Whooosh. The sound of the wind blasting through the hallway. I was still holding onto Arthur's jacket at that time. The wind peaked through the holes in my shirt, I got goosebumps. The wind started singing, implying the strength of the wind. I placed my bag in my locker to wear Arthur's jacket. He wore a turtleneck under his uniform, so he was probably fine. I did feel bad for wearing it, but I didn't want to freeze. It was also his idea for me to wear it, so I guess it's fine.
"Excuse me, Arthur," I mumbled, wearing his jacket.
— 10 am, Tuesday: December 17, 2024 —
Arthur's classes were held in a different building, so I didn't see him after he left, thank God. I feel like he'll make it a big deal.
Thud, the sound of a hand leaning on a locker. What were they trying to do? Those kinds of moves that happen in a rom-com-high-school-series type of flirting? I never figured out why they find that attractive.
"Leighton! Do you have the assignment for chemistry?" Some guy asked.
"Make it fast, we'll be late," I replied, handing him my paper.
"You're really cool, you know that?" He complimented, sounding so silly.
If I remember correctly, his name should be Finn. He hasn't really bullied me or anything, he's some guy who's in the same chemistry class as I am, I think he was also in my Volunteerism class. We never really talked, but he was pretty nice whenever he approached me, he wasn't as demanding as other guys, and he'd tell me I'm pretty cool for having a big brain.
"Thanks, Leighton. See you later." He delightfully walked away after he handed me back my paper.
Ring!The bell for the next class started. I closed my locker and headed for Chemistry class. That guy, Finn? I always thought we could have some potential to form a friendship. Maybe if I were socially active, we'd be friends by now, bestest of best friends even. You know, I wonder where it went wrong, from me being the trophy winner to being paid to do their homework. It's disappointing how smart people are being treated in society nowadays. But you know how Einstein was when he was in school, right? He was considered a weird kid, but it turns out, he's the genius man we all know today. The same goes for Rowan Atkinson, the actor of Mr. Bean. He was deemed a disabled guy until he was known as Mr. Bean. They're pretty cool, I like to think of them as my inspiration for when life treats me unfairly despite my intelligence. This, too, will pass.
...
Clack.The sound of tubes hitting each other. I arrived at the Science Lab, they're grabbing the flasks and preparing the materials. Ah, I do remember having a pair activity today. I haven't paired up with anyone, though. It's usually a bunch of guys running towards me to pair up with, but thankfully, the guys aren't in this class.
"Hey Leighton! Do you already have a pair?" Finn asked.
"No," I replied. Short isn't it? I suppose I was pretty cold back then.
"It's decided then, we're paired!" He added.
I didn't mind him deciding about that. I'd actually prefer pairing up with him rather than a bunch of dead weight. I'm not sure if it was just me or if he looked like he was shining; it's like sparks were around him whenever he smiled. Well, I guess he isn't the school's prom king for the past 3 years for nothing. He's popular among boys and girls from other schools, too, but he's not exactly the smart type. We'd be a dynamic duo if we were friends; he'd be the silly yet popular one, and I'm the cold nerd.
"I'm not confident with my skills in chemistry, but just get me on with the project and I'll present it for you." He stated.
I liked his honesty. I did hear some rumours about him presenting a project the other day. They got the highest grade for that class. It was even in the school's paper. They finally managed to put another guy in terms of projects other than me. My face kept filling all the school's newspapers, I was getting pretty exhausted whenever they'd ask me for interviews.
"Sure. For our task, we're required to perform different chemical reactions to showcase different gas production. We'll use Ammonium chloride combined with Sodium hydroxide, and use this to produce Ammonia gas."
Finn and I started doing the project. I mostly did everything, but he was listening very well to each of my words. He'd ask questions if he didn't understand a thing, and kept up with my pace.
…
Ring!And just like that. We finished our work, and it's all up to him to present it. I'd be more confident in my skills, but I don't like to waste someone's talent, especially when they volunteered. That's a rare occasion, to be honest. I'd like to witness his performance in person, too.
Rrrriiiing! It's the sound for lunch period. I normally eat alone at that one table, with the lunch mom packed for us. Though the boys still hovered around me when I ate, it was stressful for me, so I'd normally eat in the bathroom. But they figured out where I hid: bathroom, rooftop, guard's office, teacher's classroom, teacher's office, almost everywhere. But today, I tried eating at the cafeteria, but no one came. It's as if everyone ignored me. Except for Finn, he walked towards me.
