All The Arts That We're Not

Chapter 6

Zeke

"Are you seriously letting that guy in?" Zeke asked, his voice sharp as he approached Zero in the living area.

Zero barely looked up, still wiping the sweat off his face from earlier. "What do you mean?" he asked casually.

The fight wasn't as intense as the ones he's been to but Zero sure did have fun playing with someone who's obviously had zero experience.

"You can't just let him in. You don't even know a thing about him." Zeke told him which causes him to shot him a glance.

"If that's what all your concern about, then you might've forgot how I let you become one us." Zeke didn't get to think of what to respond at what he heard.

He totally understand what he's trying to say and what might be the decision that he'll come up with after meeting Arkin.

"Look, I could let anyone become one of us not because I do the rule but because I know I would love to. I hope you get to realize that." He told him before he entered the bathroom, leaving him speechless.

He still can't believe Arkin was really serious. After the fight with Zero, he expected him to back down.  He guess it's just better Zero gives him what's right before Arkin could even made another reckless decision.

The next day he came to school, he was called to the principal's office where he was offered to represent the school for the upcoming science competition.

"Look, Zeke. Your grades are doing fine this semester. If you push a little harder, you might even take the top spot." Mrs. Hemsley told him as they settled to her desk. "You see, the competition would be a great opportunity for you. There would be cash price and even give you good incentives for your grade. And by then you might acquire the full scholarship."

Zeke took his time in silence as he thinks about the offer. It sure was a great offer. And he knows he would benefit from it but, that's not really the case.

In the past years he has maintained his grades, Zeke has been offered to compete inside and outside the school. And just like Arkin, he had always turned them down.

"I have to go now." He stood from his seat, not wanting to give a response yet.

"At least think about it." Mrs. Hemsley said and Zeke just nod his head before starting to door.

Zeke always believes it really is great thing that he's smart and that he's able to get a scholarship without worrying for his tuition. He knows joining the competition would somehow help him and his mum but he knows it wouldn't be that easy.

When he left the office and was on his way to his locker, he paused the moment he saw Arkin with three other guys who seemed starting on him.

After yesterday he never really thought he'll be talking to him again. But this only reminds him of what he told him before.

.

As Arkin looked at his reflection on the mirror, he thinks about what happened last night and the encounter he had with the guys who's picking on him, he begin to realize he's never really going to learn from it. That he just stopped caring about the bruises he got nor the physical pain from the fights that he's been through.

After his class for today, he then grab on his bicycle and was on his way home when he saw the same car and the same guy from yesterday, who seemed to be waiting for someone. He was just about to ignore him when their eyes met.