Chapter 5: Koala

After they were done with the lecture, Kyle immediately stood up, his chair scraping against the floor, and walked away quickly. He didn’t even glance at Arden.

Arden’s heart tightened. He packed his books in a rush, his fingers fumbling with the zippers of his bag. He couldn’t let Kyle go like that — not when Kyle had been his best friend since childhood, the one person he could never afford to lose.

“Kyle, wait!” Arden called softly as he hurried after him.

The hallway outside the lecture hall buzzed with students talking, some heading to their next class, others laughing in groups. Arden squeezed through, nearly bumping into someone before catching Kyle’s arm.

Kyle stopped and turned sharply, his frown deep. “What is it?” he snapped, his tone short and cold.

Arden immediately dropped his gaze. He hated when Kyle was upset with him. Slowly, he looked up, his lips pouting just a little, and his eyes wide — the same innocent look he had used on Kyle since they were kids. “I’m sorry,” Arden whispered.

Kyle blinked, trying to resist, but Arden knew him too well. That puppy look always broke his guard. He sighed loudly, looking away as if trying to keep his anger intact.

“You knew you wouldn’t be able to come for my birthday party,” Kyle said finally, his voice quieter but still filled with disappointment. “So why did you promise to come? Huh? You lifted my hopes so high, Arden.”

Arden’s chest tightened. He swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I really wanted to come. But…” His voice broke. “I was locked up at home.”

For a moment, Kyle’s expression softened. He knew Arden’s situation wasn’t normal. He had heard bits and pieces about how his uncle treated him, though Arden always tried to hide the full truth.

Kyle let out a breath and shook his head. “I’m not blaming you, Arden. I understand. All I’m saying is, don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s better not to promise at all than to raise expectations and end up in trouble.”

Arden nodded quickly, his lips pressing into a small smile. “I get it. I won’t do that again.”

Kyle studied him for a moment, then finally let his frown fade. He slapped Arden lightly on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s head to the cafeteria.”

Arden’s smile widened with relief. He walked beside Kyle, their steps matching, like they had always done since childhood.

~~~~~

The cafeteria was buzzing with life, the air filled with the smell of food — fried rice, beans, bread, and stew, the sounds of clattering trays and chatter echoing through the wide space. Students crowded the counters, some laughing, some complaining about prices.

Kyle’s eyes scanned the room until he found a small empty table near the window. “There,” he said, pointing. They walked toward it and sat down.

“So,” Kyle began, turning to Arden, “what do you want to eat?”

Arden immediately shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’ve already eaten. I’m full.”

But right on cue, his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl. The sound was so clear that a few students nearby turned and chuckled.

Arden’s cheeks burned red. He quickly looked away, scratching his head nervously.

Kyle stared at him, unimpressed. “Full, huh?” he said dryly.

Arden waved his hand. “I—I am. Really.”

Kyle didn’t argue. He just stood up, muttering under his breath, “Liar.” He walked to the canteen line, ordered two plates of rice and stew, and came back carrying the trays with ease. He placed one in front of Arden.

Arden’s eyes widened at the sight of the food. His mouth watered instantly, but guilt tugged at him. He hesitated, looking from the food to Kyle.

“Eat,” Kyle ordered.

Arden picked up the spoon slowly, then gave in. The first bite was heavenly. He hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon. The food filled his empty stomach, warming him. He ate quickly, too quickly, until Kyle raised a brow.

“And you said you’re full,” Kyle said, shaking his head.

Arden froze mid-bite, embarrassed. He knew he had been caught. He lowered his spoon, guilt flashing across his face. The truth was, Kyle had been the one buying him lunch every day, and Arden had begun to feel guilty for always relying on him. That was why he lied.

“I didn’t want to bother you again,” Arden admitted softly. “You’ve been paying for me almost every day. I felt guilty, so I said I was full.”

Kyle leaned back, crossing his arms. His tone softened, but his eyes stayed firm. “Arden, between us two, there’s no such thing as ‘thank you’ or ‘bother.’ We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. We’ve shared toys, books, secrets… even our punishments back then.” He paused, his voice dropping. “Though I was absent during your worst time, I’ll never leave you alone again. So don’t thank me, and don’t lie to me either. Just tell me the truth.”

Arden’s eyes stung. He looked down at the plate, then back up at Kyle. A small, genuine smile crept onto his lips.

“You look like a koala when you’re serious,” Arden said suddenly, unable to help himself.

Kyle blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

Arden laughed, covering his mouth. “A koala. Small eyes, serious face. It’s cute.”

Kyle stared at him for a long moment, then shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “You’re unbelievable.”

But deep inside, Kyle was glad. Seeing Arden laugh like that — freely, without pain — was rare these days.