*Virgil POV*

I'm back at school on Tuesday. Logan did end up a little sick from me, so we were both out on Monday. I feel a little bad for getting him sick, but he insists it's fine and he didn't care.

Our group project is due by the end of the month, apparently, it's a big project. I didn't really pay attention in class or care enough to. But now I will, because I do not want to fail this class. I can't.

"Alright class, today is going to be all work on your projects. If you have any questions, ask. You should be on part 3 by now, which is on pages 230-235 in your textbook," The teacher says.

I glance at my giant science textbook. Logan's is filled with sticky notes, presumably just notes, and bookmarks. Mine has a few scribbles and doodles on some pages. 

I move my stuff to the desk next to Logan's and we get started. That's when I notice someone's missing. One of our group members.

"Hey, don't we have a third person?" I ask.

Logan nods.

"She's being pouty and avoiding me,"

"Amy?"

He nods grimly. Well, there goes 1/3 of my grade. Who am I kidding, I'll probably end up doing it.

"Ok, so which part are we doing?" I ask.

"I'm done with part 1, you're doing part 2, Amy's doing part 3, and we repeat that order for the next 3 parts," Logan says.

I nod. I get started on part 5. I look through the textbook for Amy's part. She has the easiest. She is definitely being a brat by refusing to do it.

---

"We're grabbing ice cream in a bit if you want to come," Roman says.

I pull my backpack out of my locker. We got to leave study hall early, and there's no rehearsal today.

"Yeah, sure. Just as long as we drive back to get my car," I say.

"Mk," Roman says, "Meet you out there,"

The three of them leave the hallway.

I hear voices behind me.

"Look at that loser, he thinks he's actually friends with those kids," 

"I know right, it takes years to get with them, not a few months. Although I suppose he intimidated them. You've heard the rumors, right?"

"Yeah. But he looks like a total wanna-be,"

"Let's find out,"

I would usually give them a snarky remark, but that would involve confrontation. The three people talking turned to me.

"Hey, punk wanna-be, how many threats did you make to get in with them?" One asks, presumably the leader.

"None. Go away," I say.

"Nah, I don't think so,"

"Fine," I say, putting my headphones on.

I ignore their taunts. I grab my backpack and rush out of the hallway. One throws a pencil at me, hitting my neck. 

*Logan POV*

After 10 minutes of waiting, I get out of Patton's car to go look for Virgil. I find him in the bathroom. He quickly stands up, and I pretend not to see how red his eyes are.

"Oh hey, Lo," He says.

"Are you alright? We've been waiting for almost 15 minutes. Did something happen?" I ask.

"No. I just-" He pauses for a second, "Forgot. Sorry,"

My expression softens.

"If you don't want to go-"

"That's not what I said," He snaps.

He walks over to the other side of the room and grabs his backpack. That's when I notice something.

"Virgil, are you sure you're alright?" I ask.

"Yes. I'm fine. Why do you keep asking?" He says.

"For starters, you've been limping a bit for the past few days. And you look like you've been crying,"

"Oh. That's nothing, I have allergies," He says.

"Virgil," I say, a little stern, "Why have you been limping?"

"It's nothing. I'm fine," He says.

"Falsehood,"

We both hold each other's gaze for a minute.

"I. Am. Fine," He insists.

"Again, falsehood. I will continue to persist on this topic,"

I am not backing down, he seems injured and I want to know why, so I can help him properly heal. And so I know who to tell Roman and Patton to attack.

"I will get Patton to physically fight you if you don't tell me," I say.

Patton's way of physically fighting is a tackle hug, and Virgil avoids them at all costs.

"Fine. When I was sick on Thursday I went to the grocery store where some jerks attacked me. My leg's only a bit bruised,"

"What did they look like?"

He describes them. I know exactly who they are. Jocks, who are very limited in our school, but still think they're figuratively at the top just because they play sports.

"They won't hurt you again," I promise.

No one is going to hurt Virgil anymore. I know he says he's fine, but I don't think he is. 

"I can handle it, Logan. I swear if you do anything I'll-" He stops to think, "Steal your Crofter's,"

I gasp.

"You wouldn't dare,"

"I would. Don't tell anyone about it, I don't want pity," He says.

"Virgil-"

"Look, Logan, just forget about it. Let's go get some ice cream," He says.

I relent. I do see where he is coming from, but I don't think this is the most logical course of action.

*Patton POV*

A few minutes after Logan leaves, he comes back with Virgil.

"Everything ok kiddos?" I ask.

They nod. I smile and start the car. 

"What kind do you want?" I ask.

"Vanilla," Logan says.

"Mint chip," Roman says.

"Salted caramel," Virgil says.

I order all those and strawberry for myself.

"Did you get salted caramel because you're so salty?" Roman asks Virgil.

He smirks.

"I gotta keep my saltiness up, don't I?"

They both laugh a bit.

"That's- That's not how it works-" Logan says, very confused.

"He is the saltiest!" I say.

"I may be a prince, but Virgil is the salt king," Roman says.

"Ok, you guys can have some of my ice cream," Virgil says, trading his ice cream cone with Roman's.

---

On Friday after school, I'm walking around in the park, wishing I had a dog to walk.

"Patton?" Someone says.

I twirl around.

"Yeah?" I ask.

I see Amy.

"You'd want to know if someone was hiding something from you, right?" She asks.

I nod, slowly. What is she talking about?

"Well, you might want to ask your friend Virgil about that. Or is he your friend?" She says.

She pauses for a moment while what she told me sinks in.

"Well, I got to go. Just thought I'd warn you," She says, walking off.

I'm left standing there, questioning everything. I guess I'll be talking with my friends on Monday. But is confrontation the best way to solve this? What if they are hiding something from me?

Salti boi. Also, all of the ice cream flavors mentioned are probably my favorites. Salted caramel and mint mostly. But cookie dough is also amazing. Heck, all ice cream is. Now I'm hungry for ice cream, great. Feel free to leave any thoughts, theories, or feedback in the comments. I hope you enjoyed reading and have a splendorous day/night you magnificent peep!