"Can I sit here?" He asked, carrying a tray.
"Yeah, I don't mind," I replied.
Today felt random. First, I get to hide from the crowds and now, this guy? It's even more suspicious with the fact that those guys are actually not in sight.
"I always see you eating alone, sometimes surrounded by the guys. So I thought I'd eat with you today, seeing as they're not around today." He stated.
"It's the clients, I'm sorry if it was bothering," I explained.
It was awkward after that, I didn't mind though. I like eating in peace. Although, it must have been hella awkward for him. He was looking around to come up with topics.
"You know, despite those guys asking you for a favour. You're actually difficult to approach. I wonder if it's your intelligence?" He spoke.
What did he say? My intelligence was intimidating..?
Was that the reason I don't have friends? They were, what? Scared? Was that it? Oh my God. Seriously?
"I didn't know that," I muttered.
I was trying to be humble and innocent. But under that facade, I'm pissed off by that. I mean, how can anyone choose to ignore a loner just because he's intelligent?
…
Or maybe I was just awkward and people found me boring, that is. I mean, seriously, how can you hang out with a nerd, who's boring and doesn't have a passion for anything other than making his parent proud?
"Remy!!" A guy shouted.
Oh, wait, that voice seemed familiar. Also, not a lot of people call me Remy. I don't suppose they know my nickname.
"How's class?" He said, sitting beside me. It was Arthur.
"Hi, it was fine." I replied.
"That's good!" Arthur commented.
Well, that was awkward. Oh, right.
"By the way, this is Finn, he paired up with me in Chemistry class," I spoke.
Am I dreaming or what? Why are there two people sitting at the same table as me?
"Finn Glifford." He said enthusiastically while reaching out for his hand.
"Arthur Heino's the name." He replied, shaking Finn's hand.
He sat back down once he finished introducing himself. Now that's a formal way to greet someone new. Nowadays, it's a simple chat or or wave. I'm glad I can see simple courtesy.
"I almost got lost trying to find the cafeteria, I'm glad I found you though." He added, expressing relief.
Finn looked glad. Arthur kept talking to me and asking how my day was.
"You didn't get any food?" I asked.
"They didn't have my cardboard today." He answered. I'm sorry, what?
"Cardboard?" I asked, flabbergasted.
"Pizza that looks like one, tastes like one." He said, giving a hungry-puppy face.
"In short, a concerningly stale pizza?"
"Exactly!"
I never ate food from the cafeteria, but I can see what he meant.
"Pfft, alright." I let out a chuckle.
After hearing that, I offered him some of my lunch.
He looked at me with a sad puppy face and opened his mouth. Is he, asking me to feed him?
"I just remembered I have something to do! I'll get going now. See you around, Jeremy.. and Arthur." He said, rushing out of the cafeteria.
Finn finished his lunch quickly and decided to go ahead without us.
"What's up with him?" I asked.
"I don't know," Arthur replied, smiling at me.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"Mm, it's nothing."
These guys, they're weird.
"This is good." Arthur complimented.
"It's my mom's cooking," I replied.
"No wonder, everything she made must be delicious," He added.
He glanced at me in a weird way and turned back again to eat. I just brushed it off and nodded. I agree with him, every food she made was delicious. She turned even the most salty, bitter vegetables into a gourmet dish that a Michelin chef could make. I'm lucky that way.
Anyways, we had half an hour left before class, but we decided to stay at our table and chat through the remaining time. Some guys passed by but didn't approach me. I wonder what happened, they were never the type to be hesitant when it comes to approaching me.
"So when are you going to give me a tour of this place?" Arthur asked, playing with the strings of his jacket that I was wearing.
"After class?"
"Sure! Whenever works for you." He replied.
"I see, you're wearing my jacket," He said, still playing with the strings.
"I was freezing, sorry. Do you want it back?"
"You can keep it, it looks good on you. ^_^" He complimented me with a shining smile..
Be for real, is he an angel? After that, though, I fell asleep—not that I wanted to, he kept insisting that I sleep and that he'll wake me up when lunchtime is over. I took his offer up, though.