Toi et Moi

Episode 2

Half-listening as the principal explains the design project, I lean back against my chair and stare at the ceiling. I'm not a competitive person and certainly wasn't interested in making a derby hat. Mr. Damocles wraps up his presentation and the bell rings a moment later.

I don't bother packing my things and instead turn my gaze to Nino. It was routine at this point to leave after him so I wouldn't risk bumping into him or Adrien after school. Truthfully, it was pathetic, but I couldn't stand to look at Nino after what I did during my first week of school; though he never tried to approach me either. Waiting a little after they leave, I grab my things and head out the door.

Walking down the stairs, I spot a situation that doesn't make me happy. One of my classmates struggles to pick up his scattered papers as a Chloe walks away with a smug smirk. People ignore him as they walk by and I frown as I grab some of the papers by my feet.

Walking towards him with his papers in my hands, I stand over him and hesitate before bending down to help him. Gathering what I can, I remain silent and ignore his shaking hands as he tries to not look at me.

Holding a stack of papers, I notice the detailed drawing on one and look over at him. "Here." I offer him his papers and stand.

He stands as well and grips his notebook. "Thank you for your help..." he mumbles out and glances at me nervously before quickly walking away.

I stare after him before looking down and pushing away the sting of being so obviously avoided. Clenching my fist, I start heading towards my locker so I can leave.

Nearing my locker, I almost immediately notice Nino's friend leaving the courtyard and heading my way. With nowhere to hide, I breathe deeply and nervously look away. Avoiding any chance of eye contact, I keep my eyes trained my hands as I tug at my gloves. As soon as he passes me, I relax a little and run a hand through my hair.

Stepping into the locker room, I quickly head to my locker. As soon as it opens, I spot Blann eagerly waiting for me. "Evan," he whispers-yells happily and smiles up at me, "you ready?"

I smile lightly at the cute behavior and nod my head as Blann quickly flies into my camera case.

After filling my backpack and leaving the school, I sluggishly walk down the street and force myself to think about nothing. It works for a while, but I come to a halt when I remember that Madeleine had friends over for a group project and I didn't want them knowing she had such a freak for a cousin. Sighing, I massage my shoulder and try to think of things I could do until they left. The park was closest and vitamin D might help with my melancholic mood. So, with a destination in mind, I cross the street with a sigh.

Entering the park, I glance around before finding an empty bench. Sagging into it, I place my messenger bag next to me. All I wanted to do was hide away in my room and get today over with. Letting out another sigh, I stare up at the clear sky and close my eyes.

The sound of screams causes me to jolt awake and I rub at my eyes, surprised that I fell asleep. Blinking my blurry eyes, I glance around before my eyes shoot to the sky and I watch in amazement as a plane shaped flock of birds fly above me.

Shaking myself back to reality, I stand and quickly run behind a nearby tree.

"Evan, did you see that?" Blann zips out of my camera case and grabs my cheeks. "Let's go, let's go!" he squeaks out and looks at me excitedly.

I nod in agreement and my mouth ghosts into a smirk. "Okay, Blann, ears up!"