Chasing the Sun

017

When the school bell rung, I quickly ran outside the room and made my way to the rooftop of the building. My room's located at the ground floor, and I had to climb four floors in order to reach the rooftop. It would be a total challenge for a normal teen, so just think how much of a burden it would be for someone with cancer.

The moment I reached the rooftop, I was already out of breath and my polo was soaking from the sweat. I opened the door that lead to the actual rooftop and was greeted by a large open space. On the side were broken wooden chairs and other trash, as well as other school supplies that were already dysfunctional. I scanned the whole area and found no one. I then took a look at my wrist watch.

12:01. I was only late for a minute, but he's already gone?

I was just about to return to my room when someone patted my back. Thinking that I was alone and that the rooftop was a popular topic of horror stories among the students in our school, I let out a scream and almost passed out when I realized it was Tawan who patted me.

"What the hell's wrong with you? You look like you just saw a ghost."

The paleness of my face immediately disappeared. I felt bith relieved and mad at the sight of his face.

"You scared the shit out of me! I thought you'd already left."

"I was just at the back waiting. I heard the sound of the door open so I went to meet you."

I still wore the same look as I tidied myself up. My polo was still wet with my sweat.

"You might get sick if you let the sweat dry on your body. Use this.", he said as he handed me a towel.

I grabbed the towel and dried my body. When we were done, we entered the rooftop. I'd already seen the rooftop, but I was still unaware of the magnificent view from the top floor of the building. I stood near the edge of the rooftop and took a look at the breathtaking view lying before my eyes. I could see the whole school, the students wandering around like tiny ants. Outside the school were different buildings and skyscrapers, extending to what my eyes could see. The breeze up there was also fresher, and each time it touches my body it feels like a pair of hands are caressing my face.

"This must be the feeling of the birds when they're flying"

"Are you done admiring the view? because I'm starving."

I turned around and saw Tawan holding a lunch box. I walked towards him and tried snatching the box but he was too fast that he evaded my hand.

"I didn't know you were the type to bring a lunchbox to school."

"I'm not. This was given to me by a girl from your class.", he said as he sat on the floor and started to unwrap the lunchbox.

It revealed a neatly prepared meal that looked like it was made with full of love.

"Whoever that girl is, she surely likes you."

"Well I guess that's good, I get free lunch for having good looks. Come and eat with me, this is too much for a single person."

I sat and ate with Tawan as we enjoyed the breeze blowing from our side. The food tasted good, but I felt a little guilty eating it. Afterall, that was supposed to be only for Tawan.

"Is this your usual hangout place?", I said as I took a bite of the omelette.

"Uhuh. This is where I go when I need some time alone."

"Why did you bring me here then if you always go here alone?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you said it feels different doing something you've always done alone than doing it with someone."

"And what do you feel now? sharing this place and food with me?"

"I don't know.", he said as he drank his water.

"But I don't want it to end just yet.", he continued as he looked at me.

Maybe it was because he said that in broad daylight and his face was struck with the sunlight, but my heart skipped a beat when I looked at him.