KEY'S POV
After eating lunch and taking my medicine, I went straight back to our classroom in the afternoon. Some of my classmates were already there, sitting in their seats. Others were talking about the booths their sections had set up. I rolled my eyes when I saw Nina sitting beside another airhead, Fiona. Yeah, I almost forgot that these troublemakers were my classmates. They suit each other well—both are a headache.
I sat down and immediately rested my head on my desk. I just wanted to relax while waiting for a lecturer—if one was even coming. I heard that no teachers would be holding classes from now until the High School Festival ends, giving us time to plan and set up our booths.
So I wondered—what’s the point of coming here if we weren’t going to do anything? Or maybe there would be an attendance check.
"Nina, what kind of booth is your section setting up?" I heard someone ask the airhead.
I stayed with my head down on my desk but kept my ears alert. My eyes were closed, but I was listening.
"It's a secret for now. Our section agreed to keep it under wraps for now, so we’re not talking about it outside our classroom," Nina replied.
"Oh. It must be something grand and impressive. Ours is just a simple Videoke Booth."
"Hmm. That’s good enough."
Why does Nina act somewhat nice here but act like a complete airhead in our classroom? She doesn’t seem fake or anything. Hmm.
I stood up and grabbed my bag. I planned to head to the rooftop to look for Gio. I wanted to ask if he had noticed anyone suspicious following or watching him.
Luckily, I found him there, standing on the right wing, facing the large field.
"Hey," I called out, grabbing his attention. He turned to me and smiled.
I stood beside him and followed his gaze. Some students were already in the field, seemingly deciding where to set up their booths. Others were setting up a fairly large stage, probably for the band the school invited. Maybe the rides would arrive tomorrow.
"Have you been here long?" I asked.
"Sort of. I came straight here after lunch. I didn’t want to stay in the classroom since there’s nothing to do there," he replied.
I stared at his gentle and handsome face. Why is life so unfair? Some guys, like Gio, are kind and warm. Others, like Denim, are grumpy but still somewhat decent. Then there are the serious ones, like Bolt, Ville, and Hayes.
Some are serious yet clingy, like Yvo. Then there are the dramatic and mean ones, like Devon, Fiona, and Nina. And finally, there are those who are cold, quiet, serious, short-tempered, and easily irritated—like me and my brother McPhee.
I guess people just aren’t created equal.
"Uh, why are you staring?" Gio’s question snapped me back to reality. I blinked a few times and looked away, embarrassed.
"Oh, sorry," I muttered, turning my attention back to the field.
"You look pale. What happened?"
"Ah, it’s nothing. Just ignore it—" I was shocked when he suddenly cupped my face and stared at me for a few seconds.
I felt awkward immediately.
"You're burning up," he said, his eyebrows drawing together. "Do you have a fever?" I nodded slightly.
"Then why did you even come to school? You could’ve just rested at home."
I shook my head. "I don’t like skipping school."
"But you have a fever. What if you suddenly collapse and no one helps you?" He frowned.
"That’s too dramatic. But if that happens, then I’ll just pass out until I wake up. It’s basic," I replied smugly, making him grimace.
"And what if it rains and you get soaked?"
"I won’t let myself get rained on."
He was about to say something else, but I cut him off. "Anyway, how are you? The... threats, you know."
"I just got one this morning," he sighed deeply. "It’s terrifying. I may be a guy, but I still get scared."
I clenched my fists in secret at what he said. If I ever catch the people behind this, I swear I’ll end up committing a huge crime.
"My parents don’t know anything about this—that I’ve been receiving death threats. I’m afraid. I haven’t done anything wrong, but I don’t understand why this is happening."
I stayed silent, just listening to him and letting him talk about his fears.
"My parents are super busy with our company. They don’t say it, but I know they’re stressed and exhausted. They already have a lot on their plate, and I don’t want to add to their burden," he exhaled heavily. "My sister is also too focused on her studies—she’s graduating from medical school. I don’t want to tell her either since I know she’s already stressed out. And what can my little brother, who’s only in sixth grade, even do?"
He cleared his throat. "I also don’t want to tell Kobe. He has his own problems. It’s embarrassing to dump my issues on someone who’s struggling too."
"Oh? But you don’t feel embarrassed telling me?" I teased.
He glanced at me and scratched the back of his head. "I didn’t think about that. Sorry. I must be adding to your problems—"
"No, it’s okay," I said, forcing a smile.
I cursed inwardly when I suddenly felt dizzy. My vision blurred, and I wanted to sit down.
"Hey, are you okay?" Gio quickly grabbed both of my arms. "Tell me what you’re feeling. Are you dizzy?" I nodded.
I sat down on the rooftop floor, leaning my head against the concrete wall behind me. I shut my eyes tightly as the dizziness worsened. Gio sat down beside me.
"I knew it," he muttered. "Did you take your medicine after lunch?" He sounded like my dad.
"Yes," I replied. My head felt so heavy, and I was getting sleepy.
I rested my head on Gio’s shoulder. I felt him freeze but eventually relax and let me be.
"Just sleep. I’ll watch over you," he said, leaning his head against mine.
I unconsciously hugged his arm. I can’t sleep without hugging something. At home, I have a huge, soft hotdog pillow that I always cuddle when I sleep. If I don’t have it, I struggle to fall asleep. Sometimes, I can’t sleep at all.
"Thanks," I murmured.
@rrrrrylleism