John quickly intervened. “You don’t have to listen to Ruby, Yvette. We’ll talk to Mr. Sunderland. If you don’t want to join, you don’t have to.”

Hearing Yvette had already agreed, Ruby interjected, “Since you’ve agreed to join the Arts Festival, I’ll be looking forward to it. The application forms will be sent to each department by the student council.” She then led her group away, eager to leave before Yvette changed her mind.

Yvette noticed Bonnie and John’s worried expressions and felt touched by their concern. “Come on, let’s go. If we don’t hurry, the pork ribs in the cafeteria will be gone!” Bonnie, suddenly remembering the ribs, slapped her thigh and pulled Yvette along.

John followed, carrying the documents, watching Bonnie rush ahead while Yvette strolled calmly. He sighed, wondering how they could be thinking about pork ribs at such a time. This was a school-wide competition, sometimes even broadcast live by media sponsors. If they didn't do well… John felt a wave of worry. He then remembered the last Frixyian competition, which calmed him slightly. She always surprised people. If she agreed to join the Arts Festival, she must have a plan! Ever since meeting Yvette, John felt like a nagging mother.

“Wait for me! I want some too!” John called out.

In the cafeteria, Andrew stared at his bowl, then at Jeremiah’s and his own. A surge of unfairness washed over him. Why did the cafeteria lady give Jeremiah so much food but skimp on his? Jeremiah’s plate overflowed with ribs, while he only had three or four—for the same price! This was blatant discrimination, he thought.

“If you keep staring like that, you’re going to burn a hole through your bowl,” Jeremiah teased.

Jeremiah’s long legs didn't quite fit under the table, making him look uncomfortable. The nearby girls glanced at them, their attention mostly focused on Jeremiah.

Andrew glanced at Jeremiah, slowly chewing his food. “Jeremiah, what’s with the outfit today? Trying to relive your high school days?”

Jeremiah wore a white T-shirt, track pants, and sneakers. Andrew had never seen him dressed like this, even in college. He was shocked.

Jeremiah hesitated. “Just threw something on,” he replied casually.

Andrew was speechless. Does Jeremiah think I’m blind? He spent half an hour choosing that outfit! And he calls it "just throwing something on"?

It looked simple, but Andrew wasn't fooled. Jeremiah’s outfit was custom-made from an exclusive designer brand in Betrico, and those shoes? Tens of thousands of dollars.

When did Jeremiah start lying so blatantly? He’s changed! Andrew thought. He examined Jeremiah’s outfit again. Why does this look so familiar?

Then Yvette walked in, and it hit him. They were wearing matching outfits! No one would believe they weren't a couple.

“Yvette, Bonnie, over here!” Andrew called out.

Their table stood out, drawing everyone’s attention. Even from afar, Jeremiah’s commanding presence was felt. Most kept their distance, except for a few bold girls.

When Andrew called, Bonnie quickly dragged Yvette over. Their table was hard to miss; it was the only one with empty seats at lunchtime.

“Andrew, Top Dog, you’re eating here too? What a coincidence…” Bonnie said.

Jeremiah nodded and looked at Yvette. “I’ve got your ribs and rice ready; sit down and enjoy.”

Yvette casually placed a candy in front of Jeremiah—a clear exchange for the meal.

Jeremiah chuckled, pocketed the candy. The others felt overwhelmed by their sweetness. Bonnie winked at John to get food.

Andrew felt upset by Bonnie’s carefree attitude. Doesn’t this girl know there’s a difference between boys and girls? He cleared his throat. “Hey, John, you stay seated. Bonnie and I will get the food.”

Andrew pushed John into a chair and dragged Bonnie off. Even from a distance, their bickering was audible.

“Hey, don’t drag me around! I’m the physics department representative! Show some respect!” Bonnie protested.

Andrew released his grip. “All right, I’ll show you some respect.”

“Hmph, that’s better,” Bonnie huffed.

John felt like a huge third wheel. It’s creepy how these two even eat at the same pace! he mused. He wished he could disappear.

When Bonnie and Andrew returned, John sat exactly as before. His eyes lit up upon seeing them.

Bonnie got no food, but Andrew, using his charm, managed to snag the last two servings.

With this small victory, Andrew regained his confidence. Indeed, as long as I’m not standing next to Jeremiah, I still have my own charisma.

At the table, it was mostly silent, except for occasional conversation between Andrew and Bonnie. Yvette ate ribs while Jeremiah refilled her glass. John kept his head down, eating quietly.

After the meal, Bonnie sneaked a look at Yvette and Jeremiah. They noticed her gaze but ignored her. It wasn’t until Bonnie huffed that Yvette asked, “What’s up?”

Bonnie slapped her forehead. “I finally figured out what’s wrong!”

Even John looked up. “Bonnie, why the fuss?”

Bonnie realized everyone was looking at her. She sat back down awkwardly. “Top Dog, you and Yvette are wearing matching outfits today—like a couple’s outfit,” she remarked.

Jeremiah gave Bonnie an approving look. She’s more observant than Andrew. She’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Yvette set down her cutlery, glanced at Jeremiah, and shook her head. “Not really,” she replied.

Jeremiah felt disappointed. What does “not really” mean?

Bonnie smiled. “Yeah, now that I think about it, it doesn’t really look like it. Yvette, you usually wear canvas shoes, while Top Dog here sticks to sneakers.”

Andrew laughed in disbelief. Where did these two completely clueless women come from? Yvette seemed to agree!

Andrew felt sorry for Jeremiah. He still had a long way to go.

John’s phone rang. It was Tobias. After a short conversation, John hung up and glanced at Yvette. “Hey, someone’s looking for you in the office.”