Someone entered the cafeteria at that moment, followed by another right after. Zayn checked the time and realized it was already lunch break. In no time, the cafeteria was crowded. Amidst all the people, one girl stood out because she was heading straight for Zayn's table at full speed.
— Carina ! Great, you didn't run off this time !
Zayn noticed she was talking to the girl in front of him, but the latter didn't seem to react, probably because the one calling her was behind her. Once she got close, the newcomer placed a hand on her shoulder and called out to her again.
— Carina, why aren't you responding ?
— Oh, sorry, I didn't hear you. How's it going ?
— Good ! Especially because, for once, I didn't have to look for you everywhere.
— It's because I was already in the company of someone. I wasn't just going to leave like that.
She looked in Zayn's direction. Her eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth fell open in shock. She quickly regained her composure and fixed her hair.
She was of Chinese origin, 20 years old, and in her second year.
Her hair was styled in a bob that didn't go past her chin, with a beautiful fringe almost touching her eyebrows. Her hair was a light shade of black, dare I say almost gray, while the inner sides of her strands had been dyed blue. Her eyes were a clear blue, perfectly matching the color she had dyed her hair in, giving her a slight resemblance to Carina, who also had eyes matching the color of her hair. On each side, her hair was tucked behind her ears, with delicate strands falling around her face.
She had applied peach-colored lipstick, a bit of foundation to conceal a few imperfections here and there, and a light touch of blush. A beauty mark was strategically placed at the corner of her right eye.
She wore four piercings on her right ear : two side by side, with the other two placed to fill the remaining space. In comparison, her left ear had none. Her earrings were mismatched : the one on the right was a golden dreamcatcher, its size resembling the shape of a circle formed by the union of the index and thumb. The left earring, smaller, was shaped like a silver smiley face. She also wore a beautiful silver necklace adorned with a small precious stone, a blue sapphire, undoubtedly authentic. It was pear-shaped and gently rested against her chest.
Her fashion style was unique and balanced. She wore a long dark blue skirt with an artistic wave pattern that covered her entire legs. The waist was very tight, highlighting her slim figure. What was striking was the contrast between her skirt, which gave her a somewhat modest look, and the complete lack of clothing above the waist. All she wore was a boxer bra.
Her entire arms, neck, shoulders, décolleté, stomach, and navel were exposed, giving her a mesmerizing appearance. Her arms were muscular, and she had perfectly sculpted abs.
Like Carina, she was a stunning creature, though different, yet equally remarkable in her own way.
— Hi, I'm Suzi, she introduced herself with a confident tone.
As she walked in his direction, she purposely missed her step and took a one-way trip to the pavement. Instinctively, Zayn jumped to his feet and rushed at full speed to catch this very distracted young lady. If he hadn't been quick enough, she would surely have suffered serious facial injuries. It was a very risky gamble !
— Phew, that was close !
— Oh my God, I was so scared ! Thank you so much !
Zayn was bent in half, bearing the weight of Suzi, who didn't seem to make the slightest effort to hold herself up. Her chest pressed directly against his, their hearts separated by barely a few centimeters. Feeling his muscular body holding her so firmly made her feel like she was in heaven.
Carina, unable to stand the crude scene for another second, abruptly stood up from her chair, pushing it loudly backward before delivering a kick to her friend's hip. Caught off guard, Zayn completely lost his grip, to his own surprise, which caused Suzi to collapse to the floor, falling to the side. She let out a muffled groan of pain.
— Isn't it a bit much to flirt with just anyone like that ?! You could have gotten hurt earlier, too ! Carina yelled.
"Isn't that a bit contradictory ? She just hurt her there…"
Zayn, lost and too tired to try to make sense of anything at this point, simply watched them in silence.
— Ouch… You're so harsh with me. You hurt me so much, and on top of that, you're yelling at me… I thought we were best friends… Why are you treating me like this ?
Suzi hid her face between her hands and started sobbing. Concerned, Carina immediately knelt down to get closer to her.
— Did it hurt that much ?! I'm really sorry !
But as soon as Carina lowered her guard, Suzi sprang up, grabbing Carina by the neck and choking her with all her strength.
— Ha, caught you !
— Argh ! You crazy girl, I should've seen that coming !
— You're too much of a softie, haha.
Zayn, going from one surprise to another, was completely confused, unsure whether he should intervene or not.
— Uh... Do you need...
Carina elbowed her friend in the side to break free from the hold. She then straddled her and grabbed both of her hands, pressing them together firmly as if preparing her for a prayer, before pointing them upwards.
— You're under arrest ! Anything you say can be used against you…
— Okay, stop. What's with all this nonsense ? Zayn interrupted, stunned by how things were turning out.
— I was about to make a great joke, why'd you cut me off ? Carina pouted.
— I… Urgh…
Exhausted, he sat back down in his chair without saying a word.
— Alright, you can let go now, I admit defeat.
Carina released her grip, and both of them sat side by side in the quietest manner possible as surprising as it may seem. Although the word "quiet" didn't appear to be in their vocabulary.