Chapter 1
Saige was a fucking loser. He was always doing nothing and just sat in his room all day by himself. He didn’t really mind...until he did. Loneliness is a powerful feeling and he often longed for a relationship. One like they see in movies. Where people just meet each other and it’s like love at first sight. Well, maybe love is quite the stretch, but he envied the way they got close so fast. To be honest, it doesn’t need to be romantic, just having someone nearby is already enough. He always cried whenever he saw the characters hug, laugh or have a heart to heart conversation. It didn’t seem real at all. He was beyond obsessed, always reading, always watching. His imagination was also really wild. Saige often got really scared about how he was acting too. He would imagine he actually had friends and unknowingly, he started making faces in his room while walking around. But he didn’t mind that it seemed crazy, he felt happy for a while before a super massive black hole took over.
Maybe this is how everyone feels in their teenage years. That’s what he’s been told, but he can’t be 100% sure, right? After all, he is not other people, he is himself and somehow has to deal with it. Nonetheless, he wasn’t worried. At least now! He recently moved from a different country and was ready to start a new life, a new chapter to this whole mess he was living, FREEDOM AT LAST. The urban lifestyle looked enticing and Saige was ready to explore ( he had crippling anxiety ). He kept on fantasizing how he would talk to his classmate and how they will seek him and wonder about his life. After a few days, they will maybe go on a walk or at a café to keep on talking more and more, and eventually open up and become lifelong friends.
In about 2 days, he will start going to a new school. He was goddamn prepared, ready to make new friends and interact with them. Usually Saige wasn’t one to really strike a conversation but perhaps he could try, maybe he should even do so. It was his last high school year and he never made any friends during all this time. He wasn’t exactly eye catching per say. But who cares? His classmates can just not know that. He can change his personality to fit others easily. Saige couldn’t stop squirming and tossing around his bed. THE ADRENALINE IS TOO HIGH, SO MUCH EXCITMENT, EXCITEMENT, EXCITMENT. Oh well, he’ll just take another fast walk around his bed and then sleep.... hopefully.
Time passed rather slow as you would expect but Saige was still stuck in that moment. He dreamt about the people, the memories he would make in that place. Ugh, it’s such a good dream. Today is finally the day. Woo-hoo~
Saige wore the usual attire you’d expect on the first day : just plain black jeans and a really cute brown t-shirt. Even though he was really anxious, he knew there was no way out so might as well just smile through the pain. But it was okay, as soon as he entered the classroom, a few faces greeted him. Suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of happiness took over. He was rather embarrassed to appear so happy, it certainly looked like he didn’t meet lots of people in his life. Yeah, well, so what, he wasn’t used to people. It’s normal to act like this! There was only one seat left since classrooms always had a fixed number of chairs. It was the first desk on the right. Honestly, he wasn’t really a big fan, since he can’t really explore the whole classroom. He felt stuck and like he couldn’t breathe. Well, what’s he supposed to do now if he can’t observe everyone?! He was feeling more anxious by the minute but it’s okay, it will be fine.
Soon, everyone was seated and waited for the homeroom teacher to come. Suddenly, during all this confusion he remembered he didn’t greet his desk mate. Oho, now this is bad manners! I mean Saige was the new kid so he wasn’t actually supposed to start the conversation first, right? They all know each other so it’s only fair. But he has to be strong so he swiftly turned to his right... maybe a little too fast, because it kinda startled the other boy, BUT. There was no time to worry about his stupidity, Saige can’t even walk in front of people without tripping. He said hello and smiled brightly as he was taught. Whenever you talk, you gotta smile. His desk mate had a really awkward look on his face and he clearly looked uncomfortable, but in the end he still said hello and turned his head. Well, this is fine. We don’t know each other so it’s cool............... Nooo worries at all.
