Despair Blossom

2

"You’re the cause of all this!" 
"You're nothing but a burden May!" 
"You're pathetic" 
"You don’t deserve happiness!"
"Who even wants to be friend with you?"

"NO! STOP IT! CUT THIS CRAP!!" I jolted awake, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. My heart pounded so fiercely that its rhythm echoed through the darkness and silence of the night.

I looked around, finding myself in the familiar comfort of my spacious, dark bedroom. The only light came from the moon filtering through the window. With a weary sigh, I got out of bed and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. As I poured a glass of water, I took a slow sip, muttering, "These nightmares," while rubbing the bridge of my nose, overwhelmed by stress and anxiety.

I returned to my room and sat on the edge of the bed, glancing at the clock. It was 4 a.m., and sleep eluded me once more. I had the first day of my third semester today, but I had a feeling I’d be battling drowsiness all day after waking up so early.

BRRRRIIIIING!!!
"Ahhh!" I yelped, tumbling off the bed. Sitting up slowly, I rubbed my aching forehead. "Ow..." I groaned, glaring at the nightstand. "This stupid alarm." With a scowl, I slammed my hand down on the off button and dragged myself up from the floor. Sighing, I muttered, "Here we go, another boring day." Yawning and stretching my arms overhead, I went through my morning routine before heading off to college.

I arrived at college, exhaustion clear on my face, my body slumped in a posture that matched how I felt inside. I wore a casual black crop top paired with white jeans and black shoes, while my brown wavy hair flowed down to my hips in loose cascades.

I entered the classroom, noticing I was early since no professor had arrived yet. I quietly took my seat beside my best friend Nami. My almond-shaped eyes, heavy with sleep, were framed by dark circles, and my mouth hung slightly open in exhaustion. She glanced up from her phone, startled at the sight of me.

"Woah! What the hell!?, May, what happened to you? You look like you haven't slept in weeks. Nightmares again, right?"

I gave her a tired look and nodded. "Yeah."

After a while, our professor walked into the classroom, and everyone greeted him with a polite "Good morning." My day began with the dull hum of history lectures. I fought hard to stay awake, but exhaustion got the better of me. Before I knew it, I had dozed off.

"Miss Ainsley!" The professor's stern voice, laced with annoyance, jolted me awake.

"Yes, sir," I mumbled, hastily wiping the drool from my chin.

"Why are you sleeping in my class?" he scolded, glaring at me.

"I'm sorry, sir," I muttered, staring down at my desk in embarrassment.

"Go to detention now!" he ordered, pointing toward the door. I stood up slowly and shuffled out of the classroom, my head hanging low in shame.

As I walked down the hallway toward the detention room, I caught sight of a boy in a grey t-shirt, with the top two buttons undone, paired with black pants. His hair was styled in a short mullet, with bangs swept to the side. Curious, I turned to take another look, but by then, I could only see his back. His broad, muscular shoulders caught my attention, making me wonder, "Is he a new professor or just another student?"

I shook off the thought, deciding it didn’t matter, and continued my way to the detention room.

I opened the door to the detention room and stepped inside. As expected, I saw two or three students—undoubtedly the backbenchers of their classes. My eyes found an empty seat by the window, and I quietly made my way over. Sitting down, I let my gaze drift outside, momentarily escaping the dull atmosphere of the room. The monsoon weather was captivating: dense black clouds filled the sky, and a cool breeze swept in, softly brushing against my face. It was a small comfort in an otherwise frustrating day.

I was on the verge of drifting off again when something outside the window caught my eye. It was the same guy in the grey t-shirt, sitting in the college garden, leaning against a tree with a book in hand. A cup of coffee rested in his other hand, and he seemed completely absorbed in his reading. Curiosity stirred inside me, and I found myself staring—more like admiring him.

As he stayed engrossed in his book, a playful squirrel suddenly leaped onto his head, causing him to flinch. His coffee spilled onto his shirt, and he looked so startled, with a small pout forming on his lips. I couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound slipping out unexpectedly.

I quickly remembered where I was, glancing around the detention room. The backbenchers were giving me odd looks, which I scoffed at before looking away. That guy was too far away for me to make out the details of his face, but the way he pouted left a strange feeling inside me—something I couldn’t quite explain.

To be continued..........