Beneath the Surface

Part 10

Longtai settled into his usual spot in the corner of the classroom, pulling out his notebook. He was trying to focus, but the events from the previous day were still lingering in his mind, like a faint echo he couldn't escape. He opened the notebook, staring at the empty page in front of him, trying to push aside the thoughts of Yok, but it wasn't easy. His mind kept returning to that adrenaline-fueled run, the way Yok's hand had gripped his so firmly, as if nothing in the world could hurt him while Yok was there.

The door creaked open, and Lain and Kai entered. Kai, with his usual lack of filter, slid into the seat beside Longtai. "Hey, man, how are you holding up after that chase yesterday?" he asked, his tone too casual for someone who had nearly left Longtai behind.

Lain followed, frowning at Kai before turning to Longtai. "I'm really sorry about that, Longtai. We didn't mean to leave you behind. It just happened so fast, and I-"

Longtai felt the familiar tightness in his chest as the words tumbled out. He didn't expect their apologies to make him feel anything more than uncomfortable. He had dealt with this before, the awkwardness of people saying sorry for something that didn't really matter. He was used to it. He didn't need anyone to feel bad for him. His life had been quiet, simple, and isolated long before he came to this university.

Kai, realizing Lain was nudging him to be more sincere, sighed. "Look, we're sorry, okay? I got scared. We should've waited for you."

Longtai didn't respond right away, his eyes glancing at the door as if wishing for a distraction. He wasn't upset. It was just... the usual. People apologizing, offering concern, and yet none of it really seemed to reach him.

"It's okay," he finally said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I got home safely, so it's alright."

Lain looked at him, her expression full of regret. "I promise, Longtai. This won't happen again."

Longtai nodded, feeling the weight of her words but knowing that they wouldn't change anything. It was just how things went-people apologized, but in the end, it was always up to him to navigate things alone. He didn't mind. He didn't want to be a burden. He wasn't used to anyone caring enough to stick around, and sometimes, it felt easier that way.

"Really, it's fine," Longtai added, his voice soft but firm, reassuring them without really reassuring himself. "I'm used to it."

Lain opened her mouth to say something more, but she closed it when she saw Longtai's distant expression. She knew better than to press further. Kai, however, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Alright, man, if you say so," he mumbled, clearly uncomfortable.

Longtai gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, and the conversation shifted to something else, but he couldn't shake the feeling that, no matter how many times they apologized or acted concerned, it didn't change the fact that he had always been on his own.

--

The hum of life at the university was palpable as Longtai exited the lecture hall. The wide hallways were alive with students rushing to their next classes, some chatting with friends, others laughing or scrolling through their phones. Longtai adjusted the strap of his bag, the familiar weight of his books pressing against his shoulder, his thoughts still swirling from the day's lecture.

His stomach grumbled faintly, reminding him that it had been a while since he'd eaten. He made his way toward the cafeteria, the smell of food growing stronger as he got closer. The line was already forming, a steady stream of students making their way to grab lunch, but Longtai wasn't in any rush. He just wanted something simple and quiet-maybe a chance to be alone, away from all the noise and chaos of the day.