Lighter | Noriaki Kakyoin

12| Invisible Wonders

"I heard she hurt herself here at school" The whispers were bolder each time they repeated as if my lack of reaction worked as fuel. "What a freak. No wonder she and that red-headed come along so well. They both look like they had a catfight." More laughs and whispering followed this, and I could feel their stares behind my back.

Semi was dealing with his jealousy in the most childish way possible. Gossip around Kakyoin was already frequent, as it goes with all the school's heartthrobs. But this time, he had made sure I was part of it, just to piss me off even more.

"What a weird couple, honestly. They really fit each oth-" His words stopped mid-phrase as I heard a sound of moving cloth and gasps. I looked behind me to find Semi surrounded by others, his hands fumbling awkwardly at his dropped pants. He fought to lift the uniform, but something seemed to be holding it down to the ground.

I looked further behind to see Kakyoin's grin, a devilish shine in his eyes as he stared at the scene, and somehow I knew he had to be involved. Just what was going on here?

I should probably enjoy this sweet vengeance, but I couldn't look at the scene for too long. I'm not one to take pleasure in somebody else's suffering, even if they may deserve it. I averted my gaze with a displeased expression. Kakyoin appeared to have noticed, as his smile diminished and the invisible grip on the pants was released.

He was lucky to have recomposed barely in time for the teacher to arrive in class. We received a general reprimand and the period started. Still, I couldn't stop thinking about the strange occurrences of lately. The determination to come forth and ask about what's been happening was already unshakeable inside of me when the bell rang to the interval.

I hesitated for a moment. Should I go talk to Semi? When I looked behind me, all I received was a cold shoulder bump from the child in question. I puffed as he left, trying my best to contain the anger. He's not going to win. I'm not going to let him drink my patience dry. 

Less scared of the consequences this time, I made my way to the rooftop. The number of students grew smaller as I neared it, the rare quietude calling to me and my throbbing head. My feet guided me confidently to through the steps.

"...not sure if I am strong enough, Jojo."

I stopped dead on my tracks the moment I heard a familiar voice coming from the half-opened door. I'd never eavesdrop on anyone, especially on something so personal as this. However, something in his words forced me to stop and listen. He continued after some seconds of silence.

"I feel like I'm going to go crazy like this. I'm almost giving up on getting over it."

I unconsciously gripped the cloth beneath my heart at the tone, despair staining the edges of his voice. He sounded so vulnerable, it made me wish I could take the world out of his shoulders and keep him inside my pocket.

"You are doing well, Kakyoin." His friend sounded serious as usual on the surface, but to someone who had spent enough time listening to Jotaro talk, it was clear he had concern mixed in his tone.

There was clear tension in the air, and I wondered whether I should enter now or leave while I can. I was rooted once again, though, when Jotaro spoke up once again. "And you are not alone."

Sheer electricity boosted through my veins at this, as if this was my cue. I breathed heavily to calm my foolish heart and continued on the steps. I put on my most innocent face when I entered, cutting through the tension like I was diving in a pool of jelly.

"Is there space for one more here?" Kakyoin was honestly surprised by my sudden entrance, but Jotaro looked at me with acknowledgment.

"For you always, Yubi-chan." He motioned for me to join them in their gazing by the border. I gulped down my fear of heights and walked to his side. "I hope you are not too troubled by this chattering between our classmates."