Sid & Vein

Chapter Four

After three days, I find myself walking the hallways towards the open space. I see students enjoying their vaccant time, sitting on the bleachers and on the cemented seat around a tree. I'm currently listening to music through my earphones. FM Static is playing.

I turn around when I heard someone calling my nameㅡ or if I did hear someone. I take off my earphones and I see Shanaia waving at me from a distance. She's sitting down with Kael and Leo on a cemented seat around a tree. I walk towards them when I saw the papers they're holding. They gave me half of Shai's fliers. Kael finally had this much copy to distribute it to the whole school. They said they're planning to distribute them after Leo finishes his bread and that I should come. I told them I couldn't since I have something else to do. They understood but before I left, I promised to give the fliers right after.

My steps leads me towards the library. I pick a seat after logging in by the counter. I take out my books inside my bag and start to read for minutes. I'm reviewing the lessons and then studied in advance for the next ones. It's not starting to feel like a habit because it is what I should do. Minutes starts to pass by. I stood up to find the books I think I'll read next. My eyes roam around the 3rd book section.

"Where is it.." I repeat the same words as I try to find the last book. I read each label my fingertips stops at. I snap my fingers when I finally saw it. Once I get the book, I study the book cover. It's all about Biology. I was about to walk away after getting the book, when I hear someone humming. I take a step back to listen. I slowly take a peak from the shelf where I took the book.

I somehow froze when I saw him. It's Sid.

I didn't think I'd see him here, sitting down while humming. He's not listening to music. He's just closing his eyes while moving his fingers as if he's using a guitar.

What is he doing here, just sitting? I've been looking for him and hoping to see him again at school but he's just here. Is he always here?

I smile. I saw him again and that's enough. I don't want to disturb him with a 'hi'. I can't ruin his time right now. The place is quiet.. it's just me staring at him. The song he's humming isn't familiar to me. But nevertheless, I can't help myself to smile just to see him peacefully minding his own business there.

I finally decide to walk out but before I could do it, something in my pocket suddenly vibrates. Frightened, I accidentally dropped the books. I immediately touch my pocket only to realize it's my phone ringing. I didn't have the time to read the caller's id since I created a loud noise. I hastily get the books from the floor, still shaking that the others might heard itㅡ more obviously, Sid. Just when I was in a rush getting the books, someone crouches with me to help. I take a look, only to see Sid..

He got most of the books so I stand up first.. shy. He soon follows and looks back at me. I avert my gaze to the books he's holding. I just didn't want him to think that I was looking at him, humming at the other side. Or maybe I'm just guilty for doing it.

I think I should speak first. But my words were cut by another ringing of a phone. I hurriedly get it from my pocket. It's Rei calling me. All the time at the wrong place. It's always been her.

I look at Sid as he looks at me too. He grins and raises his brows to my phone. "I think you should answer it."

"Uh, no. I meanㅡ it's fine. It's just my friend." I declined the call, thanking him for the help and that I'm trying to get my books back. But Rei keeps calling which made Sid chuckle.

"You really should answer that. It might be urgent."

Having no choice, I look at him, to the books, and back to my phone. I answer the call. Sid starts to walk and so I follow him.

"What took you so long to answer? Thought you were with Kael and the othersㅡ where are you? We're giving the fliers though."

"I'm at the library..." I whisper.

"Oh.. Studying, again?"

"Yeah... Why did you call, again?"

I keep on looking at Sid from time to time since he's just infront of me, also doing the same. We're currently sitting at my table. Rei tells me about the other students carrying the same flier from the other club who's also currently giving their fliers to the others. They're also a movie club.

"What? I thought nobody's holding a movie club?" I share a glance with Sid. Rei from the other side of the phone sighs heavily. She says that the other club's name is America's Best Club. If our club only has Asian movies, they have America's. I don't think I can share the argue so I just let Rei rant about it. I also heard Shai's voice convincing them to stay positive. We only need a hundred and fifty signatures. And the school isn't small to give us nothing.

Once the call ended, my attention went back to the guy infront of me. Why did he have to wait? He should be leaving already.

"Are you good?"

"Uh.. yeah. I'm fine. Totally."

No one knows what to say. This is like the first time we talked at the café. But this is different because we're at school. This is another first, I guess.

"The School Fest is coming soon," he says.

I slowly nod, trying to think what I'll say. Should I ask about his club? Or should I not? I mentally shake my head. "Since it's coming, may I ask what club have you signed up to?"

He looks up, eyes shining from the sunlight glimmering through the window. "I don't think I can find one."

"Uhm.. What are your interests then? I'm sure you can find one.. before the festival starts," I say.

He studies the table. I did the same.

"Movies."

I look up. "What?"

"I'm interested in movies.."

I don't know if it's the fading sound of book pages flipping, the sound of little birds chirping outside the window, or the heavy yet hopeful sound of a heart's beating is keeping me from thinking what he could've meant with his words. I just stare at his eyes.

"And I think I should find a club hosting one.."

He looks at me, slowly showing a shy smile. I think I know what he's thinking. I don't know if he really listened to my conversation with Rei, but I can't find myself to think the opposite of that. It took a while for me to respond. His smile widens. We both look away. Flustered, I flip through the pages of the book infront of me, not really reading. And I think he notices that.