Rats, Roses And Paper Bones

chapter 2: The mysterious guy

I swear, it was only a matter of seconds before all the blood in my body rushed to my face and I fainted right there.

Because he was staring at me.

Not just staring. Looking at me—closely and intensely, more than he probably realized.

I shivered a little and took an awkward step backwards.

He smiled.

Weird.

“Hi,” I said, trying my best to sound friendly.

“Hey.”

His voice was deeper than I expected. Somehow, it sounded warm and genuine, which made absolutely no sense considering I had known him for approximately thirty seconds.

“You must be new here, right?” he asked.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious, sir.

I was literally standing in a checking hall with my mother, looking like I had just been dropped off from another planet.

“Yes,” I replied.

Apart from his voice, I was beginning to notice other things about him.

He was light-skinned and of average height—slightly taller than me—with a cute face, brown eyes, small pink lips and a smile that somehow made him look even more approachable.

There was also something about his whole appearance that just screamed calm.

I assessed him from head to toe, all while trying to keep a straight face.

Randomly scrutinising people I had just met was a habit of mine. I suppose I had convinced myself that studying people would help me understand how to relate to them later.

It probably made me look like a creep.

But I couldn't help it.

And besides, I hated small talk with every fibre of my being.

That was going to be a problem.

“Well, I'm an old student,” he said, breaking into my thoughts. “I can show you around if you want.”

Thanks again, Captain Obvious.

It was pretty obvious he was an old student from his uniform alone. It looked like it had been worn a thousand times, yet somehow, it was still perfectly neat and well-ironed.

He must be a clean freak.

I glanced at him again.

Also, was it normal for students here to randomly walk up to new students and offer to show them around?

Was that some kind of school tradition?

If so, this place had hospitality at its peak.

I admired it.

A little.

“Oh, it's fine. Thanks,” I replied, still sounding colder than I intended.

“What class are you going into?”

Woah.

Easy there with the questions.

I don't even know you.

Those were the words screaming inside my head, thankfully remaining there.

“Grade Ten,” I answered.

“Nice. That's my class too.”

His face immediately brightened.

“Cool,” I said, managing to sound slightly less cold this time.