Faint Whispers

Chapter 18

*NEW CHARACTER INTRODUCED*

For the nth time, Sehun regretted. He couldn't count how many times he sighed or was close to crying. Sometimes he felt that maybe the two of them are not even fated to be together. And maybe their relationship was long gone, had already stopped at that moment when they separated and never will be found again. Maybe after all these years, Kris is the only one that can at least make Luhan happy for a long time. Because he didn't do it. 

Again, he lost. Lost to Kris. Now he understood why Kris was always so protective of Luhan. It's because for these 2 years, Kris learnt more about Luhan than he is. Kris learnt that Luhan was actually vulnerable and maybe he vowed to protect him. Sehun never did. He never knew and he never vowed like Kris. For these 2 years, Luhan's friendship with Kris strengthen overtime while Sehun was just quietly watched. He had this suspicion in his mind ever since he saw the two. He still remembered the first day.

FLASHBACK

Sehun stood in the middle of the cafeteria. First day in high school, never the best moment. He looked around, hoping he find some familiar faces from middle school. Unfortunately, there are none. Until, he saw a familiar chestnut brown hair among many other. He knew instantly. He had found Luhan.

Excited, he ran over, only to stop in his track when a black-haired guy came to greet Luhan. In a very friendly and close way. He saw Luhan smiled at him brightly. Just the way Luhan did to him before. He watched the intruder led Luhan away, away from his sight. People would think that they were best friends, but to Sehun, he knew it's more than that. Feelings can be seen from actions.

2 weeks later, he found them in the library. Having a causal talk and Luhan having two stacks of books beside him. He always knew Luhan loved reading. He soon found out that the intruder's name was Kris. They were doing some sort of project together. Same class, he concluded. 

Another week later, he saw Luhan walking home. He hurried to him but again, Kris. Luhan and Kris walked the same direction. He swore he stood there too long and when Luhan turned back just on instincts, their eyes met. It was a short 1 second but Sehun could see a faint terror in Luhan's eyes. Like he did something wrong and Sehun can't witness it.

Everything else was just everything else. 

For days, Sehun was isolated. Without Luhan. He always stopped by the restaurant to see Chen and Luhan together working. Everytime he passed by just to see Luhan for a glimpse. Most of the time, Luhan was too busy to notice a pair of staring eyes. Sehun still couldn't forget the look Luhan gave him at the party. A look of disappointment. And he understand. 

He actually went to the teacher-in-charge that he wanted to give up the offer. But the teacher just shook her head and insist that he deserve it. Sehun couldn't disobey, he doesn't want to. But he also want to give Luhan the chance. But he doesn't want to ask someone in his group to give it up just for someone he love.

Sometimes he wanted to just bury himself or sleep and wake up hoping it was just a dream so he can restart everything right at the beginning when he met Luhan. He could have done better. He would have done better.

1 month later - 6 July

July. It's summer and Sehun hate it the most. He doesn't like the feeling of sun on his skin. It's too hot for him. The summer uniform does nothing to him, even if it has thinner layers of cloth. He preferred staying indoors with he massive air-conditioner and lying down on bed with a good book. He was influenced by Luhan to read.

Sehun had spent days alone and he doesn't like it. He hated it. Everytime he comes back to school, all he meet was the house keepers and Mary, his personal one. His father wouldn't be home until  late at night because he had to run all over the place to the restaurant branches due to the dramatic increase of new employees. 

Sehun felt that it was too much. He couldn't stand seeing Kris and Luhan together everytime. Their friendship together can be mistaken as relationships and Sehun doesn't like it. But first, he had to blame the summer uniform.

FLASHBACK - 4 July

Sehun was in the canteen, getting his food. After he had everything ready, he stared at the metallic plate. Vegetables, vegetables and more vegetables. Typical children doesn't like vegetables, neither do he. He walked, heads down, only the sight of the ground could be see from the corner of his eyes. When suddenly, something or someone bumped into him. He stared at his uniform with widened eyes. The food and soup had spilled on him. He looked up, a girl.

"I'm so sorry!" The girl said and attempted to clean Sehun's shirt.

"No don't." Sehun stepped back, his uniform worser than before.

"I'm really sorry uh...."

"Sehun."

"Sehun. I'm really sorry. I'm Mia." The girl bowed.

"It's okay. I'll clean it up." Sehun said and wanted to leave.

"Sorry, may I know your class?" Mia asked.

"1...-3." Sehun said hesitantly and left after Mia apologized again.

It was only 2 days later that he found Mia standing outside his class during lunch break. He got out, surprised.

"I hope you remember me." Mia said.

"I do." Sehun looked at her.

"I just want to apologize again. And...I bought a new shirt for you. So I won't feel guilty." Mia handed Sehun a nicely packed new uniform.

"You don't have to do that, Mia." Sehun said.

"I have to. Or I will feel guilty forever." Mia said.

Sehun had no choice but to accept the clothes.

"But how did you know my size?" Sehun asked.

"I caught a glimpse of it. Size S right?" Mia said.

"Wow." Sehun said in awe.

"I'l be going now. See you soon." Mia smiled and ran away.

Sehun stared after her. He felt a motive.

Mia had been appearing around Sehun more often as days past. He even saw Mia walking back home in the same direction, he feared that she may be stalking him. Sehun didn't asked about her, and didn't asked for her class. But he found out after seeing her studying in 1-1. She is a smart person. Sehun was soon used to Mia's presence and sometimes, he even forget about Luhan.