Being Next to You

Chapter 21: A Cat who wants to Bark

Between a dog and a cat, what are the differences?

As far as I know, when a dog sees its owner, it will run towards that person and lick him all over. A dog will ask for attention, and will demand to eat and play. And when it sees a stranger, it will bark nonstop.

But that's the opposite when it comes to cats.

When it sees his owner, it doesn't care even if its owner himself calls. It doesn't seeks for attention nor demands food on its plate, it will wait until its owner gets it for him or look for some itself. A cat doesn't like playing for fun, laying down, eating and sleeping satisfies them, and when a stranger comes, it stays quiet.

To put it simple, a cat only does its essential duties and goes on with flow, it doesn't mind if it's involved in something or not. It does not complain and everything's fine for a cat, and that's pretty much like me.

Me, Julian, a cat.

. . .

Meow...

. . .

But let us skip that, and for now, I am marching to my brother's homeroom, not as a president, or even his friend or brother, but as his guardian...

"Excuse me," I knocked, "Is Jude Bridge still here?" No one answered as I carry my bag, who is about to head home, then I spotted Antony and Charlie, who were also about to leave.

Our eyes met, but dodged it deliberately and hurried out the door.

"Where is Jude?" I caught them, "And why are you running away?"

Well, I'm aware for the reason, though.

"Nothing," They both answered, staying quiet. My head started to hurt because I can't imagine what my brother did..

And I prefer not knowing, though.

"Nevermind," I sighed, even if I can't get their reason out of them now, I still wait for it later.

"Judy went home first.." Charlie confessed, "He said that you'll nag him here, if he'll stay." Added Antony. But obviously, who won't get angry?

"Thanks, see you tomorrow," Heading first while trying to organized all my thoughts, and then I started craving something sweet. Before leaving the school grounds with my bike, I stopped, buying two cans of chocolate drink at a vending machine, but since I was lost in thought. I accidentally pressed the hot button instead of cold.

. . .

Its warm, but, I prefer it not. Guess I have to drink it later.

After that, I rode my bike and was about to head home. As soon as I was out, I spotted Rina, who was walking ahead sluggishly with a blue expression on her face.

I'm blank. What can I do to lift her spirits? Is what's on my mind. Then I just plainly approached her, but when I did, she seem surprised. A speechless look was drawn to her face while accepting my offer.

I tried not looking into her eyes due to the awkward atmosphere surrounding us. Her complexion seemed to turn into a much more healthier and redder one. I'm glad. I tried to smile despite the weird atmosphere but I wasn't able to. She continued gaping at me which made me conscious of myself. Without any thought further I looked ahead and left, but not before muttering 'bye'.

What was that attitude? Isn't that rude? Seriously, me...