Marked by Obsession

14.

Bogdan didn't get it.
He thought this was just some normal attempt at flirting. But I knew there was more to it— something deeper.
Marcy isn't shy. She is hiding something, and I need to understand what, and why.
I looked at my friend's girlfriend, maybe I hadn't succeeded to get to Marcy today, but there is another way to figure her out— someone who could get close to her in a way I couldn't.

"Actually, I've got an idea." My voice was steady, but there was an edge to it that made Erika raise an eyebrow.
"Erika... maybe if you talked to her... I mean, you're both girls. She might feel more comfortable with you. Maybe she just doesn't open up to guys easily."
She blinked, surprised.
"Me? You want me to talk to her?"
Bogdan laughed, then spoke amused.
"Bro, you're seriously going to send my girlfriend to do your dirty work? Come on, man, that's just lazy." He nudged Erika playfully, clearly thinking I was joking, but I shook my head.

"No, I'm not messing around, Bogdan. I think... Marcy just needs someone who can get her to open up. She must have something going on, otherwise I couldn't explain to myself how the hell she's friends with Andrew and others from previous schools, but now can't be bothered to make new ones."
I glanced at Erika again, more determined.
"You know how some people just click with each other? I think you might have a better shot. Maybe she's closed off because... I don't know, there's something going on with her."
The girl frowned slightly, still unsure.
"I don't know, Kethan. I don't even know her that well. We only share a class, and I don't want to force myself into her space. If she likes being alone, maybe that's just who she is."

I needed her to do this.
Erika is my best chance at figuring out why Marcy had kept me at arm's length. She could have been hiding something— maybe she had her walls up because she doesn't trust people easily. Erika could get past those walls. She's sweet, kind, everyone gets to like her.
"Just try. You're good with people, and it doesn't have to be weird— just talk to her, make friends. See if she opens up about anything. You don't have to push too much. I just want to understand her better."
She glanced at Bogdan, who gave her a shrug, finding the whole situation quite funny.
There must have been something in the way I spoke that made her hesitate, I could sense it.
I was serious about that, I am serious about it.
More than she'd probably expected me to be, or anyone else I knew, if I'm being honest.
"I... could try. I think, it wouldn't hurt to be nice and see if she's up for talking. But, Kethan, you have to understand— if she doesn't want to open up, that's her choice. You can't force someone to be close to you."

I nodded, but inside, I felt impatient. I knew all of that, but this wasn't just about making friends. It was about getting closer to Marcy, finding out what there is behind her distant exterior. I'm not trying to push her— I'm trying to protect her.
To understand her.

"Hey, if Erika can crack the code, maybe we'll all finally know what's going on in that girl's head. But man, just don't overthink this. If she's not into it, move on. Plenty of fish in the sea, you know?" Bogdan gave me a friendly shove, still not sensing the depth of my fixation.
"Yeah, yeah. I just think it's worth a shot. I'll owe you one, Erika." I then said, but my head was already filling with possibilities.
"I'll give it a try. Not making any promises though." Added the brunette, leaning in closer to Bogdan as his arm was still around her shoulders.
She then offered a small smile and began leading the way down the hallway, having us walk off together.
"Come on, we've got class soon."

I was buzzing with the plan I'd set into motion. If this would really work, I'd uncover why Marcy is avoiding new acquaintances— why she hasn't opened up to me, despite the signs I saw.
Or... I thought I saw.
I'm sure there's something more here, something Marcy isn't showing.
And I have to know what it is.
Glancing in the direction she had disappeared in before, my fists clenched.
This is just another step. Another way to get closer. Soon, she'll see. Soon, she'll understand.

8th of November

I could feel the professor's eyes on me after I gave him back my, and Marcy's paper from last week's class assignment.
He didn't ask much for explanations, but I sensed him judging me.

I walked out of the lecture theatre, my shoes squeaked lightly on the polished tiles as I made my way down the corridor. I was releaved I walked out of class, but was already wondering how it would go for Erika to befriend Marcy in the next couple hours.
As I turned the corner, I spotted Rachel with her curly hair bouncing as she placed some stacked papers in her bag, and then adjusted it on her shoulder.
I didn't break my stride, hoping to pass by without notice, but Rachel's eyes flicked up at me almost immediately. She straightened, her posture somewhat awkward, and gave a hesitant smile.

"Hey, Kethan," she said, her voice soft barely louder than the hum of the hallway.
I slowed my pace, fighting the instinct to just keep walking.
"Uh, hey, Rachel." I gave a half-hearted nod, already searching for an escape route.
"I saw you in the library yesterday... but I didn't want to interrupt." She stood there for a moment, clutching her phone a little tighter.
I shifted on my feet.

My first thought was to give her a quick, non-committal response and move on, but then the thought of Erika befriending Marcy for me made me feel a little kinder towards Rachel.
I owed Erika now, so being nice to her friends was a way of paying her back for the favour.