Endless solo of solitude | Lookism various x reader

Heart of Clear Springs.

Eli Jang is a bit of an oddball, you begin to notice. But he's also cute and strangely naive.

"What a drag," you murmur, yawning in sequence, one after another. It's too early, but you have to get to school; you really don't have a choice in the matter. Seriously, whatever happened to free choice of speech? We can't be late! It'll impact our attendance, Sally would scold you. She'd make a good mother, you eye her mannerisms. She certainly sounds like your own when she points out all your misbehaviours and wrongdoings.

"Quit complaining," she replies, nudging you using her elbow. Sally's hands are both occupied (technically, she could let your hand loose, but that isn't an option for her), so you suppose using her elbow is the only method left. Even when she can't, she just has to find a way to keep bullying you. Ouch. Your poor heart has had enough.

With sleep etching at every part of your expression, you allow Sally to drag you towards the bathroom. Her hand is warm and kind as she holds on tight, like it's always been that way. Like you're not going anywhere. And maybe it's true. Considering how clingy she was all night, it's an understatement to say your every interaction with that handsome bastard will be observed by her. She doesn't trust Eli quite yet. But she did allow him into her home, and when you mention it, she waves you off with a flustered stammer. You think she feels bad for him. You're not sure, though. Could be the opposite.

Sally lets a dramatic sigh slip past her lips. "Where did that loser go anyway? I haven't seen him all morning..." she tells you, brows furrowing and betraying her totally not concerned facade. She's a lot more touchy-feely than one would assume—sensitive, with no fear in calling out wrongs (or at least that's what you believe, she disagrees)—and despises coming across as ignorant of others. Having grown up on the upper side of middle class, she hadn't ever understood how hard the poorer of society had it. Once she lost her family, it all came crashing down. No love, no warm meals, no hellos and byes. Coming face to face with Eli Jang, it was like staring right into a mirror.

(The faint feeling of her lips against yours lingers).

"No need to hide your feelings," you say with a smile. Guesses aren't needed. She wears her heart on her sleeve, her feelings reflected in her eyes. "I know you better than to fall for your cute lies. You're worried, aren't you?"

(Skin against skin).

"I'm not worried. I just don't want him messing around," retorts Sally, irritated. At least you called her cute, but you should know better by now. She doesn't worry about anyone except for you. Screw everyone else. Men are all losers.

(You wonder if this'll change things).

You nod like you're agreeing but you're really not.

Sally's cheeks puff up, as she gestures for you to open the bathroom door. "We need to wash up." Right. Your ears perk up at the sound of water running. Had you accidentally left the tap running last night? Guilt eats up your throat. The water bill would be super expensive, no doubt—

But you'd pay it.

"Sorry, must've left the tap running last night," you sigh, missing her confused blinks. That wouldn't have been possible, because Sally used the bathroom once you fell asleep, and she'd never make the mistake of leaving the tap turned on.

She shakes her head. "I don't think—" she's interrupted by the look of horror on your face once you turn the door knob and the door swings open.

"What the heck?!" you blurt, rushing to cover Sally's eyes. "D—don't look! You'll taint your poor eyes!" you panic around, forgetting to cover your own vision.

Eli is using the shower, it seems. So at least the tap wasn't left on all night. Phew. But then... your stare drifts to his bare back, his torso, his shoulders, and—