All The Arts That We're Not

Chapter 18

Arkin

The next day, Arkin decided to sneak into the art's room again. He was busy looking at each paintings when he saw Kevin walked in. They doesn't seemed surprised to see each other that they get back minding their business.

"I'm amazed you're not getting caught by Mr. Garby." Kevin said and Arkin just beamed as he looked at the painting when suddenly he paused when he saw a painting. He quickly recognize it was that Harold because he've seen his works before.

Compared to his, Harold's artwork is so colorful and so lively.

"That's Harold's." Kevin spoke from his back when he notice him staring at the painting for a bit longer. "It's so colorful isn't it? Complete opposite from yours." He chuckle but Arkin remain the same expression on his face.

"What do you know about that guy?"

"Not much. He's been a member since tenth grade but we don't communicate much. Why'd you ask?"

He scoffs. "I just saw him the other day, and notice he's got some bruises on his face."

"It doesn't sound new to me. Someone's probably picking on him again. Specially now that he's out." Said Kevin, and noticed how Arkin raised his brow in confusion. "Haven't you heard about it? Harold's gay. I just don't know why it's a big deal to some people but I know that's been one of the many reason why he's getting beaten up more recently."

Arkin who's been listening to Kevin just couldn't be more perplexed as to how he would take that information.

"Well that's not a valid reason why he's got to be picked on by them."

Kevin shot him a glance. "Why are you sounding like you've never been here your whole life? Arkin, you know it's not a new thing here. Everyone in this school don't give a shit. They pick on whoever they want whenever they want."

Arkin didn't get to speak as realization starts to sink in his head. He just can't think Harold kind of been going through something. Kevin's right. It's not new someone's getting beaten and picked up by anyone but this only makes him realize about what's going on a lot more deeper this time.

"By the way, zomeone told me, they saw you were with Zeke yesterday." Arkin paused without looking at Kevin.

"What did they saw?"

"I don't know. You tell me."

Kevin doesn't have any idea what he's up to. And it's not like he's oblige and had the need to tell him the truth.

"Arkin, tell me. What does that guy up to? Is he picking on you to?"

"No, he's not. What makes you think he's starting on me?"

Kevin shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe because he's a jerk to. I mean, he's friends with one. Who knows if he's one too." Arkin couldn't look him in the eyes that he stares down the floor as Kevin talks. "You know what? Whatever that guy is up to, better not get too close to him. You wouldn't know what will happen to you."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, I'm just saying. He's involve in a gang." Arkin's ears perked up, making him snap his attention to his way.

"I thought it was just your assumptions?"

"Yeah. But now I can say my assumption was correct. I've seen him with one before." Arkin didn't know what his response to it. Although he knew he'd like to say something about this topic.

"Just who would've thought, one the of the smartest guy in school who looked so innocent is part of a gang." Kevin sniggered as he shake his head in disbelief. And in that moment, Arkin just knew he'd like to speak for himself now.