Fragment / / Collab

Chapter Two: The Reunion

John only had the silence and his thoughts accompanying him as he walked to his supposed school, along with the slight tap of his shoes meeting concrete.

The hospital staff had informed him about the school building he supposedly used to attend. He had to take tons of tutor lessons to be able to come back at a high school grade level. Apparently, he had already skipped a grade before.

John couldn't help but stare at his feet while walking along the sidewalk. To be completely honest, he was more than a bit nervous. Doubt filled up his mind by each step.

He wouldn't know anyone there, even himself, though he had a slight idea. Perhaps maybe someone would know him? But he still couldn't remember anything about Wellston Private High School.

He turned a corner, and immediately dropped his boba drink. (For some reason, he felt like getting one. It gave him more courage in a way.)

It was a glorious school. The hospital described it a little less extravagantly. Shining marble tile, smooth brick and gray slabs of stone, all put neatly together into what could be a mansion.

The main building had multiple floors and students all over the campus. The campus also featured dorm buildings. Did he really go here?

Did he really belong?

Well, yes. John glanced down, his blue blazer matching that of the students filing in the doors.

He picked up his boba, because surprisingly the cap saved it (partially). Taking a few steps towards the door, there was a scream.

"Joker!"

John froze, looking around in shock, surprise, and something else.

Guilt?

...

Who is Joker?

Why did that feel so familiar?

Yet, when he reached out, his mind was blank.

An empty slate.

"What!? He's back?"

"Ugh...it seems I have to be more cautious at school again..."

"I was hoping for him to never come back-"

"Careful, he's right there."

John wiped the beads of sweat that were now rapidly building on his forehead. He searched his mind, panicking inside. A memory rose above all others, a blur of green. Perhaps a face.

I think I understand.

No. No. I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

Are they... staring at me?

He clutched his cup tighter.

Glances of fear, terror. Anger, even Hate.

Joker, joker, joker.

That's why it felt so familiar.

Am I hated?