The bell for lunch rang, and the cafeteria erupted into the usual chaos—students jostling for tables, trays clattering, and the hum of conversations filling the air. Sara grabbed her tray and scanned the room.
Maya, of course, had already latched onto Aiden, guiding him toward their usual table. Sara sighed, rolling her eyes but smiling. She followed behind, tray in hand, and couldn't help sneaking glances at Aiden. He looked a little overwhelmed by the noise, but there was a calmness to the way he navigated through it, like he had an invisible shield against chaos.
The table was lively as always. Besides Sara and Maya, there was Liam, a goofy, loud guy who loved teasing everyone in the group, and Chloe, a sweet, artistic girl who shared Sara's love for sketching. Both of them were friends with Sara and Maya and had already started joking about the chaos in the cafeteria.
Once they reached the table, Maya plopped down between Sara and Aiden. "Okay, new guy," she said, leaning toward him. "I need to know everything. What's your favorite food? What music do you listen to? Do you like cats or dogs?"
Aiden blinked, clearly caught off guard by the rapid-fire questions. He glanced at Sara, who was grinning knowingly, and then answered softly, "Uh… I like sushi, music… all kinds, I guess, and I like cats."
Maya gasped dramatically. "Cats! Finally, someone normal. And sushi? Exotic. Perfect. I could teach you all the secret spots in town."
Chloe wrinkled her nose, shaking her head. "Sushi? Eating raw fish is gross. I'll never understand why people like that stuff."
Liam, spotting an opportunity, grinned at Aiden. "So… quiet guy from Japan joins the table, and suddenly I feel like I'm not nearly interesting enough. Great start, man. And just so you know—Chloe's my girl, alright? So hands off."
Chloe smiled, shrugging. "Hi! Nice to meet you, Aiden. Don't mind Liam—he's a little… protective."
Aiden gave a small, polite smile. "Hi… nice to meet both of you."
Sara leaned across Maya just slightly and whispered, teasingly, "Careful, Aiden. You're about to be trapped in a whirlwind of flirts, critiques, and unsolicited cafeteria advice."
Aiden chuckled quietly, and for the first time, Sara noticed how warm his laugh sounded, low and comforting even amid the cafeteria's noise.
As they ate, Sara found herself asking more about him—not prying, just casual curiosity. "So… Japan, huh? What's it like there?"
Aiden's eyes lit up slightly, and he relaxed. "It's… different. Busy in the cities, but quiet places too. Lots of tradition, festivals, and amazing food. I… I like it. But moving here is new."
"Sounds incredible," Sara said softly, genuinely interested. "I've always wanted to visit. Maybe one day."
Maya, oblivious to the quiet connection forming between them, leaned closer again. "So, Aiden, you're officially under my cafeteria mentorship. Don't screw this up."
Chloe giggled. "Maya, give him a break!"
Liam shook his head, grinning. "Nah, let her have fun. It's entertaining."
By the end of lunch, the dynamic at the table had become a lively, teasing rhythm. Sara realized that despite Maya's antics, Aiden was someone she genuinely wanted to know.
Aiden, meanwhile, was silently grateful for Sara's steady presence. With her nearby (even if separated by Maya and the rest of the group), the overwhelming chaos of the cafeteria felt just a little more manageable.