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Garçon judged Grégorie’s wink to be not too bad. The boy merely laughed. “Why? Are you an expert?” he asked, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Garçon really was. If this school gave lessons in annoying flirting, Garçon would pass with flying colors. No wonder he had his own theory about the hatred of winking that Grégorie had just shared with him. The guy’s suggestion was laughable, to say the least.
“Yes, definitely. I beg you to stop because I’m really about to lose my mind.” He paused for a moment to let the boy think that Grégorie was conceding his point. Though at this stage of their conversation, he should already know that it was just a tease. “Because of how much second-hand embarrassment I feel when you do that.” He smiled pityingly. “It really doesn’t look as appealing as you think it does.”
He laughed at the fact that Garçon turned his jab around as something positive. Grégorie couldn’t deny (though he really wanted to) that this discussion had required him to be incredibly focused and to use all his brain cells. At the very beginning, he had assumed that Garçon was a typical class underdog who could only run in circles on the field. Although he hadn’t completely changed his initial opinion (he still thought of him as a playboy) he had to admit that Garçon was a smart cookie. “Really? Have you always wanted to? I can personally make sure that you will soon find yourself in such a cage if you don’t stop leaning towards me. I can even push you into the water.” He winked ostentatiously, referring to their previous topic. Of course, he was only joking and didn’t really want either of them to find themselves in shark-infested water. Which didn’t change the fact that Garçon’s behavior was really driving him crazy. How often does he have to communicate to him that any charming words or seductive looks only make things worse? Every time Garçon did something brilliant, he had to screw it up by winking as if a fly had flown into his eye.
“And the most handsome?” asked Garçon.
“By asking that question, you prove that you are neither humble nor handsome,” Grégorie commented on his demeanor, smiling almost imperceptibly. The guy’s excitement and the fact that he was laughing with his whole soul would perhaps have been attractive to him in the past. Now he regarded it merely as a facade. A mask behind which hid a more sensitive part of the boy, protected by yet another thick, stringy layer of darkness. It would surface in its own time, like a mob attacking something unknown, defending this fragile shell of supreme value. Therefore, trying to get into it was pointless. And that’s why trying to know Garçon better was impossible.
Surprisingly, Garçon stepped back from him and zipped his mouth. Literally. It was probably the first, most sincere, and the kindest thing he had done (not that he had much competition). Grégorie quietly laughed under his breath, and he too smiled sincerely. For the first time that meeting. However, he quickly reconsidered. He raised his hands to the sky in a thankful gesture. “Hallelujah. Finally. Please, make sure to keep them closed forever.” He joked in a light tone. He didn’t want to hurt his feelings or have a sense of victory this time. Their scores evened out for a moment. They were both able to stop holding their guard and relax for just a bit. Garçon became much more bearable. Though probably not for long. It was only a matter of time before he would throw in a sassy joke or hint again about kissing or something similar that. Then he’ll be a flirtatious ball and chain again.
Garçon seemed eager to help. He listened carefully to Grégorie, though he probably didn’t understand the stress Grégorie was actually experiencing. He liked adrenaline and adventure, but parties were not like that. Loud music overwhelmed him, and the pressure of the crowd caused him to have panic attacks. He only went to dances with his friend from the village where he grew up. He and Audrey had known each other since childhood. Her mother was a local nurse, and her daughter inherited from her a caring nature. But also a feisty character. She didn’t give a d*mn and killed with brutal honesty (which Grégorie appreciated immensely). She understood his mood swings and rarely forced him to show up at knees-ups, but sometimes she convinced him. She drank too much alcohol, but she always made sure that Grégorie had a good time and did not sink into the crowd of the rest of the intoxicated youths. Despite such a long history together, Grégorie and Audrey were by no means that close together. They met from time to time and called each other every two weeks. Audrey did not push Grégorie for better contact, and Grégorie expected just that from her. Perhaps that was why their friendship had lasted so long? However, there were things his friend didn’t know. The secrets, a hidden hatred for certain people, private musical experiences. Grégorie would have to be incredibly connected to someone to confide those mysteries. Since he didn’t like opening up to others, he’d probably take them with him to the grave.
Garçon put on a serious face and presented his plan. It was unbelievably simple; even a child would understand it. However, often seemingly simple plans can be unimaginably difficult to execute. Grégorie knew that asking the boy for help might have turned a mistake in the near future, but right now, he needed two pairs of eyes to get out of this place.
“Okay!” he said with more excitement than he had expected. Any adventure or conspiracy always gave him a sudden rush of energy. Maybe if the situation was more conducive and his partner more bearable, he would show more enthusiasm.
He looked around the cafeteria once more. He searched with his eyes for the girl with pink hair. Finding her shouldn’t be that difficult, and yet Grégorie couldn’t spot her. “Can you see her?” he asked the other agent (they should give each other some nicknames, Grégorie will take care of that surely). They couldn’t stumble upon her by accident. Then the whole plan would give foul. Grégorie had to suggest something else. “So, we must bypass the booth. Despite her absence, it’s still a dangerous place.” He directed his gaze in its direction. “You’ll follow me and tell me if anyone is coming. We’ll have to come up with some kind of password… otherwise, the girl might figure out we’re avoiding her.”
He could see a vacant corridor ahead of him emerging from between the chattering groups of students. This was their only chance to get out of this place. Unfortunately, they would have to walk either very close to the booth (but far enough away that there was a 60% chance that no one would notice them) or a place where no students were standing. Then they would be in plain sight, and the pink-haired girl they were looking for could spot them herself. Which option should they choose?
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??? Your post was amazing! I read it like 653485364 times, it was so good! My on the other hand…
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Cafeteria 
