Book Writing

Borrowing an Actor

"Konju?" I blinked at the guy who was in front of me. He grinned as he waved, "Hey Aruke! You feeling good today?"

Konju Rudi is a popular upperclassman in school. This 15-year-old is characterized by his brown hair, black eyes, cocoa skin, and Canadian looks, which he matches with his grey shirt under a silver jacket, blue pants, brown cowboy hat he had gotten as a birthday present when he was a kid, black shoes, and white socks. Since he is one of the most easygoing and relaxed people in the school, he quickly made a good reputation around the school. I never thought that he would come to my house of all places, when he had so many friends.

"You know my name?" I suddenly grew nervous as I realised that he had called me Aruke.

"Why wouldn't I know your name Aruke?" Konju looked at me, literal question marks flying around his head.

He's probably here to trick you to go outside, like the rest of them. He doesn't care for you. He's just pretending like how the rest of them did before. My inner voice taunted.

"D-Don't lie!" I stuttered as I took a step back on reflex. "Y-You're probably going to pretend to be my friend, then break my heart again, just like the rest of them!"

"Hold on, Aruke, what are you talking about?"

"Don't act dumb, Konju! They've been doing this for so long, and now you want to join in?! I thought you were better than that!"

"Wait, what exactly did they do?"

"Don't you know?" My bitter tone was evidently full of anger and rage. "They all pretended to be my friend, then they made me do horrible things I can never take back, before they laughed at me for being so naïve."

Konju's eyes widen, "Aruke, I had no idea..."

Now, it was my turn to feel confused, "Huh? What are you talking about?"

And then I remembered.

Konju had just transferred to ny school at the beginning of the school year, meaning he had no idea of what they had done to me.

"O-Oh..." my eyes widened in realisation.

Konju looked ready to growl, but he regained his composure and sudenly changed the subject, "Say, Aruke, did you get any weird MP3 players without any earbuds today?"

I gave a start. What the?!

"H-How did you know?!" I gasped, unable to believe it. "I-I thought I had been hallucinating again!"

"It's a long story, Aruke," his face was serious. "For now, we should get to a safe place away from THEIR ears."

"Huh? Who's the-"

Konju covered my mouth, "Sh! They can hear us! Look, it's a complicated story, and we have to go somewhere else. Can you come with me?"

"...O-Okay then," I nodded shakily. "B-But can I go tell my dad first?"

"Sure, but be quick about it," he nodded.

"Got it," I nodded as I rushed back to the living room.

Dad looked up from reading a novel he had picked up from the bookstore in town, "Who was it, Aruke?"

"Ah, a schoolmate wants me to go somewhere with him. Sorry, but it looks like I'll have to leave you alone to do all the sorting by yourself."

"No no no!" Dad immediately shook his head. "You can go, Aruke! I don't mind!"

"Really? You sure?"

"I'm very sure, Aruke. Just go and have fun, okay?" he smiled.

"...Okay then. Thanks Dad," I smiled back as he echoed my words before I walked to the door, where Konju was waiting for me.

"Come on," he quickly spun around and began walking away.

I hurriedly chased after him, "What's all the fuss about, anyway?"

"You'll find out soon. For now, just trust me okay?" he looked back at me, his eyes pleading for me to comply with his wishes, no matter how weird they sounded.

"... A-All right...." I hesitantly agreed.