I used to be quite content with living life as your classic schoolyard bully, you know, taking what I wanted and always being the strong one tormenting the weaker ones. I thought I was the perfect guy, don't You think so? But all that changed when I...
We stood outside the classroom, me and Hazel, carrying buckets of water filled to the brim. We stood side by side, careful not to spill any water or say a word as the lesson continued without further interruptions inside.
I know, this didn't seem like much of a punishment, and honestly, it really wasn't for the first few minutes. But trust me, holding buckets of water for almost an hour does a number on your arms.
Usually, I didn't mind this punishment. But don't forget, I had missed three days of school, so I was already behind on my work and lessons. I really didn't need to fall even further behind.
"This is your fault, you know that?" I said, looking at Hazel, who continued to stare straight at the wall, not giving me an ounce of attention. "What's your problem with me, huh?"
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Silence. Hazel kept ignoring me. What a bitch.
"You had to start something with me on my first day back, really?" I asked, feeling more and more frustrated. "Of course you did. Since day one, you've been a pain in my ass."
I turned away, my grip tightening around the metal handles attached to the buckets.
"Shut up... Kurobane," she whispered.
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"Kuro what?" I asked. "Is that another language?"
"I said shut it," Hazel snapped, turning toward me, her brown eyes serious as if she was ready to punch me in the face.
I stayed quiet for a moment, thinking about that word, Kurobane, I think she said.
I turned back towards Hazel and looked into her bothered face, which was something I hadn't seen before.
"Look," I said, for the first time trying to be careful with my words. "I know we don't like each other. I know we will probably never like each other." I paused, considering my next words carefully. "But I was kinda hoping that maybe, just maybe, we could at least accept each other's existence for as long as we're stuck at this school."
Believe it or not, I meant every word. I was tired of fighting with this girl, tired of getting my butt beat and my pride hurt.
"Can we at least have a truce?" I asked, struggling to get the words out.
