Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 27. Small Talk

Friday

I repeatedly tapped the desk with my pen, trying to disturb the total silence in the office. I'm here, alone, with no one to talk to and nothing to do, but wait. My last class for today was done over an hour ago, I'm just waiting for Byron to finish his class. If I remember correctly, his class should be done any minute now.

This morning, I got up a little earlier than usual. I dropped off Byron's hobby box to Martha's diner, I was thinking of taking him there since the atmosphere is pretty calm in that diner, it's the perfect place to discuss these matters. Besides, I don't really know any other place to take him to since I haven't had time to explore the town.

I might have seemed like I didn't care about the disappearances, but I really do. Most of the time, I want them－the proxies－to leave me alone, to let me live my life without having to worry all the time. Sometimes, I want to completely stop them from ruining people's lives, but I know that's impossible for someone like me.

I'm just a teacher. I don't even know anything about Slenderman.

I sighed,

I should have brought the box or at least Andrea's journal here with me so I can start reading about them.

Come to think of it, I haven't slept that much last night, I feel like there was someone watching me, even though there was no one there. I know, I checked, multiple times. I'm a little tired, considering I woke up early today.

A nap wouldn't hurt . . .

I crossed my arms and leaned them on my desk. I placed my head on top of it and closed my eyes, my tiredness catching up to me.

。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。

"－up."

Hm?

I slowly opened my eyes and unconsciously raised my head, trying to comprehend where I am.

I was greeted by Byron's fucking face, really, really close, with an expression of confusion, mixed with annoyance, as usual.

I jumped from my seat with widened eyes, "The hell－!" I grasped my chest, surprised. My heart beating uncontrollably fast because of shock, "What were you doing?" I suspiciously asked as I pointed a finger at him.

"I-I was waking you up." He answered as he backed a few steps away, looking troubled.

"I can easily wake up with just a tap on the shoulder." I argued, not moving an inch.

He paused for a brief moment, looking more and more perplexed, "You wouldn't wake up . . ."

"I'm pretty sure I'm a light-sleeper." I muttered, lowering my hands. Oh, great, now he just looks uncomfortable. "I always wake up whenever that guy goes into my room in the middle of the night . . ." I whispered to myself, remembering the so-called proxy with the white mask.

I looked back at Byron to see him awkwardly standing there as he averted his gaze to the floor. He looks like he just wants to leave as quickly as he could.

I suddenly realize how bad my statement sounded like, "No, no, no!" I shook my hand in front of me, "When I said 'guy', I meant t-that－the proxy, he, on some nights－" I fidget as I couldn't find a way to explain my situation without sounding like a crazy person. Byron just gave me a weird look as I think, "The proxy with a white mask, he breaks into my house sometimes and I'm trying to say that I always wake up whenever he does which makes me a light-sleeper, get it?!" I unknowingly shouted in fluster as I stare at Byron with wide eyes.

"I-I understand." He said in a voice of a whisper, averting his gaze once more.

I forced a laugh, "Haha, yeah. Don't get the wrong idea by what I just said." I repeated, defending my situation, "I meant him when I said 'guy'. I'm not－" Once again, I couldn't find the right words to say to him, "I'm not seeing anybody, and I'm definitely not hooking up with someone－" My voice faded away.