Chapter Text
Jamal straightened up a bit where he sat, staring up at the woman before him.
“I think it's good to get to know the people you'll be hanging around for the summer, so let's all start by introducing ourselves.”
Pansy looked around with a smile.
“I assume you've all given names, but let's give everyone a chance to share a fact about ourselves!”
Her words met a wall of bored stares.
“Seriously?” Elric sat up and looked directly at Pansy.
“What are we, high schoolers? We're genuinely not going to do icebreakers right now.”
“Well, I just figured-” Pansy attempted to plead her case but was interrupted by Félix chiming in.
“We'll learn about each other as time goes on. I've certainly had friends before, so I know how this goes.” He began.
“It would be a waste of time to outright share things about ourselves. I think we should just discover things about each other instead.”
“I might not have worded it like that, but yeah. He's got a point.” Elric gestured to Félix.
“That's not-” Once more, Pansy had been interrupted. This time, by the man seated beside Jamal.
“You don't have to push it this much. We're adults. We'll be fine.” James attempted to reassure the upset woman before him, but his words went straight through her.
“Okay. Fine. If none of you seem to like my idea, why don't you come up with something yourselves.” Pansy spoke with a tinge of hostility in her tone, a stark contrast from her previous cheery persona.
Félix seemed unbothered by her response and opted to let out a huff. “Okay then. I don't think we need you here anymore in that case.”
Pansy was taken aback by his straightforward response to her statement, not intending for it to be a legitimate suggestion.
“Well, fine! If that's how you want it.” She let out a scoff before storming out of the room.
A momentary silence filled the room upon her leaving before being broken by Félix letting out an annoyed groan, pinching the bridge of his nose. He muttered a few insults to himself, obviously directing them towards Pansy.
Elliot scrunched his nose over at Félix, speaking up with a tone of irritation.
“What's your problem? She didn't even do anything.” Elliot glanced between Félix over to James. “Aren't you friends with that girl?”
James stared at Elliot with a gaze of disbelief. “You don't know the half of it. I only kind of knew her before.”
Jamal turned to face James and spoke up, now intrigued by his statement.
“Do you two have a history with her?” He had assumed Pansy wasn't all that bad from the few interactions they had shared.
Félix let out a dry laugh as he spoke wryly.
“We do.” Félix crossed his arms. James cleared his throat and faced Jamal.
“She bullied us in high school.” He explained. “Plus, she practically ruined this other guys life.”
Jamal's eyes widened upon hearing James's explanation. She had seemed nice, though seeing her previous outburst, this news seemed a bit more believable.
“You don't say,” Jamal said, giving a nod to James. “How did she ruin someone's life?”
“I suppose it's less so she ruined his life, more so his… How do I put it…” James searched his mind for a better word to describe what had happened.
“His status?” Félix offered the word to James.
“Yes! That's better.” James snapped his fingers and flashed a small smile towards Félix.
It was strange, how even for a moment, such a small smile from even a stranger could make someone's heartbeat quicken. Jamal aptly pushed down this feeling, knowing he should pay attention to the story being told.
“His name was Tobe. He had been friends with her, actually.” James began speaking again, Jamal putting in more effort than usual to pay attention now. “He was actually the one who founded this club back when he was young.”
“That was until Pansy ruined it.” Félix said with a childish sort of disdain, his arms crossed.
“Hold on, Félix.” James motioned his hand in a downward movement, attempting to hush Félix. “He needed a receptionist, so naturally, he offered the position to one of his few friends at the time.”
“As more people joined, Pansy decided to make herself in charge by subtly planting lies amongst others, or twisting the truth to new members.” The man continued on.
“Who knows why she did it. Either way, members didn't like her all that much and began leaving.” Félix had uncrossed his arms, propping his head up with his hand.
Jamal's attention shifted to the red haired individual, now listening to his much faster paced voice.
“She eventually told everyone about the club and about Tobe. He was bullied then by the others around him.” Félix continued. “Whatever reason she had to do that must've been stupid.”
Elliot rolled his eyes at the whole thing.
“That was a while ago. People change.” He butted in harshly, his arms crossed. “Plus, she kinda had a point before. I'd storm off too if a group of guys told me my ideas sucked.”
“What's up with you?” Félix asked, being met with a scoff from Elliot.
“Nothing. Just looks like I'm the only smart one here.” Elliot stood up with a huff. “It was a mistake coming here anyways.”
As Elliot began walking out the door, Jamal spoke up.
“You're friends with him?” He asked James
“Well, we used to be closer.” James replied awkwardly. “He's changed over the years.”
“Clearly.” Félix was almost astonished by how rude Elliot had been.
“Well I uh, should probably go now. We've been here a while.” Jamal stated.
James glanced over at the clock on the wall, squinting to read the time.
“You're right. I didn't even notice. I'll head out with you.” James stood up, gesturing for Jamal to do the same.
“See you around, Félix! Elric!” James waved to the other two in the room, Jamal silently doing the same.
“Bye, James!” Félix waved towards the two. “You too, Jamal!”
“Yeah. It was nice meeting you two.” Elric added on.
The two walked outside the building, making their way down the street.
“I don't live too far from here. I'll be taking this next turn.” James informed Jamal.
“Yeah, cool.” Jamal nodded.
Jamal stopped for a moment upon making it to the spot where the sidewalk split, speaking up almost hesitantly.
“You uh, you're pretty good at telling stories.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck.
“So I've been told.” James chuckled under his breath. “See you later, then.”
“Bye, James.” Jamal offered a small wave
James returned the wave before walking down the path to his own house.
Jamal stood there for a few moments, thinking silently to himself before continuing down to his own house.
To his own surprise, however, a small smile soon crept to his face, brightening his mood even subtly.
***