The first day of school ended shortly after. Saige had a different vision about the new place, but it was .... basically the same. Oh well, maybe it will be okay. Saige wasn’t the smartest but he wasn’t the dumbest either, so he should probably do okay on his studies. Anyway, the next days weren’t all that great either. No one tried to talk to him and he only ever said hi to his desk mate who didn’t even wanna look up. Welcome, sweet old loneliness. Maybe it was just his fault. He was always awkward and only knew how to smile. Recently, he even became scared to even say a word. Now, he even hoped no one spoke to him, because he really didn’t wanna. Nothing has changed and he is back in his shell. He didn’t even know what was going on around the classroom, since he was sitting at the first desk, so it was really awkward to turn around. He felt like he shouldn’t be here, there was a wall between them, just another day, just another night, just another year with hopeless dreams.
Soon enough, Saige had a math test and he did horribly. What makes it worse is that he kinda sucked at all the subjects so far, which wasn’t ideal. He now felt subhuman to everyone around him, like the chances of having a conversation with his classmates dropped so low, there was no hope. Alas, at last, something good had happened. His desk mate spoke. Saige was so happy, it’s been weeks since he said a word in this classroom.
- You know, you really suck at everything.
- Well, I’m still trying. There are lots of things I don’t know and I can’t find what I need online, replied Saige. Meanie, he could at least be nicer, I mean, they never really talked before.
- You might just need to work harder, he turned back to his phone swiftly. Also stop being like this, go talk with someone or whatever, the teacher is really bothering me. I don’t like talking to people.
- Nah, I’m too anxious, Saige replied amused, as if he was trying to seem relaxed...meanwhile he was sweating bullets.
The boy did that really weird white face and looked around as if he was trying to think. He let out a big sigh and then turned his whole body towards Saige and placed his arm on the desk and then straight up on his right cheek.
- So what are you struggling with?...School wise, he added afterwards. This was a bit offensive not gonna lie.
- Well, I never learnt combinations at my old school and have no clue what they mean.
- Well, it’s not that difficult, you just gotta follow some steps, said the boy. Man, he really looked like this was boring him out. His eyes were almost shut. That’s so rude. Maybe he was just tired, but still.
- Can you show me? Asked Saige in a quiet tone. His desk mate turned around and bent down to pull a notebook from his bag.
- By the way what’s your name? I never heard the teacher say your name.
- Ah right, said the boy while stopping for a brief second. I’m Julian.
Suddenly, Saige felt a smile creeping on his face and it was rather necessary to turn around and try to stop. Julian looked really taken aback at this reaction.
- T-that reminds me of King Julien! God, you even look like him.
Julian stopped again and was really confused. Stop acting as if we’re friends Jesus. He placed the notebook in the middle and started scribbling something.
- So you basically only need this formula. It’s just Newton’s binominal... blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah. That`s all he heard at that moment. In his head there was only PHYSICALLY FIT, PHYSICALLY FIT, PHYSICALLY FIT WOMAN. God, he really needs to chill. There’s only so much time until the final exam. Maybe he should just listen but no, his mind was really full and messy.
- So yeah, you just need to read the condition and use it, because it all starts from here. After finishing his monologue, Julian was waiting for a reply but Saige was just staring in the distance while his face expression was changing really fast. After some time Saige finally noticed and was a bit taken aback. With his awkward self, he decided it would be best to just fold his arms and put on his smart expression on and say:
- You should be a teacher. Awesome, and gave Julian a thumbs up but he only sighed again.
- You never even pay attention in class. Stop reading those romance mangas all the time.
- But they’re so good! Hastily replied Saige. NOOO, why does he know that. How embarrassing... maybe he’s a fan too. Do you read any mangas?
- Hmmm well, I read some but I don’t really read romance, said Julian. He was really serious.
- Like what? I read other stuff too, asked Saige, he was really curious so he leaned in closer.
- You know the exams are coming so there’s no time for small talk, he took a brief pause, and what else don’t you get?
It’s true that Saige was really worried about his grades, but he just wanted to talk with someone a bit more. Julian did seem like a stuck up but it’s better than nothing at all. Saige saw this as an opportunity to make a friend. It could be his only chance since he would probably never be in an environment that allows him to befriend other people. He continued telling Julian what he didn’t understand but he couldn’t hear, his mind was wandering elsewhere. He was really curious about what the other liked reading and he just couldn’t help feeling excited. A FRIEND, it’s a big matter, and their chances of being friends are increased since they share a desk. This is a one in a lifetime opportunity.
