Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

First Days : Part 19

Further into the crowd of the lunch room, Aonung leaves the cafeteria bathroom and looks around. His head has cooled just a bit, splashing some water in his face helped freshen his mind. He also had some time to really think about the conversation he had with Lo'ak.

As he scans the wide room, he spots a few of his friends sitting together. A couple tables away from them, he finds Neteyam sitting just outside Tsireya's group of friends. He strolls towards the table, observing the quiet boy.

Remembering how strangely he acted during their first three courses would've been a cry for help to Aonung, had he been open to even caring about it. But, in his defense, Neteyam didn't seem to want help from anyone. Though, it's obvious he could definitely use some.

Perhaps, just once more, he should give genuine effort to help someone simply because they need it. Rather than worry about certain side effects that could come from being himself. Maybe, this time, he won't be wasting his energy.

His sister is right about him, there's a certain nurturing urge he has that makes him want to help people. He blames his mother for that. But as of late, he's been trying to subdue that urge. All because of someone he once gave his everything for, when he shouldn't have, and it has conflicted his usual way of thinking.

However, with a clearer head, he feels he's making the right decision by choosing to trust his instincts. He just hopes it doesn't backfire.

As he approaches Neteyam, the bell suddenly rings, and he realizes time really got away from him while he was contemplating in his mind. Tsireya's friends begin to leave the table, but her and Kiri remain.

Aonung- Tsireya, take Lo'ak and Kiri to their next course.

Tsireya- Okay, but, where's Lo'ak?

Aonung- He's at one of the wall tables.

Kiri- I found him.

They each look across the room to where Kiri's pointing. Lo'ak is in the midst of the crowd, heading out the door. Kiri furrows her brows.

Kiri- Does he know where to go?

Aonung- No, he probably couldn't find us and decided to wait in the hall. You two go on.

Kiri and Neteyam exchange a look of slight confusion, wondering what Aonung could want Neteyam alone for, but they go along with it. The two girls walk off, leaving Aonung there with Neteyam, who's still sitting down. He looks up at the marine boy expectantly, and Aonung starts to feel a bit anxious.

He finds Neteyam's silence a bit intimidating. He doesn't know Kiri and Lo'ak very well, but because they're more open and easier to read. Neteyam, however, is a closed book, locked within a box, and the only key is inside.

Aonung takes a quick breath, figuring out how to start.

Aonung- Alright, your next courses should be easier for you.

Neteyam- You assume.

He freezes. Neteyam has never really spoken to him, even when he would talk to him directly.

He nervously clears his throat.

Aonung- Yes, I assume, because the next courses won't have you getting in water. That is your problem, right?