a happy man right now," Eli sighed contently, his expression going back to the way it was when Aesop found him. Aesop felt his eyes roll.

                          
"And what happened? You look like your crush just accepted your feelings," Aesop said. Upon realising what he had said, and what context it brought up, he cursed in his head at this situation. Eli blushed when he heard what Aesop said, further confirming his suspicion.

                          
Aesop hoped that was not what had happened. He was happy for his friend, there was no doubt. But if this were the case, it would bring so much clarity as to why Chloe was not here right now, and he hoped it was false.

                          
"You're really good at this thing, Ace! You should become a therapist or something," Eli said, amazed by Aesop's work. Just really, what was there to find surprising. Eli was so obvious that it would hurt Aesop if Eli were to say he tried hiding his emotions. 

                          
"Congrats, but... I'm not sure that's what they do.."

                          
But if Eli confessed to Emily, then that would explain why Chloe was not here. Today she was with her sister. There's no doubt they were in the cafeteria, with Chloe eating most of the cookies Vera often bakes to bring to school.

                          
Eli must have told Chloe first then. Despite Aesop understanding why --he was mostly with Joseph now at school-- it still made him bitter. Just knowing that Chloe too liked Emily, it struck another cord in his heart and made him feel like his brain was mud.

                          
He had to explain this to Eli, right? He wanted Eli to also know that Chloe was hurting while Eli was thriving. 

                          
"Ah.. Eli, I need to tell you something," Aesop could not seem to finish vocalizing his thoughts. This was selfish, since he could possibly ruin Eli's happiness. It would just get rid of all joy in this situation.

                          
Aesop decided against it, biting his tongue. "Nevermind what I said--"

                          
Eli cut his words, running his hand to ruin Aesop's hair by ruffling it.

                          
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," winking his eye above his glasses, he smirked and patted Aesop's head in reassurance. 

                          
Aesop cocked an eyebrow. Eli's hand was pushed away from his hair, as he smoothed it out. His ponytail was ruined at this point, so he decided to redo it while answering.