Guys?

Irritating

       I lazily walked down a school hallway. It seemed like it would take forever to get to my designated classroom. I suppose you could say I dislike school - or any social gathering for that matter. It's not because I'm shy or socially awkward. It's simply because I don't belong. I'm what my classmates call an "oddball to society". I do have the ability to act like a normal student, but I choose not to. That would need way too much effort. You might be wondering why I don't consider being home schooled. Well, my mom tells me to "get out more", whatever that means.

       I finally arrive to my class where all the students are already seated. The bell rang a few minutes ago, but I didn't bother rushing. I hate school anyway. My classmates decided not to check who entered the room since they're all so used to my dull presence being late. I bring myself to be seated at my assigned seat, but there was something odd about that morning. A new face had alarmed me. He greeted me with a soft smile and I weirdly returned the gesture. Unlike the students who actually worry whenever they're late, I was in no hurry to take out my supplies. I just laid my head between my arms, not caring how my new neighbor would react. A small tap to the shoulder snatched my attention. It was the new student.

       "Aren't you going to pay attention?" he asked.

       He must not judge by appearance, I thought. It was a rookie mistake. But how does he have the courage to ask me something like that? I looked so depressed and sleep-deprived.

       "Um, no?" I replied. "I'm tired. I'd prefer to care about my own well-being and get enough rest rather than the flawed education system that is high school." For a moment, I felt bad for responding in such a curt fashion, but I figured he shouldn't have bothered me in the first place. He should've stayed in his own lane. Yes, that's it. I'm not the one at fault here.

       Suddenly, I felt another tapping on my shoulder. What could it possibly be now? I look up once more, coming off as a bit more agitated than the first time.

       "Would you like to hang out during lunch?"

       What?

       What is the matter with this guy? Could he possibly be THAT lonely? I give him attitude, and he asks me to "hang out" during lunch? How strange. Although I am aggravated with his persistent questions and his strange request, I try not to show my feelings of joy, knowing that a normal person like him would want to know more about a strange loner like me. "What reason could you possibly have for wanting to meet me at lunch?" I asked. He chuckled for a bit, then calmed down. What was so funny? "Well, it's simple." he started. "You seem interesting."

       I didn't give him a quick response. I just acted like I didn't acknowledge his comment. I remained in a state of shock and disbelief. At first, I started to think that he was pulling my leg, or he was just acting like this to betray me in the end. Even though this may  be an act, I was still curious. What would happen if I agree to it? Will there be benefits or consequences? I'll never know if I try. The bell rang, and while everyone else left, it looked like he was still waiting for an answer. "I'll see you at lunch." I firmly stated, expressionless. As I was about to leave, I look back at him to see if my response got an extreme reaction out of him or if he would point at me and laugh like the jocks always did.

       He just smiled at me.