Jonas strolled into the dormitory’s breakfast room and plopped on the couch next to Isabella. The German boy’s muscles rippled under a tight v-neck tee. He’d danced with her at the party last night, but only seemed to have eyes for the new Japanese girl. The Italian blood coursing through Isabella’s veins meant to end his fascination with her.

Jonas rubbed his head. “I have a cat.”  I’m hung over

She touched his elbow. “I don’t care about your pets. I like you just the way you are. Listen, something’s boiling in the saucepan (Something’s up) with our little French friend.”

Jonas raised his head, his eyes looking cross. “Gabriel? He’s dumber than a bean straw.”  Thick as a brick

“Water in your mouth—”  Keep this little secret between you and me

“Huh?”

“I saw him sneak away last night with Sakura.” Jonas looked shocked. “Yep. Arm around her shoulder, whispering into her ear, and she was giggling. It doesn’t rain on it!”  No doubt about it

Jonas smacked his forehead. “I believe I spider!” I think I’m going crazy

“Wow, you did have too much to drink last night. You’re definitely not a spider.” Isabella shifted closer. “I know you have a thing for Sakura. But you know, if one pope dies, another will be elected.” There are more fish in the sea

Jonas looked confused. “I can only understand train station.” I don’t understand the words that are coming out of your mouth

Now or never. Isabella leaned closer. But before she could make her move the door opened and Gabriel and Sakura danced in.

“Jonas!” Gabriel’s voice boomed. “Looks like you got a wooden mouth.” You look hungover

Jonas arched his shoulders. “I ought to take you out to where the fox and the hare say goodnight to each other, (In the middle of nowhere) so they can’t find your body after.”

Gabriel’s smile vanished. “Why do you have mustard going up your nose?” Why are you angry?

“What’s going on?,” Sakura said. “The nail that sticks up will be hammered down.” By standing out, you invite criticism

“Mustard in my nose? I ain’t talking about food. Let’s get to where the dog is buried. (Get to the heart of the matter) You lured me to the party. Told me the bear dances there. (It would be a great party) And then you run off with my date!”

Isabella flushed. “Jonas! You can’t keep a chickpea in your mouth!” You can’t keep a secret

“Isabella!” Sakura said. “Did you tell Jonas? I have no face to show! (I’m so embarrassed.)Let this be a lesson to you. One’s act, One’s profit.” You reap what you sow

“You wanted the bicycle.” You made the choice, now live with the consequences

“No bicycles. We drove to the party. But whatever. That’s the last time I speak to you with my belly cut open!” speak honestly

Jonas crowded into Gabriel’s space. “Let’s not talk around the hot porridge.” Beat around the bush

“Porridge? Where? I’m hungry.”

Isabella laughed in spite of the tension. “I think you mistake fireflies for lanterns.” Confuse one thing for another.

Gabriel shrugged. “If he wants to fight, no problem. He’ll sense the fir tree.” be very close to death

Jonas’ face turned even redder. “You could press your thumbs (cross your fingers) all you want, it won’t help!”

“Thumbs? I can beat you with my fingers in my nose! (It would be very easy)You have swollen ankles.” You are arrogant, full of yourself

Sakura stepped between them. “Boys. Even monkeys fall out of trees.” Everyone makes mistakes.

“Who you calling a monkey?”

Sakura looked exasperated. “Jonas, if you want to eat big eyes (Chew someone out), do it to me, not Gabriel.”

Eat big eyes? Isabella crinkled her nose in confusion. Gabe and Jonas also seemed befuddled.

“You know,” Sakura continued. “As the rain falls, the ground hardens.” Hardships make you stronger.

“Anyone know what she’s talking about?” Jonas said.

Isabella patted Jonas’ arm. “I think she’s asking you not to have a demon for every hair.” Be extremely angry

“My friend,” Gabriel said. “I know what it’s like to have the cockroach (Be down in the dumps). But—” 

“You calling me a cockroach? Why just yesterday, you were asking for extra sausage!” requesting special treatment

“I don’t even like sausage! And by the way, you Germans think your wurst is so special. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t break three legs on a duck!” It’s nothing special

Isabella stepped forward. “I don’t know what you two are talking about, but I think I need to swallow the toad (eat crow). Every time a pope dies (once in a blue moon), two people meet that are perfect for each other. I saw that in Gabriel and Sakura, and I was jealous. Now, with no hair on my tongue (I’m speaking frankly), I hoped Jonas would like me that way. But I can see he never will. So into the mouth of the wolf (good luck) for the two of you. Aren’t I just the dog in the church.” (unwelcome guest)

Jonas stared at her. “Are you saying what I think you are saying? I think my pig whistles.” I think I’m dreaming

“I don’t know about your pig,” Isabella said, feeling woozy. “But by the look in your eyes, I’m hoping this story could show up in a pink book.” A romance novel

Gabriel smiled. “Looks like I’m not the only one to have a lightning bolt.” Fallen head-over-heels

Sakura smiled back. “Two bodies, one heart.” Needs no clarification, hopefully. A beautiful Japanese idiom