As soon as the bell rang, Saige was really nervous but he felt like he had to speak up this time. Unfortunately, Julian was already at the door, ready to leave, because it was their last class. Saige packed his things quickly even though he was usually very slow, since he wanted to pack them neatly. He stormed through the door and caught up to him. He tapped his shoulder and the boy turned around.
- Hey! Said Saige loudly.
- Hey? We don’t usually say goodbye, Julian sounded really confused.
- I wanted to talk to you more!
- So you’ll just follow anyone that exchanged a few words with you? Asked Julian with a tone before turning forward.
- It’s not like you have anyone to talk to either. What’s the problem? He only got a sigh in return. At this point Saige was really anxious and worried he might be overstepping.
For a few minutes, there was only silence. You could only hear the sound of Julian’s bag hitting his leg while they walked. Saige really liked his style. All his clothes were really pretty and he always smelled good. Julian was smart too, it felt like he had everything the other lacked. But at least Julian seemed to not have any friends as well.
- I really like your bag, where did you get it from? Suddenly asked Saige. It was a shoulder bag and it had this really dark brown and rich colour to it. It looked really nice. And small talk sounds necessary in this situation. Might as well talk if he tried to do so beforehand. To this remark, Julian turned his eyes slowly and proceeded forward.
- From the store, where else? He said, almost chuckling a bit. I bet he felt like his joke was super good. Was it even a joke? Saige wasn’t even sure what to say.
- Well I don’t really know many places around here..... Hey, you know I saw they usually do festivals and anime conventions here. Have you ever been to any?
- Hmm, well, there’s one in like 2 months I think. I went there once, it wasn’t that nice. It was really crowded and I hated it. Though Julian didn’t have a fun time, Saige was really happy that Julian replied to his question.
- I wanna go too, there were none near my village. After this, silence has fallen again and Saige felt pressured to continue.
- Do you wanna go together? Julian glanced at him again.
- You really don’t have any friends, huh? Hearing this, Saige got really annoyed, because he was trying. He was shaking so hard and his hands were trembling, he couldn’t even think properly.
- It’s not my fault! I’m trying.
- Well..... good for you but I prefer not talking when I’m going home.
- Okay... When could we talk then? Asked Saige expectantly.
- Never. There was a brief pause and no one said anything. Saige was really not amused. I was only joking. Uh, at school I guess or through messages. I told you I don’t like talking to people.
-...You kinda suck at jokes. Saige had a really sad expression on his face. It wasn’t exactly nice to hear that since it felt like it wasn’t just a joke. But then again, Saige was always saying or doing something that made people uncomfortable.
- I thought I was certainly hilarious. This time, the tone of his voice made Saige chuckle a bit and Julian smiled triumphantly.
- Well, can I have your number?
- Uh, well, my bus is here so I gotta go but you can find it in the class group chat. That was the last word said before he left. Oh well, it wasn’t so bad but now it kinda felt like Saige was being a bit too pushy. Maybe it was worth it, you never know. He had no one else to talk to so he might as well try just this once.
Saige’s bus came pretty quickly too. It’s a shame they don’t take the same one home. It could have been so good. Saige dozed off as he kept thinking about scenarios he could have spent in the bus with Julian. Between the ragged seats and the rusty bars, they could laugh about dumb stuff and have lots of fun. They’d probably have to talk loudly as the rattling bus noise will take over the atmosphere. It’s so beautiful. His chest felt fuzzy, maybe he really had a chance to make a friend.
Overtaken by emotions, Saige quickly finds Julian’s phone number but it’s weird. He could have done the same thing, Julian is in the same group so. He still decided to send a sticker just as a quick hello to make his presence known.
Saige couldn’t sleep. He was so tired, but his eyes just wouldn’t close. He only kept spiralling and imagining stuff that he shouldn’t imagine about someone he just talked to, BUT. He couldn’t help it, he had to know what possible outcomes are there and he was still waiting for Julian to see his message. I mean I know that it’s 4 am right, but what if he’s just taking a while. These things happen, Maybe Saige just needs to take it slow and become an important person to Julian so he would reply to his messages. Saige couldn’t stop snickering at his evil plan, OHOHO he was ready to make a new friend. What a nasty villain! Unfortunately, he was also feeling down so he was just really confused the whole time.
