Chapter 36: Are you developing a crush

As Elara took her well-earned seat at the lunch table, Amara couldn't shake the strange mix of admiration and fear she felt creeping up on her. I'm definitely not laughing at her again, she thought, remembering Elara's death glare. The system had caught it, of course, but everyone else, including the cameras, had been oblivious. Amara was in the clear at least for now.

Across the table, Devon was staring at the tray of insects like it was a plate of nuclear waste. His face had drained of all color, and he looked ready to bolt at any second.

"Go on, Devon. It's a delicacy somewhere... I'm sure," Felix said with a smirk, making no effort to hide his amusement.

The live chat was absolutely loving it:

[BuggedOut]: "Devon's gonna cry. I can feel it." [CrunchTime]: "Bet you 100 bucks he chickens out." [BrokeAndBetting]: "He HAS to eat the spider. If he doesn't, I'm unsubscribing."