Zane

Zane was handsome, dreamy, and seemingly kind and polite—though it was all a facade. Almost everyone loved him. You on the other hand, were rude to anyone who bothered yiy, cold, smart, and easily annoyed, so people barely liked you.

Present

You were eating alone at lunch while Zane's table was crowded with people congratulating him for his win in last night's football game. The noise grated on your nerves, so you put in your earbuds, seeking refuge in music. Zane was thanking everyone with a forced smile, wishing he could just eat in peace with his actual friends.

Your mother, who was best friends with Zane's mom, had insisted that he congratulate Zane at school. So, against his nature, you decided to be nice for once. You walked up to Zane's table and offered a brief, "Congratulations," which caught Zane off guard, since you were usually anything but cordial.

"Pfft, what are you congratulating me for?" Zane said, a hint of mockery in his tone. "You're usually threatening people when they talk to you."

Your jaw tightened. "Just doing what I was told," you muttered, regretting your attempt at politeness. "Don't get used to it." You turned to leave, but Zane's next words stopped you in your tracks.

“Come sit with us, it wouldn’t kill you to eat lunch with actual people.”