The Boy From Everywhere

Ch. 27: The Trouble

Who was she, anyway?

All of a sudden, this girl came into my classroom, bumped into me without apologizing, and then asked if I was Hannah's boyfriend.

She knew Hannah... But that didn't exactly mean that they were close.

I would have prodded further, wanting to know more and unwilling to accuse her just yet. But then Hannah arrived.

"... Stop. If you want to know something about me, then ask me instead. You're bothering someone who doesn't even know you yet." Her words hung cold in the air, almost apprehending. For a moment, I thought she would jump at the girl who entered our classroom, but she didn't. Instead, she remained calm, on her feet, looking at the girl with pursed lips and slightly begging eyes.

The girl looked at her and then smiled. Of course, Hannah should have been the first person she should ask... but then, she accused her of lying. After all, I'm apparently not the kind of guy to just randomly date someone I just met, but what did she know? The girl shrugged, wished Hannah and I a happy, long-lasting relationship and then left. Hannah kept her head hanging low as the girl left.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if it really was appropriate for me to pry into what seemed to be a part of Hannah's private life. My curiosity got the best of me as I finally asked. "Do... you know her?"

Hannah kept quiet for a moment, chuckling quietly to herself before she finally looked up to meet my eyes. Unfortunately, before she could answer, the teacher arrived and sent us to our seats. Maybe this was a sign I shouldn't talk about it yet. I'll just save it for a later conversation.

~•~

The café I worked at, ever since that incident when Hannah's aunt slapped the tray out of my hands, looked rather intimidating to me every time I walked in for my shift.

Honestly, I'm not so sure what stories started going around the staff and managers since that day. I've been accused of... a lot of things. I guess, I just never thought they would believe some of them.

Was it because I was too disconnected all this time?

No, I thought I had built a strong enough rapport. I used to be able to joke and laugh with them, but then all of a sudden, all that greeted me everytime I entered was...

Whispers.

Was it true?

Did I really do something with Hannah?

Was I actually hiding so much more than I let on?

... Was I even actually a good person?

It is surprising, though, that I still managed to keep my job until now. I just had to keep up the good work. Still, I guess, once your image had been ruined horribly in front if your managers, no amount of good work could possibly save you.

The manager came to see me as I was putting my things away in my locker, all cold-faced and distant. I was being laid off. There was no way they could keep me working in the café after the scene I had caused that day. I'd ruin the café's image along with mine. So, I had to leave.

This... Why? What did I do? Did it really have to be like this?

I would have begged. I could have... But I guess, my dignity had already been harmed too much in this place.

I thanked the manager for their time and all their help, and then left. My uniform stayed in my locker. I haven't even touched it at all that day. Haven't even settled things properly before leaving.

What do I do now? I just lost one of my jobs? Will I actually be able to take another one quickly?

But other than that...

I stopped in my tracks, a little while after having left the café. I didn't even realize that I had actually been walking for quite a while, but then I found myself at a crossroad, one I usually passed by on my way to school, work, home...

At this point, where do I even go now?

I took my phone out to check the time. 5:12. My eyes lingered on the digits like they were my only possible source of comfort. And then, as if out of habit, I unlocked my phone, opening it to my home screen.

Hannah's photo greeted me as the background, and a half-smile formed on my lips at the sight of her. I wondered where she was now. Wondered if she made it home safely. About her new home now, I wondered if she was happier there.

Well, I hope she was.

Much happier than I am, I'd hope. That way, I won't have to worry so much no matter what happened to her outside.

I couldn't fight the urge anymore after a long quiet moment. In a quick moment, my phone finally ended up buzzing right next to my ear as I tried to reach Hannah, tried to reach my only true source of comfort.

I hoped she'd pick up. I hoped she'd greet me like she always did.

My heart jumped when I heard the click, signaling that I had been connected to her, and I spoke too excitedly to greet her. "Ha–"

But then I got cut off by a foreign voice.

A mocking tone, asking why I can't leave Hannah alone for even just one second.

The girl from this morning... What was she doing with Hannah's phone?