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If there was something that everyone knew about Nico Di Angelo was that he loved McDonald's. It was his most important personality trait for many and all of his friends loved how happy he became when he walked into one of the many restaurants of the chain. So, when he suddenly stopped wanting to go, everyone suspected that there was something behind his "I don't feel like" as they were just excuses.
Jason, his flatmate, had been trying to get him to the one in their corner for weeks, but it seemed impossible. Meanwhile, Nico was weaker and sadder each day. It was pretty noticeable that something was worrying him. Nevertheless, no one could guess what was inside his head.
Until one day, Reyna, his best friend, tired of how Nico was not the same as always, decided to take the matter into her own hands. She went alone to their usual McDonalds, paying attention to every detail. She was afraid to find an old bully of Nico as a manager. Or that they didn't have the kids' menu anymore. Instead, she discovered something very different that caused her a big smile. It took her only a few minutes to return to her friends’ house, excited about sharing the news.
"I know it," she said, just after coming into the living room.
Both Jason and Nico looked at her with surprise without understanding what the hell she was talking about. She didn't care about it and continued to yell, excited.
It had to happen around five minutes until Nico got tired of her screams and interrupted her.
“What the fuck do you know?” A roguish smile appeared on her face as the Sun does in the sky.
"Oh! I know many things," she said, trying to bother him. “I know which’s your favorite color and how bad your high school experience was and what was your favorite concert, and I know why you have been avoiding going to a McDonald's for the last few days."
Nico’s expression didn’t change, but Jason’s one did, turning into an amazed face due to the researching qualities of the girl. However, Nico didn’t look impressed or intimidated.
“I haven't avoided going; I just didn't fancy a hamburger lately," he said, as calm and cold as ever.
"C'mon, bro. You have been avoiding the McDonald's, at least, recognize that. I'm no one to gossip about your private life, but I think that, as your best friend, I deserve to be told the truth," Jason added.
Nico directed his friends an angry glaze before trying to leave the room. Nevertheless, Reyna didn't let him, standing in front of the door.
“I am.” she declared with her usual and scary strength. "It isn't something bad, Nico. We should be able to talk about these issues."
"It isn't anything at all," he insisted, although he didn't sound so convincing as before.
“Remember your sessions with your therapist. It's important to talk about your feelings: you shouldn't avoid them. I know it's difficult for you after all the hurt you've received because of them, but you're the bravest person I've ever met. I know you're going to be able to do it." She said, more considerate than early. Her voice now was as soft as a blanket, so only Nico could hear her. Despite her rage, Nico felt instantly calm by just listening to her.
He breathed, trying to calm down, and let Reyna guide him to the sofa when Jason was waiting. He sat between his best friends and even tolerate the girl tossing his hair a little. Then he breathed again.
“Can you say it, Reyna?” he asked.
She shook her head “No, you have to do it for yourself. And remember, step by step.”
He drew a shy smile before starting.
"There's a boy. He's one of the waiters and he's new. He's blond and could light the whole world with his smile. He's very handsome. I think his name is Will, but I'm not very sure of that part. He has winked at me the last time I went, that's why I've decided to not return. He looks like an angel with his curls. It’s like the Sun has chosen him or something like that.” It was obvious he has stopped thinking and was just chaotically rambling about this guy. Both Jason and Reyna were smiling while listening to him as they’ve never seen their friend so excited before. “Have I said how beautiful he is? And I got so nervous the other day when he winked at me that I spill half of my drink over my t-shirt. What an embarrassment. In front of a good-looking boy. What a shame. How the fuck can people flirt without making a fool of themselves? And I haven’t talked about his eyes, but it’s because they’re so gorgeous that I don’t have words for them. They’re bluer than the ocean. And he even has freckles. I don’t lie when I say that he’s the most attractive guy in the world. Wait, you've seen him, Reyna, what do you think?"
“Nico, I don’t like boys. You know that.”
“I thought you were bisexual,” he replied.
“I am. Well, sometimes I’ve doubts, but it doesn’t matter. I’m bi, but I don’t like boys.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Jason alleged.
“It does, believe me. However, I’m not going to discuss my sexuality with any of you right now. Probably, that conversation is never going to happen. But yes, I guess the guy is pretty.”
Nico smiled while blushing after being aware of her monologue about the waiter.
“So, you’ve got a crush, what are you going to do?” Jason said.
Nico looked at him like he had just said that he was a child of Jupiter.
“First, I don’t have a crush on him. Second, I’ve said before what I’m going to do: not come back to the McDonald’s, unless he stops working there.”
Jason almost insisted a bit more, but Reyna prevented him from doing it. Instead, they spent the rest of the night watching Nico's favorite movie, Casablanca. Of course, Reyna slept there because the three of them drifted off on the sofa.
They continued their conversation the next morning while they were having breakfast in the kitchen. Nico was drinking a Nesquik; Reyna and Jason were eating pancakes. The three felt peaceful and comfortable there; even Reyna, who didn’t live in this flat, considered that it was her home.
"I don't have to work today," the girl said, casually. "Do you want to spend the day together?"
They nodded, focusing on their breakfasts, and Reyna smile.
“We are going to eat at the McDonald’s," she affirmed.
Nico gasped, before refusing: "No way."
“I didn’t ask for your opinion. It’s a fact, we’re going there and you can’t miss it.”
“I’ve just remembered that I have to do a uni’s project. Sorry.” Nico made up, but his friend didn’t let herself be fooled by his weak excuse.
"Step by step," she recalled to him.
"Ok," he accepted.