Everybody's Romeo, Nobody's Juliet

Chapter Seven: The School Festival

Omer beamed at her. She raised her had for a high five but received a hug from him instead.

"I told you he likes you."

Rose looked up and saw Erik and Nuri. She stood up but Omer didn't let go of her hand. "Hi Nuri, it's nice to see you again."

"Great to see you too." He replied. "You gave me quite a workout."

She stared at him with a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"Rocket ship."

"Oh!" She laughed. "Sorry about that, I didn't realize he'd make you do it too." She lightly squeezed Omer's hand. "Too fun, right?"

Omer nodded then added, "Do you want to play with me?"

"Sure but may be later. I'm still helping my friend out." She replied.

"Awwww." Omer pouted. He shuffled his feet as he looked down at them.

She ruffled his hair. "I'm sorry but I promised we'll play later. I'll give you some cookies as a treat too." She turned to Nuri. "Is he allowed to eat cookies?"

"Why do you always ask that?" Erik and Marco asked at the same time. They gave each other a confused look.

Rose she stared at the both of them.

"How do you guys know she always asks that?" Nuri asked, folding his hands over his chest and shifting his eyes at them.

Erik answered first. "She asked me that earlier when she offered me a cookie." He looked over to Marco.

"She asked me when we went out to eat ice cream." Marco said. "Do you always ask that before offering someone food?"

Rose shook her head and grinned. "Only when the person is on a strict diet. Like you guys."

"Omer isn't on a strict diet." Marco argued.

"Well, I don't know if Nuri limits his sugar intake, do I?"

"Wait," Erik interrupted, an eyebrow raised. "You guys went out for ice cream?"

Marco bobbed his head. "Last Saturday."

"So, you guys are going out?"

"No, of course not." Marco replied in a matter-of-fact manner.

Rose felt a pang in her chest. 'Well, what'd you expect, that he'd say yes? Moron.'

"So you guys made cookies for the fundraising?" Nuri asked as he took Omer by the hand. Omer kept swinging his father's arm.

"Uh-huh, and some other pastries."

She felt Erik's hand on the hollow of her back. "You should try her strawberry custard, it's amazing." He placed his free hand on his lips and kissed it like an Italian chef.

"Umm... those are already gone."

Erik patted her back before slipping it inside his front pocket. "See? I told you they were good."

She saw Thomas Tuchel walking to their direction. "Hello there." He nodded at Rose before turning to his team. "The next event is in a few minutes. Then one more before the closing ceremony."

"What's the next event?" Shinji asked.

Their coach adjusted first the sleeve of his jacket before replying, "Ball toss, I think."

"I don't think I can throw properly, my hands are freezing." Marco said. He cupped his hands around his mouth and breathed on it. "Can't wait for winter break."