Past Present Future [BL - SaifahZon]

Chapter 7

p r e s e n t

Fresh morning air filled Zon's lungs, as he sauntered towards the school. Monday mornings were always the hardest to find the will to exist and he often had trouble waking up. That was one of the things that had never changed and he couldn't blame his students for being late on those days either. If anything, it would be pure hypocrisy and as long as they were at least moderately engaged in his classes, he didn't mind.

But what he did mind was the judgmental shine of the sun rays and the birds mockingly chirping at the dark circles under his eyes. He knew perfectly well how little he had slept this weekend, no need for the sun to remind him he didn't wake up in his own bed too.

He closed his eyes and let the gentle breeze brush his face. The soft hum of the song took him far away from the city bustle and made the unpleasant responsibilities fade away. Even if just for a moment.

Cause I'm lost without your soul, lost among the colors of the night

In a heartbeat, he was on a tranquil beach listening to the waves whispering their secrets. No students gushing over some stupid idols, no cars speeding through the streets. Only the seashore and the sweet melody of the song, soothing his soul. If only it could last a tiny bit longer...

But it wasn't meant to be.

The first thing he noticed was the smell of cheap coffee and musky cologne, so foreign to his imaginary landscapes, that he blinked his eyes open. Saifah's face popped in front of him so suddenly, he almost lost his balance.

"You cut your hair."

I kiss you in my sleep, then I open my eyes

"Huh?" Zon took one earphone out and looked at him questioningly. "What did you say?"

"Nothing." Saifah beamed in a smile that could've outshine the sun. "Did you have a good weekend?"

Zon shrugged and shoved the cables into his pocket. "Could've been better. Yours?"

They passed the main gate and moved to the side to avoid rushing students. A swarm of white shirts and blue shorts stormed through the yard, throwing greetings in passing.

"Not bad." Saifah took a sip from his paper cup. His eyes were following Zon, when he struggled with the strap of his backpack and a small smirk tickled the corners of his mouth. He reached out to help him, his fingers quickly working around the buckle. "I've heard you met with Tor," he said, his breath sweeping over Zon's forehead.

"I did," he admitted cautiously. An odd feeling nestled in his guts, some small maggot of anxiety crawling through his body. Did they talk about him? What were they saying? The pit of his stomach was burning from worry and his eyes scanned through Saifah's face as if it would give him some kind of answer. "How often do you talk about me? He literally started the conversation by asking about you." Zon cleared his throat and imitated Tutor's toneless voice to cover his nervousness. "'I've heard Saifah and you are working together now.'" He arched his eyebrows in forced bemusement. "You really need to find some new topics, I swear."

Saifah chuckled. "We did, because he knew I work here." He didn't seem embarrassed as if he was caught red-handed or anything like that. More than anything, he was his usual self. Maybe it really was just a coincidence?

Saifah took the last sip of his coffee and added: "I guess he was concerned about us getting along."

"Oh." Zon bit his lip as the image of Tutor's smile flickered through his mind. So it had to be relief that shined in his eyes when Zon said it was more than alright and that he was hoping to hit it off with Saifah again.