I want all of you to know I had every intention of finishing this in the previous chapter; but here's more because I'm weak for long-winded positive commentary.
I had this for weeks? Did it delete itself? Did I- did I forget to post it before?
Chapter 11: Rollercoaster
Jared slumps into the table; completely alone.
Part of him is proud, because for the first time ever, Evan Hansen has taken initiative, has gone after the person he likes, something that most definitely spikes his anxiety; that's kind of amazing.
Part of him is suffering, because if it goes well, if Evan manages to catch Connor, they'll realize they both like each other, and it'll be the beginning of the end. Jared knows Connor doesn't like him, actually probably hates him even, and he knows Evan will try to play mediator but will eventually side with Connor, because Jared doesn't know how to shut up.
He's pulled out of his thoughts by a cough; he lifts his eyes and sees a tall boy, black haired with red highlights, he wears a camera on his neck, what looks like a band t-shirt, and probably jeans; Jared can't really tell, and he's not making it obvious he's staring.
"Hey, is this seat empty?"
The stranger points to a chair in front of Jared, he has an easy going smile, it's almost contagious.
"Sure, don't mind the decorations; there was some teenage drama a few seconds ago"
The other chuckles brightly as he sits down, lifting a bag into the table.
"I didn't plan to, but now you've made me curious"
He takes the camera off his neck and gently places it on the table, at a safe distance, then proceeds to unpack his lunch; Jared takes a few bites of his own lunch for something to do.
"Sorry man, not spilling"
"Pity"
He's eating what looks like rice with chicken and eggs, some sort of weird salad. Jared tries to think of why this guy decided to sit with him, he sees a group of people with oddly colored hair glancing at both of them, probably friends with the guy; and honestly this is getting ridiculous.
"What's your name?"
"Right, where are my manners, I'm Trevor Fletcher, I'm in the yearbook committee, you're Jared, right?"
He offers a hand; Jared gives him a somewhat amused look, who shakes hands nowadays?
"Yeah, Jared Kleinman"
He takes the hand, because why the fuck not, but instead of shaking it like he expects, Trevor brings it to his lips smoothly, and Jared is gone, holy shit.
"Pleasure"
He's dreaming, there's no way this guy with his picture perfect smile, and his fucking pretty face, and unfairly green eyes just made a move on Jared. No there has to be a better explanation, only, upon seeing Jared's reaction, Trevor gets legitimately flustered.
"Too much?"
Fuck he's cute.
"Are you- are you hitting on me?"
Trevor gives him a sheepish smile and softly releases his hand; Jared doesn't know how to cope.
"I can back off"
"No, shit, I just- now's not the time, so…"
"Ah, that's fine, really, I get it"
Somehow, Jared believes him. Trevor doesn't get up and leave, just resumes eating his meal in silence, providing Jared with some much needed company.
By the end of lunch Trevor stands up and goes to the group of people with oddly colored hair, proving Jared right; only then does he notice the lunch bag he left behind, now filled with green hearts; a statement.