Close The Door

Chapter 12- Just Say Yes

Lunch went a little too well, most of the time spent by the girls asking about Mallow, and if we've 'sealed the deal.' I cringe internally because I know what they are insinuating, but I choose to ignore that. I've never thought about any of that, mostly because it's scary. That's taking things to the next level, and I don't know how comfortable I am with those things. Even though I was done eating a while ago, I stuck around talking to the others. Eventually, I had to leave, since my last class was starting soon. I said my goodbyes and head out the doors and braced myself for my final obstacle of the day with a newfound motivation.

I detest math, but can see how important it is. That's why I'm grateful that this class is structured not on abstract concepts, but how one would apply them to the real world. So far, my classes had a couple of people I know. Even though I knew Chloe didn't have any of the same classes I do, I hold out hoping that she would surprise me, but to my dismay, she wasn't in the classroom. But in the corner of the room there was only one student, and it was Kiawe, who was thankfully wearing a shirt this time. I gulped, knowing all the discomfort he has caused me. I take my seat at the very back, hoping he doesn't stare me down again.

The silence is unbearable. This time he isn't staring at me, but I can feel his presence tearing me limb from limb. I hear him get up from his seat, but instead of leaving, he sits down next to me. Not showing my newly acquired panic, my body seizes up and I figuratively start sweating, feeling my racing heart wanting to escape my chest. I have lost all the motivation I've gained and think back to all the times he's stared at me, especially from the dream. He breaks the silence.

"It's good to see a familiar face," he said in a friendly tone. In a moment, I froze, feeling confused. He was happy to see me, but I didn't feel the same way. Confused but finally getting the much-needed courage, I look at him. He was staring at me, but it wasn't like the time he was with Bede. I grew more and more puzzled everyday. "Yeah, it is," I say. The emptiness of the room surrounds us with echoed silence, but the tension is pretty much nonexistent.

"Hey, Kiawe," I start to speak, and he looks over at me. "Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but why do you and Bede stare other people down?" I asked. He chuckled a little bit. "Ah, it was only a matter of time before someone noticed," he said. I grew a bit unsettled, but was willing to hear him out. "I heard Mallow talking about some blue-eyed boy she wanted to get to know, and once I saw you, I had to make sure my assumptions were correct. Bede on the other hand, he does it for what he defines as 'fun'. It was all harmless spying. However, I do have a favor to ask of you," he says. I gulp, because this is the friendliest he's been with me since making me uncomfortable for the longest of time. "Do you promise to take care of Mallow?" He asks. He doesn't know that it's all fake, but obviously I listen to logic, and nod my head. "Of course, I would never hurt her, honest," I say. And just like that, the universe shifted, or so it felt like it.

Other students began showing up, and after the last boy showed up, the professor came in. The energy in this class was vastly different, almost, entrancing. I never was good at math, but I can feel some sort of confidence build inside of me, and I don't want to let it go.

After class ends, Kiawe and I head our separate ways, and I walk back to my room. The walk felt freeing, as classes were only just the beginning of what was in store for me. Apparently, there's another party happening in the Team Rocket place, because there's plenty of hearsay spreading around. If there was one person who knew the truth, it would be James. I held off on asking him until we see each other in person, if at all anytime soon.

I breath a sigh of relief out once I get into the elevator, knowing that my body can collapse and regain the rest I rightfully deserve. Once the doors open, I walk down the hallway to my room, and unlock it. James isn't here, as expected, so I just kick my shoes off and close my eyes.