your classmate's verbal tic is a charming one, it doesn't seem out of place nor forced in the slightest ---- it, simply put, is endearing. seated in the lounge she's conversing with someone when you hear the word jump momentarily in her speech, && your mind, for reasons unknown to you, locks onto the word in that moment. it's one that's fun to say, the syllables meshing nicely with one another, hopping off the tongue ( rather fitting ), && with your full attention elsewhere you begin repeating it in your head, ribbit, ri - bit, rii - bit ...
" ribbit. " your mind snaps back to the present upon hearing your own voice, realizing the word has actually left your mouth ---- aloud. you feel your face go hot, red spreading from your cheeks to your ears ( is that a bit of steam rising from your shoulder ? ), && you swallow dryly, aiming your gaze firmly in the opposite direction ---- hoping, no praying, that nobody heard that.