All that hard thinking and he still didn’t come to a conclusion. It was already morning but nothing, Julian didn’t even read the message, but he shouldn’t get discouraged. Saige will ask! Even though he didn’t sleep a wink, Saige was really energetic in the morning and he was ready for this new day. He got out of his bed really fast. The type of fast where you move really quickly and suddenly you’re on your feet. He loved that feeling, it felt like flying. Whooshh!
He walked up to the window and opened it and took a deep breath. Mmm, this day smells like a good day. The road was really sunny and flowers were starting to grow on the sidewalk. What a beautiful scenery. He waited not a second more and started dressing. He didn’t even go to the bathroom, but he can do so afterwards. Saige had a really interesting habit. Everything about his morning was planned out. For example, he had to get out of bed exactly on time and he had 10 minutes or less to go to the bathroom and daydream on the toilet. Afterwards, he had 10 minutes to pick clothes and get dressed accordingly. After those 10 minutes, he had another 10 to eat and lastly, one last run to the bathroom to brush his teeth and then put on his shoes and walk out of the house. He was really irritated if he couldn’t follow his schedule and often became miserable and mean to everyone around him, sometimes even going as far as crying.
Today, he took it upon himself and stared at the window for some time. But of course, he has to follow the schedule so he only deducted some time from other necessary morning activities. He decided to wear some dark brown trousers and a dark blue checkered shirt on top. Saige really loved how these colours looked together. Saige was also really fond of his watch. Even though he had a phone, and has never even checked the watch once, Saige felt really badass with it. At least he looks smart, even though he isn’t. Maybe that’s why everyone is so disappointed. He’s a little trickster, a villain, the monster of the wild, YEEHAW. This is what he thought while posing in the mirror, like a cowboy in those magazines he saw online. Hell yeah, baby, I just need a cowboy hat and I’m good to go. The boots might be a little too extreme. I mean, yes it does look old fashion but Saige was really into that. He felt like everyone would think he looks like a cowboy and that’s good, right? He wouldn’t mind making a fool out of himself just for others to laugh. His biggest dream was an all out cosplay session where he could just role-play and act with a friend. Oh well, it is what it is. He was kind of slow this morning and had to rush shortly after. Thankfully, he got on the bus on time. Mission successful, ladies and gentlemen!
Usually it takes a lot of time to get to school and it happened this time too, of course! He hated being in such a vulnerable place but at least he had time to enjoy some music and daydream. Ah, how good was life sometimes when his routine was all in check. All he needed right now was perhaps a cup of tea while glancing out the window with a content look on his face. Good job, Saige!
He got to school in about 30 minutes. As always no one greeted him and he just put his coat on the rack and sat down. Julian was already there, sitting with his legs crossed and his whole upper body plopped on the desk. Did he not get enough sleep? Saige was really debating if he should say anything.
- Hey, he said softly.
- Hello, replied Julian not even sparing him a glance.
For a few minutes, you could only hear the other classmates bicker about unimportant stuff. Apparently, it was about a test they had today. Saige had no idea. Well, he was always failing anyway so he wasn’t that worried. He did feel a bit ashamed but that’s just how life is.
- Did you get my message yesterday? Questioned Saige quietly. At this remark, Julian turned his head and glanced at the other through his bangs.
- What message?
- The one I sent? Saige felt really awkward. Does he need to keep trying?
- Ah...I didn’t get anything, replied Julian confused. He rose up fairly quickly and took his phone. In a few seconds, he placed it back and turned to face Saige with a tired look on his face. Damn, he must really not be sleeping.
- I usually don’t wanna receive messages from unregistered numbers so that’s why I didn’t see it. Sorry about that.
- Okay, no worries! Replied Saige with an awkward smile on his face. Well, now what is he supposed to say?
