Riddles in the Cafeteria

Kai slumped against the cafeteria wall, clutching his juice box like it was the last **vitamin** C on Earth. Which, honestly, it might as well have been—exam week was draining everyone's life force faster than a glitchy iPhone battery.

"You're doing it again," Maya said, sliding onto the bench beside him. "That thing where your face looks like a confused **goldfish**."

"I do not have a goldfish face."

"Bro, you literally have resting **goldfish** face right now." She flipped her phone around. "It's a vibe. Embrace it."

Kai groaned. The situation: Emma, the captain of the debate team and actual human sunshine, had invited him to her study group. The problem: Kai had zero clue how to be a normal human around her without saying something incredibly awkward.

His service **dog**, Luna, nudged his hand with her wet nose. She'd been trained since puppyhood to detect his anxiety spikes, and right now she was probably judging him hard. Good girl.

"Just be yourself," Maya said, stealing his juice box.

"Myself is the problem. Last time I talked to Emma, I accidentally explained how the Great **Sphinx** of Giza lost its nose for seven minutes straight. Her eyes glazed over so hard I thought she'd entered a trance state."

"Okay, first"—Maya held up one finger—"the **Sphinx** facts are actually iconic. Second, maybe she likes that you're passionate about weird stuff? Ever consider that?"

"Passionate? I literally showed her a PowerPoint at lunch. Who does that?"

"Someone who's genuine." Maya's expression softened. "Look, Emma's not like those other kids who only care about their Instagram aesthetic. She joined the Egyptology club last month, remember?"

Kai blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

"Duh. Why do you think she asked you to study? She probably thinks your **Sphinx** rant was the most interesting thing anyone's said all year."

Luna licked his chin, leaving a wet stripe on his skin. Kai started laughing—really laughing—for the first time all week. The nervous knot in his chest loosened.

"You know what? I'm going. Even if I make a fool of myself."

"That's the spirit," Maya grinned. "Besides, worst case, Luna will be there to comfort you when you crash and burn."

"You're supposed to be building my confidence, not predicting my doom."

"I'm building realistic confidence," she called as Kai gathered his backpack. "Go get 'em, **goldfish** face!"

The entire cafeteria turned to stare. Kai didn't even care. Some things were worth being embarrassed for.