"Yes...t-that's the truth," I stammered.
"Oh."
There was a drawn-out stillness that may have persisted only a couple of seconds. It had felt at the time like hours: so much so, I could perceive the chilled bite surge.
He looked at me, ostensibly offended. The night sky disguised his face, so I wasn't sure. The passion that had permeated my judgment had transformed into a burgeoning disillusionment. Tears had overflowed my vision. No longer had I wanted to change. The longer he stood, silent, the more intense my sorrow developed. Repeatedly, I questioned him, suppressing a scream. My self-conviction descended, like the evening dew. Unrelenting thoughts ensued, muddling my perception. My fist clenched, I would strike Jun if his heartfelt eloquence didn't stir me. He proceeded to pace, neglecting me on the floor, heaving for air as I asphyxiated. I lied on the harsh pavement, sobbing. The vivid red and green hues of neon signs beamed into my eyes, effectively blinding me.
The subsequent morning was unmerciful. What had I been thinking? The felonious emotions I had for Jun came with consequences. The innumerable quantity of people that would disparage me for my immorality. It was false to treasure another boy—right?
No light shone through my window. Murkiness blanketed my room: its unyielding energy oppressed me. Despondent and soundless, I navigated my apartment blundering more prominently than usual.
The bathroom mirror displayed a pathetic figure. My weighted arms dragged upwards before grappling the toothbrush. A restless notion of despair overwhelmed my thoughts, tugging at my soul. Drops of toothpaste drizzled from my mouth; dripping like melted iron. An irritated expression formed on my face as I cleaned myself and shifted away from the mirror. My mother was not home; presumably gone to give me space. My body slumped over the dining table as the sun rose. Dried tears cracked my skin as the hissing of the heater rung through my ears.
The bus ride was nothing exciting.
People dispersed in the courtyard. Instead of heading to the library, I sat on a concrete bench, waiting for the bell to ring. For the first time, I was able to take in the bustling spectacle. Cherry blossoms drifted through the hair, some landing in people's hair. The wheezing of vehicles and the indistinct chatter of passing students encompassed me. Tapping my foot whilst staring blankly at the cement floor, I slid off my backpack. The frozen, dense bench did not comfort my behind, yet it was better than Will and Alison witnessing my appalling state. Bags of skin dropped from my eyes, moulding after puddles of liquid had rushed out. My nervous tapping met with a hushed whimper. I stifled the urge to bawl as prevailing ideas circled my head.
Suddenly, I overheard my name.
The voice was familiar. My eyes focused on a figure: Jun. Swiftly turning my head down, I began to feel tears emerge as they slipped away. His pained posture hurried over as he sat next to me. Without a budge, I turned to him, trembling as I forced a smile.
"Hi, Jun."
He didn't ask, nor did he give any warning, but he clutched my body and yanked me up, embracing me in his arms. It didn't matter anymore: I didn't care. More soundless cries bellowed from my innards. Jun caressed the rear of my head and rhythmically bounced idyllically soothing me. I wept, expressing regret several times before he whispered to me that he forgave me. Jun also atoned for his mistakes as I sank back and studied his expression: Jun was on the verge of sobbing. He grinned.
"Emotional as ever," he remarked.
"Yep."
It was only a few minutes, but it felt like hours.
Jun wasn't all that wrong. It was true: as a child, I was sensitive. When middle school arrived, it was my duty to rid myself of my turmoil. I started to take situations rationally, abandoning a core part of my old personality. Maybe it was Jun that convoked my emotions. After all, if he hadn't abruptly bumped into me in the hallway, we wouldn't have reached to this point. The circumstances were similar to Will; although I supposed, I had feelings for Jun. He would accept me or perhaps, he wouldn't. Still, Jun invited me after school at the arcade. I hoped he'd fill the empty gap in my heart.
YOU ARE READING
New Kid
Romance"Why are you always angry?" was a common question for Evan Ross, a pessimistic high schooler with nothing going for him. No hobbies, few friends, and a mundane routine. Of course, something was bound to turn things around-the new kid. Ever since he...