Soon the bell rang and the first lesson began. Julian tried to stay composed through it, but it didn’t really work. He just kept yawning. Thankfully, he didn’t fall asleep. He didn’t really feel like getting another boring lecture from this specific teacher. He was always so moody and ready to start conflicts with his students, definitely someone Julian didn’t wanna deal with. Today, they have some sort of special class where they have to sit in a circle in the library and just listen. He had no idea what it was about, but he sure wasn’t interested in going. Maybe he could just sleep during that time. He leaned back slowly and closed his eyes happily, dreaming about getting to sleep during that class. He would do that anyway, it was the last class and most of his classmates would probably ditch it and he can enjoy some quality time in here. Ah, life is bliss... but he has to get through this first.
Usually when Julian was really bored, he’d face left and observe his desk mate. It was fun to see him paying so much attention. Truth be told, he was probably daydreaming again and just acting like he’s the best listener in the world. The teacher really liked him for that. At least he was quiet. It’s better than a noisy student. Still, he could probably get better results if he just focused for some time. Julian didn’t like Saige all that much. He looked like he didn’t have one serious bone in his body. Still, nobody talked with him either for some reason. He wasn’t exactly over the moon that the homeroom teacher asked him to help Saige, at least with his studies. He always looks so desperate to talk with someone. What’s so fun about that...
He kept thinking and thinking about useless stuff until the class was over. Thank god, at least something. Next class, they were going to have a chemistry test. Julian decided to go and wash his face to prepare himself and act as if he isn’t in need of a big fat nap. When he came back, he saw Saige all depressed and stuff. He always got like this whenever there were tests involved.
- Did you study? Asked Julian just to break off the thick air.
- Did I? Replied Saige with a goofy smile on his face. What a loser... After some time, Julian asked again:
- I can explain some things really quickly if you’d like. Saige looked up happily, his eyes glistening as bright as glitter.
- Really?
- Only if you pay attention.
After that, Julian opened his notebook and started speeding through the material, giving a rough introduction to everything. He kept on chatting and forgot to even check whether Saige was listening or not. After some time, he raised his gaze and met a really interesting face. Saige had his eyes OPEN, they were almost out of their sockets. That stare... it sent Julian a chill down the spine.
- Is this how you’re listening? You look like a constipated frog.
- Excuse you, I’m just trying to hear, replied Sage as his eyes kept expanding.
- Riight. Well there’s like 2 minutes left so let’s get over it quickly.
At this remark, Saige just nodded and kept staring madly at Julian. Why was he so serious, damn...I mean, sure, he can’t understand the whole lesson in just 10 minutes, but it’s okay. If only was he so concentrated all the time. At this point, Julian paused a bit and realized he wouldn’t be able to sit here anymore if Saige had that goddamn stare all the time. Perhaps, he could be grateful for all that daydreaming.
Soon the bell rang and BEHOLD, THE TEST WAS ABOUT TO COMMENCE. Julian pulled his seat closer to the desk and sat straight. Saige had finally gone back to normal. Hopefully, he will do a little bit better.
After the test, they had 2 more classes and finally, it was time for Julian to take a nap. He was the only one in the classroom. Ah yes, silence at last. He stretched for a long time and then with a content smile on his face, laid his head on the desk and closed his eyes.
Apparently, this only lasted for a bit. Saige came back to the class a little bit faster, because he wanted to see what Julian was doing. He’s usually diligent about all this stuff. Hmmm, how curious. Well, as soon as he enters the classroom he sees Julian splattered on the desk, sleeping and humming peacefully. Saige stopped in his tracks for a while before taking a deep breath and going back to his seat. He sat down and like a robot, turned around to look at Julian. He, too, laid his head on the table to be on the same level. This was so exciting, it really looks like friend activities. Ah, how great would it be to fall asleep together with your friend. Just chilling in the classroom all alone made his heart speed up. He really wanted to become friends.
After a few seconds, Julian started moving and slowly opened his eyes. Saige got really flustered at that moment and raised his head quickly, sitting up really straight as if he was a kid caught red-handed. Julian just stared at him with a really feverish stare, he was probably still sleeping, but Saige was feeling really awkward so he just started gabbling.
