༒𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓑𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰༒

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱

After an hour, the cleaning was already over, so they could go home and relax, except for William.

Once they were told they could leave, William immediately left the plate he was cleaning and left the kitchen.

Percy and Wanda watched him going downstairs rapidly, he still looked worried. William was worried about Marco's threat and afraid of what he could do.

-He's been like this all afternoon and didn't want to confess why -Said Wanda.

Percy nodded, his expression filled with concern. 

-Yeah, something's bothering him. But if he's not ready to talk about it, we shouldn't push him.

Wanda sighed, her worry evident in her eyes. 

-I just hate seeing him like this. He's usually so composed and in control, but today... it's like he's a completely different person.

-I know what you mean -Percy replied, his mind racing with thoughts of how they could help their friend. -But maybe we just need to give him some space for now. He'll come to us when he's ready.

Wanda nodded, though she still looked troubled. 

-I hope you're right.

As they left the school together, the worry for their friend lingered in the air, casting a shadow over their usual lightheartedness. They knew that whatever was troubling William wouldn't be resolved easily, but they were determined to be there for him every step of the way.

Suddenly, Percy had an idea.

-Hey! -He turned to Wanda -You and William go home together, right?

-Yes?

-Well, once you are home, you could try to find out what's wrong with William.

-Oh... That's a great idea, Percy, but... It's friday, and I already got some plans with friends, I won't be home tonight.

-Oh, I see, so you have plans -Percy was dissapointed.

-I'm really sorry, Percy, I wished I could help.

-Yeah, I know, don't worry about it -Percy tried to sound casual, but failed. Although, Wanda didn't notice.

Percy tried to hide his disappointment, but Wanda could see right through him. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to help, especially when she could see how much Percy cared about William's well-being.

-Hey, Percy, why don't you go with him instead? -Wanda suggested, her voice gentle.

Percy blinked in surprise. 

-Me? But why? No! I can't! I barely know him!

-But I just saw that you actually seem to care about him. You must go.

-You are his sister, he will listen to you, not me.

-Have you heard the way he joked about me the time you got to my house last week? He's my brother, but he will treat me the same way if I don't back up from his personal business!

-Then tell me why I should do it.

-Because you're his friend too, Percy. And sometimes, having someone there to listen can make all the difference.

-We are not friends.

-Well, perhaps someday you will be friends. And this could be a first step. Just do it this time, I'm begin you, Percy.

Percy considered her words for a moment, then nodded slowly. 

-... Okay, I'll go.

Wanda smiled, relieved. 

-Good. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

With a renewed sense of determination, Percy headed off to find William feeling a mix of reluctance and obligation. He didn't know if this was the right thing to do, but he couldn't ignore Wanda's plea. She was right; sometimes a simple gesture of support could make a big difference.

The school hallways were mostly empty by now, with only a few students lingering. Percy followed the faint sound of footsteps, leading him to the school's exit. He quickened his pace, determined to catch up with William before he left the premises.

When he reached the exit, Percy spotted William heading toward the parking lot. His posture was tense, and he moved with urgency, as if he couldn't wait to leave the school grounds. Percy jogged to catch up, his heart racing with uncertainty.

-William! -Percy called out, his voice echoing slightly in the open space.

William turned, surprised to see Percy running after him. 

Hey, Percy -He said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the nervous edge in his voice.

Percy slowed to a walk as he approached William. 

-Hey, I was thinking, maybe we could hang out for a bit? You know, grab a coffee or something? -Percy tried to mantain his normal voice tone.

William looked at him, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in his eyes. 

-Why? I thought you had other plans.

Percy shrugged, trying to play it cool. 

Yeah, but I thought it might be good to, you know, get to know each other a bit more. Wanda said you could use some company.

William hesitated, clearly unsure. He glanced at his watch, then back at Percy. 

-I... I don't know, Percy. I have things to do.

-Yeah, but it's Friday. Just a quick coffee -Percy insisted. -What do you say? It could be fun. Plus, we had plans before, right? We should take 'em back, don't you think?

William hesitated again, but something in Percy's eyes made him relent. Perhaps it was the genuine concern, or maybe it was just the need for a distraction from the pressure he was feeling.

-Okay, fine -Willam said, managing a weak smile. -Just a quick coffee, though. I've got stuff to take care of."

-Deal -Percy replied, relieved -Let's go.