Sentience

47

On Monday when Changmin returned to the campus alone without Belle, the void he felt was so big. It felt compulsory to carry out the routine with her; though he knew she would never show up, he was still waiting for her at the curb in front of the campus.

15 minutes before the class started, then only he came back to his senses that Belle wouldn't be coming and so, he needed to move if he didn't wish to be late.

His friends; the four of them, including Eric, were standing at the entrance in a horizontal line, smiling and waving at him for what seemed like they wanted to show support. By now, Changmin was sure that the news about Belle had been spread within the campus, everyone must have found out.

And that must have been the reason for the pity stares he received while standing at the curb.

"Have you had your breakfast?" Chanhee sassily asked with arms crossed as his best friend strode closer.

"Not yet," Changmin replied, halting right in front of them.

"That's good," Kevin remarked. "Eric bought us breakfast."

At that, Changmin shifted his gaze to the short boy at the end of the line, a medium-sized plastic bag dangling high in the air.

"Sandwiches," the latter emphasized.

Then, Juyeon voiced out for them to take a seat in the lobby of the building, the strategic spot before they parted ways later for their respective classes. A small round table was provided there with 5 seats around it which luckily were vacant today.

The breakfast session unknowingly was a quiet one. Even the yapper like Eric couldn't help but be silent to avoid any inconvenience. For, they were all here today, matching their schedules together just to be with Changmin; to be his listeners. Because that might be what he needed the most.

But, Changmin was spacing out, his mind full of thoughts. Even the sandwich hadn't been touched yet; it remained in good shape in his hand. The baton to speak then passed within the four of the rest; none was brave enough to make a noise.

Until Chanhee thought it was enough. That, this needed to stop here because 5 minutes had passed, leaving them another 10 minutes more before they had to separate.

So, Chanhee started, "Did you see Belle?"

Changmin felt an urge to cry just by hearing her name, guilt immediately blooming all over his body. He pursed his lips and shook his head, forcing himself to open his mouth to take a bite of the sandwich.

But, he failed. So, he just sighed, taking down the food.

"She wants to be alone," he said, his view was now blurred with tears.

It was then a heavy sigh was heard from one of his friends which seemed coming from Juyeon who sat across from him. He wasn't sure, it was only a mere guess because all eyes were on the latter.

"You know that we are with you," the cat boy said, lying his cheek against his palm. "You can tell us anything in your mind. Let the burden out."

Kevin next to Juyeon then nodded before he pointed out, "I don't know when Juyeon became so sensible but he's correct. Even if Belle is proven guilty, nobody could erase the fact that we are her friends too."

"Because that's what friends do. Staying with each other during the hard time," Chanhee added.

Hearing that somehow had brought comfort into Changmin's heart. However, as he lowered his head, the urge to cry was now at its peak; a loner tear couldn't be helped falling.

"Bro!" Eric who noticed it eventually screamed, alerting the other boys. "Why are you crying?!"

Immediately, Kevin rushed to find a piece of tissue which he remembered bringing a pack inside his bag while Chanhee hit the crying boy on the arm, muttering something like stop it!