- Heyyy, why weren’t you at the library? I thought you were a really good student but now I don’t know what to think. Also, thank you for helping me. I feel like now I can get a 3 instead of a 2 on my test.
- Hmm.
- WHAT, asked Saige a little bit annoyed that Julian only had that to say.
- Nothing, I was sleeping and you bothered me, said Julian while slamming his head back on the table.
- Why didn’t you just go home to sleep?
-...I didn’t want an absence.
- I see..., said Saige while doing the white people smile. Julian looked really pretty from this angle. His face was all hidden behind his bangs and you could only see his lips, opening and closing at every breath.
- I really like your hair, I want mine to look like yours.
- It’s just a short cut, replied Julian, unimpressed at this remark.
- Yeah, but my mom doesn’t allow me to cut my hair that short, but I would really like it if it was like yours.
After speaking, Saige raised his arms and caught his hair and pulled it back to show Julian what he would like:
- See, just like this. Don’t I look good?
- Hmm, well, Julian raised his hand to touch Saige’s hair just for a bit and lowered it pretty quickly.
- I like your hair. My hair doesn’t grow.
- Why not?
- Uh, well... genetics maybe? I’m growing it out right now.
- Haha, such loser, said Saige while acting dramatically so Julian could tell it was a joke. He liked being this way. At this remark, Julian turned his head after saying:
- Shut up, I’m tryna sleep, you woke me up. A few minutes of silence followed, but Saige still decided to keep the playful mood:
- FINE! I woke you up, should I tell you a bedtime story?
- K.
Saige didn’t really hear an answer but he was in a really good mood now, even though he sucked at school today. He wanted to be good to his friend. Can they consider each other friends now?
- You know, I don’t get why there’s so many isekai mangas out there. Like, what if I just wanna read a normal one without fairies and mages. Is that too much to ask for? Anyway, I really enjoy those family mangas, it makes me all fuzzy inside and so happy. I’m jealous of them, I also want a family like that. Just people you’ve met and then boom, family. Isn’t that the most beautiful thing in life? That’s what I wanna have in my life. I wanna meet people I could create a family with. So I read this story, it was perfect okay, it had the family, it had the kids, absolutely amazing but the beginning was really off putting for me. They fell in love too quickly and there was even some force involved. It’s really pick and choose with all these. I wonder what kind of stories you re-
- So is the bedtime story just your ramble? Asked Julian annoyed he couldn’t sleep.
- Well, that was an introduction... But fine, I will tell you something else. Long ago, there was a self-proclaimed king. He basically ruled the lands all the way from North America to Africa and he had a servant, called Mort, whom he was really rude to.....
Julian had a good dream. It was all so peaceful and everything he ever wanted. The sky was as clear as a crystal. The air touched his fingernails and then blew the lovely aroma in his face. The greenery reigned under his feet, and the blades of grass whispered gentle words to him, as if they were lulling him to sleep. Julian didn’t even have his eyes open, he seemed to be floating in the dew of that morning. Freed from the winds, he carefully sits down on the ruddy soil, closes his eyes and remains petrified in that image, that state of peace and contentment.
Until he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back and had to open his eyes. Well, what do you know, there he was at his desk. He groaned and then stretched his arms. He slept well but now he was tired again. He caught Saige’s presence with his left eye and was baffled to see him there dozing off. He had no idea what the other boy was doing there, but alas, he looked relaxed for once. Finally his facial expression has calmed down and he no longer does 100 different faces per minute. He looked at the time and it was already 4pm. What the hell, he was supposed to get up at 2pm, that’s when the class is over. He quickly packed his things and was ready to leave. He meditated for a second if he should leave without saying anything, but that would be rather mean. He sighed and went back to their desk. He touched his shoulder slowly and said:
- Saige, wake up, school’s going to close soon....Saige...Saaige; He was getting really annoyed that Saige wasn’t getting the memo so he tried again.
- Saige, c’mon wake up, he shook Saige just a little bit.
Saige woke up so quickly that he almost snapped his neck. He had this confused look on his face as if he had no idea who he was or where. He was a little taken aback when he saw Julian towering over him, but quickly realized he probably also fell asleep.
- Thanks, said Saige while yawning.
- Why did you fall asleep?
