Everyone's loud as always.
"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, no.
Ethan waves 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, bro…
"You always say that… when is next time? Graduation?"
I look over to an exasperated sigh coming from even dumber than Ethan.
A fake blonde with penchant for always having her black roots visible.
I guess it's on purpose?
Always trying to look cool…
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… I think 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? You two have nothing in common… except your pity for me. If you're including me in that mix, I don't even have that.
Oh well, the main lobby should be emptied by now.
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.
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.
I contemplate this mystery as I walk out of the empty lobby.
Light shines through the window, illuminating the otherwise bland entryway.
Maybe it's my dashing good looks?
I step out into the light.
The sunlight kisses my skin… without my consent. It's too hot. 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 better.
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.
It's still a nice view though.
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!
Suddenly, I hear the sound of tires thudding against the curb.
I turn my head, and a black car is speeding towards me.
My heart leaps.
The water is cold.
Water fills my lungs.