His Paws On My Palms [DoShin]

CHAPTER 2: FIRST ENCOUNTER

𝙏𝙃𝙀 lecture was surprisingly pleasant. It was a refreshing change from the usual forced introductions that new students endure in most schools. Their indifference to my presence was actually a welcome relief.

The bell rang, signaling lunchtime. As expected, I found myself alone in the cafeteria, waiting in line for my turn. I grabbed a tray, and the staff loaded it up with a bowl of rice, bacon, fresh lettuce, chicken hotshots, an apple, and iced tea.

The real challenge was finding a decent spot to eat. Most tables were occupied, and I was about to give up when I saw a lone student leaving. I quickly claimed the table, grateful for the single empty seat. It was a table for three or four, but I was happy to have it all to myself.

I was peacefully enjoying my meal when a tray was placed on the table. I slowly raised my head to see who was interrupting my solitude. And there he was, the guy from earlier, grinning like a fool.

"Can I sit here?" he asked.

I looked around and realized my classmate was right, this guy was incredibly popular. He drew attention like a magnet, and I could feel the other students' disgust as they watched him approach me.

Instead of answering, I ignored him and continued eating, fearing I would lose my appetite. People were crazy sometimes, but I couldn't blame them for their reaction to this guy.

He didn't leave, though. He sat down, ready his cutlery, and our eyes met again.

"I'm sorry, this is the only table I thought I could share with. After all, we're classmates," he explained.

Did he really think I cared about his explanation?

For the sake of his unnecessary explanation, I nodded. I heard him chuckle, and I didn't want to know why. I just wanted to finish my food and leave.

"I never saw you before. Are you a transfer student?" he asked, trying to make conversation.

Why couldn't he just eat his meal? Ugh!

Again, I nodded. All I wanted was to get out of there. But then I reminded myself that I came here to improve my social skills, and I was already forgetting that goal.

"You seem very uninterested," he said, making me look up at him. My right eyebrow shot up in response to his words.

"Hey! Don't look at me like that," he said, smiling awkwardly. "I'm so sorry. I can leave if you want?"

He was making me sound like a jerk. Was I? Maybe?

"Did you hear that? Does he have the right to do that to our Shinyu?!"

"He's unbelievable!"

"He should be the one to leave!"

"I feel bad for Shinyu. He just wanted to eat peacefully."

I heard all of this behind me. I wasn't easily affected by such things, but growing up, it always hurt when people hated you before they even knew you.

"I'm done eating. This table is all yours," I said, standing up and walking away.

"Hey!"

I could hear him calling after me, but at that moment, I felt everyone's eyes on me, and a tingling sensation in my ears. I returned my tray and quickly left the cafeteria.

I found myself sitting under a tree in the bright sunlight, with half an hour to spare before my afternoon class. I could see the sports field from my spot, but the weather was too hot for anyone to be running or practicing.

Finally, I found some peace. I closed my eyes, but then I heard something behind a bush. Curious, I went to investigate. As I got closer, a cat jumped out, startling me. I almost fell to the ground, but I managed to regain my balance.

"Weird. I thought the school didn't allow pets," I mumbled. It must have been someone's pet, as it had a collar.

I sat back down, leaning against the tree trunk for shade. I was enjoying the moment when I heard a voice again. I opened my eyes to see the guy from earlier. I really didn't know what his deal was.

"Hi!"

Here we go again. I had to waste more time trying not to be mean because he was POPULAR. I had to remember that. I didn't want to be hated by his fan club in my first week.

"Is this spot yours, too?" I asked directly.

His usual awkward expression appeared. He scratched his nape again.

"Feel free. This spot is very refreshing, so..."

"So, it really is yours."

"Hey, I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I really just wanted to eat. I apologize if I disturbed you."

I met his gaze directly, sensing his sincerity. Yet, a nagging doubt lingered. Why did everything between us feel so significant to him? Did he truly believe I was that cruel?

I glanced at the watch on my wrist, checking the time. A sigh escaped my lips as I realized I still had twenty minutes left. Now, I wasn't sure where to go if I left his territory.

Standing up, I adjusted my uniform and faced him.

"You can take your spot," I said, even gesturing to the seat I had occupied.

"No, it's really fine if we share-"

I interrupted him, noticing a leaf perched on his head. Where in the world did it come from?

"There's a leaf on your head, here."

He took it from my hand, awkwardly running his fingers through his hair to check for more. Then, I walked away, finally realizing there was an art studio where I could spend the remaining time.

"Hey!"

I didn't look back, noticing some students hiding nearby, likely watching him.

I felt a pang of sympathy for him. It seemed he couldn't truly relax during his free time with people constantly observing his routine. Worse, he couldn't even enjoy his leisure alone.

"Wait! Did I just pity him?"

The realization struck me, revealing my thoughts all along.

"Aish!"