Everyone's loud as always. A clutter of sound invading my skull, all coming from the hallway. Classes just ended, after all.
The classroom window filters the sunlight onto my skin. The heat conducting through my collared shirt. This would be a good place for a nap. If it was just a bit quieter.
"Going home, Felix?"
I turn my head to see my classmate, Ethan.
As always, he's dressed nicer than necessary.
He's the pretty boy type. The sort that women like, before he talks, anyway.
More than that, he's an idiot.
If I had to explain our relationship… he thinks we're friends.
I smile at him as I respond.
"In a bit. What's up?"
Sporting a devilish grin, he sits on the desk next to mine.
"So, you're saying you're free."
I immediately shake my head.
"Nah, my parents are waiting for me."
The legs of the desk screech against the floor as he shoots up.
"C'mon! You're never free!"
Not for you.
Ethan speaks with his hands, as if that will convince me.
"Come hang out with me and Ada! It'll be fun!"
I seriously doubt it... I'm a lone wolf! I can't hang out with classmates! I have a reputation to maintain!
I smile awkwardly.
"I really wish I could. Next time."
His shoulders limp as he audibly sighs.
He looks like an abandoned puppy… except… like a deformed, ugly one…
You're making me feel bad…
"You always say that… when is next time? Graduation?"
An exasperated sigh comes from the classroom door, I turn my head and see Thing 2.
A fake blonde with penchant for always having her black roots visible.
I guess it's on purpose?
Do you think you look cool, or something?
Anyway, she's almost always hanging around Ethan. It seems they've known one another for a while.
"I told you he'd say no. Come on, leave him alone"
Ada… on second thought, I love you. Please, marry me.
Ethan stares at her, dumbfounded.
"Whose side are you on, exactly? Here I am, trying to set up the hangout event of the lifetime, and you two Debbie downers aren't collaborating! This is exactly why you two are friend group b! All that potential! All that chemistry! Wasted!"
What chemistry? We have nothing in common... well, I guess you two both pity me, but I certainly don't.
The seat drags against the ground as I get up.
With a sympathetic smile on my face, I create the perfect excuse.
"Sorry, bro. I promised to make dinner tonight. We should definitely hang out some other time though!"
Let's not, actually. Also? My acting skills? Wow, perfect.
I leave the room, knowing that my "friends" are looking at me with disappointment.
Today is looking up already. Home awaits!
***
Honestly, I don't mind them.
Ada and Ethan, I mean.
I know they try to hang out with me out of concern. They're kind. Still, it's annoying. That look of pity they give me. Their concern. It doesn't make sense either.
Why are they so invested in me? Anyone else would start resenting me for turning them down the way I do. Plus, our social circles are way different too. Ethan's super popular with pretty much everyone, and Ada is... well, not as popular. She has way more friends that I do though.
I contemplate this mystery as I walk out of the empty lobby.
Light shines through the door windows, illuminating the otherwise bland entryway.
Maybe it's my dashing good looks? The door screams after I open it, this thing has zero chill.
The sunlight kisses my skin… without my consent. It's too hot. What happened to the pleasant classroom sun?! Spring just started, and I already feel like I'm turning to dust.
I look up to the burning rays, and squint my eyes.
Apollo… you bastard.
Your sister is way cooler. Literally.
AC is mankind's greatest invention.
***
Walking home is always relaxing. It takes me about an hour to get home, but my apartment is on the outskirts of the city, so I don't have to deal with too many people. There's not much traffic, and not many of my classmates live there either. It's way too convenient.
I look out to my left, seeing the sunlight beautifully refracting off the water. Birds soaring in the distance. It looks almost like some boring painting.
Still... it's a nice view.
Grabbing onto the flimsy railing, I stare out into the water for a bit. I see a pair of geese with their babies. How nice. I hope they don't die, that would suck.
"Quack Quack"
That wasn't the geese. It was me.
The birds don't even glance at me.
I am nothing except dust to these creatures…
Bastards!
I'll bring bread for you tomorrow. I'll MAKE you like me!
Mwehehe... then... I'll pet you! Hehe... you stand no chance against me, geese!
The sound of rubber rams into the curb behind me.
My head shoots backwards, a black car barreling in my direction.
Air shoots from my lungs, my heart flies.
It's cold.
Water fills my lungs.