100. Friends
LUNCH TIME — WHEN CHLOE INVITES THE GODDESS..
The hallway was buzzing as usual, but Chloe was on a mission.
She spotted Marcelline standing near the staircase, surrounded by murmurs, stares, and at least five people pretending to fix their hair just to look at her.
Chloe took a deep breath.
Chloe (to herself):
Okay Chloe… don't be awkward…
Just ask her.
She's a human… probably…
Maybe… hopefully…
She marched toward Marcelline with her brightest smile.
Chloe:
"Um—Marcelline? Hi! I'm Chloe… Aiden's sister. We met earlier in the morning!"
Marcelline turned, her calm eyes softening slightly.
Marcelline:
"Yes, I remember. Hi."
Chloe almost combusted on the spot.
Then she blurted—
Chloe:
"W-will you… have lunch with me?
I mean—with us! Me and Aiden! Only if you want! NO PRESSURE—"
She started panicking in real time.
Marcelline blinked once, then smiled softly.
Marcelline:
"I'd like that."
Chloe froze.
Then squealed internally.
Chloe:
"Really?! Okay! Let's go before the cafeteria fills up—well it's always full because you exist but—come!"
Marcelline chuckled under her breath and followed.
---
CAFETERIA — FULL STOP SILENCE..
As soon as they entered—
The cafeteria went dead silent.
People stared.
Someone dropped their spoon.
A trio of boys stood up like they saw a goddess entering temple gates.
A girl slapped her friend's arm.
Girl:
"THERE—THERE SHE IS—THE RED-DRESS GODDESS—"
Chloe whispered to Marcelline:
"Um… you have a fan club now."
Marcelline:
"I've noticed."
---
Aiden, sitting alone at the table, saw Chloe walking with her—
And his brain short-circuited.
Aiden (internally):
God… she's coming…
She's actually coming toward me…
Breathe.
Don't faint like an idiot.
Breathe, idiot!
Chloe dragged Marcelline to the table with proud big-sister energy.
Chloe (beaming):
"Aiden, look who's having lunch with us!"
Aiden swallowed air wrong.
Aiden:
"Oh—hi—hello—uh—hey—Hi!"
Marcelline gave a gentle nod.
Marcelline:
"Hello, Aiden."
He melted.
Instantly.
---
Chloe sat beside Marcelline.
Aiden sat across like a loyal, confused puppy.
Immediately—
Every single person in the cafeteria started watching them like a live drama.
Whispers exploded.
"That guy again—?"
"Is he actually CLOSE to her??"
"That girl next to her—is she royalty too??"
"Who are they???"
"Does the goddess… have FRIENDS?"
Aiden ignored the world and kept staring at Marcelline like she invented sunlight.
---
INTRODUCTIONS — CHAOS
Chloe:
"So, Marcelline! I'm doing my undergrad in Literature. And Aiden is doing his post-grad in Business & Finance!"
Marcelline nodded politely.
Marcelline:
"I am in AI & Robotics."
Chloe:
"That's sooo cool! You must be super smart!"
Aiden:
"She's stunning AND brilliant. God is biased."
Chloe:
"Aiden. Control yourself."
---
For the first time since joining campus…
Marcelline actually felt comfortable.
Chloe's bubbly warmth.
Aiden's quiet but affectionate energy.
Strangely… soothing.
She relaxed enough to smile—
And the entire cafeteria gasped like she caused a solar eclipse.
Chloe:
"WHY IS YOUR SMILE PRETTIER THAN MY FUTURE? That's just rude."
Aiden:
"Her existence is rude."
Marcelline shook her head, amused.
---
At one point, Aiden's hand brushed Marcelline's while reaching for a napkin.
He froze.
She froze.
Chloe kicked Aiden under the table.
Chloe:
"Stop electrocuting the air with romantic tension during LUNCH."
Aiden glared at her.
Marcelline hid her smile again.
---
THE FRIENDSHIP SEALS ITSELF
As the bell rang—
Chloe stood, grabbing Marcelline's hand like they'd been best friends for years.
Chloe:
"You're coming to class with me, right?"
Marcelline hesitated for a fraction of a second…
Then nodded.
Marcelline:
"Okay."
Aiden stood too, looking at Marcelline as if he promised the universe he'd treat her gently.
Aiden:
"See you in Robotics corridor later?"
Marcelline:
"Yes."
Aiden died.
Chloe revived him with a smack on the back.
And the three walked out, side by side…
With half the college watching in silent awe.
---