-...Well, I was sleepy.
- You should have woken me up...Well, it’s 4pm, I will go now, finished Julian and turned around.
- Wait! Wait for me, I’ll be fast! When he heard this, Julian turned around and leaned on the door, waiting for his classmate. Saige did as he promised and packed his things in a hurry before sprinting to the door. He passed Julian and was the first one to get out of the class.
- L, you’re a big loser! Said Saige while pointing his finger.
- I never lose, replied Julian and started sprinting to the exit door.
Seeing this, Saige also picked up the pace but he was really careful on the stairs, he didn’t wanna fall down. Obviously, Julian was the first one at the gate. But it’s not fair, he got a head start, of course! It was pretty obvious that Saige wanted to follow him so he indulged it and waited for the boy to get there as well. Soon, they were on their way. Of course, no one was saying anything since Julian didn’t wanna be bothered. It wasn’t that bad, it was quite comfortable even. They really looked like friends just enjoying each other’s company. Even at the station, they didn’t talk and sat near one another, just passing time.
After more than 10 minutes, Saige’s bus comes first and he was getting ready to say goodbye when he saw Julian also getting on.
- I thought you take number 4, said Saige.
- Yeah, but it will probably take a long time for it to come.
Saige couldn’t hide his excitement, it wasn’t gonna be like the ride he imagined, but at least it was a step forward. They even sat on the same chair. Ah, life is pure bliss.
The old bus screeched loudly and started with difficulty. The sound of rust and metal dominates the interior. Besides Saige and Julian, there were a few other people scattered around. The bars were yellow and ragged, and the seats were blue, unwashed since the first installation. Somehow, all the mess and the bustle of the traffic created a pleasant, unwavering atmosphere as if nothing mattered anymore. The only sensation he could still perceive was the touch of Julian’s shoulder. He was so hot, even if he wasn’t wearing a scarf. Today, Julian had worn black pants as usual, a white shirt and a brown vest over it. Saige agreed with his style and at that moment he started to think what it would be like if they could share their clothes. His wardrobe would double, because he liked everything Julian wore. That’s a good plan. Saige sneered like a villain at his phenomenal plan. He really gotta become friends with this fellow.
Julian was also enjoying this unusual atmosphere. He was listening to music and staring out the window. So dramatic! At this point, Saige thought there’s no way to better understand a person than listening to the songs they like. That’s why, he slowly tapped Julian’s hand and the boy raised his gaze questionably.
- Can I listen with you? I won’t speak, whispered Saige. Julian just sighed and was about to take out one ear bud and give it to Saige but then he looked up and had a disgusted expression on his face.
- Hell nah, these are my headphones. What if you give me some disease?
- But I wanna listen too, I’m curious. And I clean my ears regularly.
- No, you should be careful about this stuff.
- Send me your playlist so I can listen, said Saige desperately. Julian was a bit taken aback but still accepted to send Saige the playlist. Who knows, maybe they were even listening to the same song right now.
It did feel like something friends do. The only thing left was to hold hand and breathe in each other’s presence. Saige knew some of the songs in his playlist, which was nice. There was something in common! He will hold on to that.
Saige was just starting to relax and analyze the songs when the boy next to him stood up and wanted to get off. Seeing this, Saige did get a bit sad, but you can’t help these things. They soon said goodbye and Saige was all alone in the bus. He did feel the absence of the heat on his shoulder, but it hadn’t even been that long. He can’t just stop wanting human warmth, but I guess the loneliness in his heart kept him burning. Saige had a few stations left until he had to get off, so it’s nice that they’re not that far. Maybe Julian was thinking about him. Maybe right now too, they were listening to the same song.
Today was a pretty long day for Saige. He had a test and even had to watch some stupid lecture. But at least, he managed to have some private time with Julian. He kept chuckling slowly and randomly while he was getting ready to sleep. Just the thought of having a friend made him really happy. He will put in the hours and the effort and it will work out. He was sure about it. While laying, he opened their chat and kept tapping the back of his phone with his fingers, just thinking about what he should say. Maybe he could start by complementing his music taste and stuff.... and then maybe something else.
