Nightfall Woods

2★ missing

The bell rang sharply, signaling the end of detention, and a wave of relief washed over the room. Everyone sprang to their feet, eager to escape the confines of the classroom. Alex exchanged a glance with Henry, and together they hurried out, making their way to their locker. The chatter of their classmates filled the hallway as they navigated through the crowd, the weight of the hour slowly lifting from their shoulders. As they reached their locker, the three girls and the twins approached Alex and Henry.

Henry, always the center of attention, grinned and announced, « I'm throwing a big party this weekend ! Olivia, can you make a post about it? Your socials are super famous around here »
Olivia nodded enthusiastically, already thinking of the best way to capture the moment and get everyone hyped for the weekend. The buzz of anticipation filled the air as they discussed the details.

Even as everyone chatted and laughed on their way to the exit, Alex couldn't shake off the strange feeling that lingered from earlier. The mysterious student kept creeping into his thoughts, making it hard to focus on the excitement of the upcoming party. He glanced back toward the classroom, wondering what it was about that boy that unsettled him so much.
But then, when he turned around, he saw the boy by his locker, still staring at him. A chill ran down Alex's spine, he quickly spun back around, trying to shake off the feeling, but his friends noticed his sudden movement.

« Hey, what's up with you? » Levi asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity about his reaction.

Alex replied, « I just thought I saw something weird. That new guy by the locker... he was just staring at me. It felt kinda off. »

Henry continued, « Come on, it's probably nothing. Maybe he was just lost or daydreaming. »

Everyone chimed in, agreeing with Henry, but then Olivia turned around, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the student. After a moment, she glanced back at Alex.

"Wait, you know what? I kind of get what you mean. There's just something about his stare that feels a bit weird." she uttered.

« Exactly ! It's like he's looking right through us. » Alex responded trying to get everyone's attention since they're reaching the exit door.

« Dude, don't worry about it too much. He's probably just shy or something. Why don't we invite him to the party? It could be a good way for him to meet everyone. » Henry said looking at Alex, trying to reassure him.

« Maybe, that could work. It might help him feel more comfortable. I just hope he's not as weird as he seems. » Alex uttered rubbing the back of his neck.

« Yeah, I mean, it's not like we know him yet. Maybe he just needs a little push to fit in. Let's make him feel welcome! » Ella said looking at everyone with a big smile.

« How about we all go talk to him tomorrow? It'll be a good chance to break the ice and see what he's really like. » Leo suggested.

« And if he turns out to be cool, it'll show Alex that he was wrong about him. It could be a great opportunity ! » Iris chuckled with a teasing grin making everyone laugh.

Alex chuckled and replied, « Ok ok i got it. Tomorrow, I might go talk to him with you guys. It could be interesting to see what he's really like. »

As they stepped outside, the evening air was crisp, filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. The twins, always full of energy, hopped on their blue and red bikes, their wheels spinning rapidly as they raced down the street, calling out playful taunts to each other.

Olivia and Ella piled into Iris's car, the interior buzzing with excitement as they discussed what they might say to the new student tomorrow. Iris turned the key in the ignition, and the car roared to life, their laughter echoing as they waved goodbye to the two other boys. Meanwhile, Alex and Henry strolled toward Henry's car, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Alex joked about the day's events, but beneath his lighthearted banter was a lingering curiosity about the boy who had unsettled him. As they reached the car, Alex glanced back, wondering what surprises awaited them all with the new student.