SEVEN

The steady sound of this metal box, murmuring of the group of teenagers on the far corner. The clicking of the pen of the old man while answering his sudoku puzzle. It really does seem so busy in here yet—I can only focus on him. His slumped figure on the very corner of the seats, legs and arms tangled. How can he manage to just sit still like that for hours on end?

Dark jeans encasing his long legs (he’s tall as hell no wonder he is always on a slouched position and I worry that it’s going to affect his back). His hood as usual is over at his head, only the tips of as far as I can tell messy hair peaking on the cotton. Long, slender fingers clasping his phone probably playing his playlist. Sometimes I would see him bobbing his head to it. Backpack is lazily strapped unto his back. He’s wearing a maroon shirt underneath his hoodie as I can see it peaking from the hem.

“Mayweather Stop” I heard the intercom informed.

Most of the people readied to step out along with myself. I fixed my usual messy hair and crumpled shirt. I briefly noticed I have a single drop of dried paint on my forearm. Must have missed it. Perks of being an art student. I sarcastically said to myself. I took my covered canvass tightly in my hold. Don’t want to left it behind or accidentally drop it.

I work hard on it. Side-eyeing the slouched figure in the corner. And probably embarrassing if someone see it here. I took a deep breath and the metal doors opened wide and people are rushing to the exit. I was welcomed with the outside air or smoke. As we are still in the city, there’s no way you can get fresh air here.

I miss home.

I started to trek my way to my rented apartment. I need to shower not that I smell bad or anything but I’m sticky from the paint and probably sweat from uni, I walk along with the busybodies of the city, gloom, panic, nonsense happiness lingers on the faces of them. Also mirrors mine I guess? A figure flashed again in my mind again. Why does it always do that?

I can’t get it over my head.

I keep on seeing him.

Not minding my surroundings yet again when someone bumped strongly at me sending me and my bags flying. Ugh! Seriously? The culprit didn’t even glance back at me! Rude!

Sitting ungracefully on the dirty floor I blindly gathered my things. When I said blindly I meant it—well almost blind anyway. My glasses where nowhere to be found and I can’t see anything clearly. All I can see is blob of colors that I would recognize as mine. I was patting everywhere looking for my glasses does anyone doesn’t have compassion? No one is freaking helping me. Gods I need my glasses! I haphazardly took everything in my hands in search of my glasses when I felt it.

It was being given to me.

I took it and rushed putting it on. “Thank you, sir” I said in gratitude.

My eyes widening when I recognized the black hoodie, cold and bored eyes staring at me, prominent nose and thin lips came in vision. I felt my cheeks burn. And looked away. I stuttered a “thank you” again. Before uncomfortably fixing my things in my arms it felt like the air stood still and my throat dried so much. I nodded my head dumbly and started to walk away I was steps away from him when I heard a deep voice.

“Now I am in front of you, you won’t look at me?” he asked.

I stilled, air stuck on my lungs.

He knew? I am always careful he doesn’t even look up at once. Even once, I didn’t even see his whole face until moments ago. I slowly turned and looked at him he still has his back turned to me. He stood there straightly I was surprised for a little bit. It made him a little taller—a lot taller now I barely reach his chest for Christ sakes!

Oh my—is he mad? Gosh he thinks I am a creepy stalker! He’s gonna avoid me! I would never see him again! The last thought made my chest ache. A heavy feeling succumbing my heart. Maybe I can still get my way around this. I twitched my fingers and I felt something firm. I looked at my fingers and I saw my canvass.

That’s it!

“Uh—I meant no har-harm uhm you see I’m an art student! Uhm I-I was working on something for my p-project at school!” I stammered gods I sound like an idiot.

He slowly turned towards me, his hood falling too gracefully from his head. His hair wasn’t black, like I thought it was. It’s dark brown and I’m right it’s messy like he never bothered to tame it or style it or he literally just woke up with it.

“Is that so?” He said to me with the most bored tone I ever heard in my life. Like he doesn’t even bother to put any feeling on it.

Is he usually like this?

But he has a very deep voice, a rich one a little raspy like he wasn’t used on using it much.

“Yes” I answered, if he has super hearing he would tell that this is all a lie my heart pounding so loud. I’m afraid he can hear it.

I heard his step—steps nearing me. Oh my—he’s walking towards me! I can see him very clearly and near! He has a lean physique as much as I can tell, because of his hoodie I can’t really tell.

“If you would work on me—I think it’s better. if. you. were. a. little. bit. closer.” He said the last parts he took a step every word.

Now he’s closer so close than I have we have ever been.

His eyes a glistening dark brown, expressionless still but—

Beautifully stoic

His expressionless demeanor is fascinating

Like a very still painting, the one who has been there for ages yet so beautiful.

“Don’t you think?” I heard his deep voice again asking me.

I visibly gulped I thought I saw a little emotion passed through his eyes. But maybe my eyes are tricking me.

“Are you okay with that?” I asked surprising myself when I didn’t stutter.

He tilted his head before shrugging he took something from his pocket and held it to me.

His phone?

I furrowed my eyebrows at him, why is he giving his phone? I heard an exasperated sigh, “Your number” he finally said frustrated already.

“Oh” I said and fumbled with my hands quickly inputting my number. A second past and my own phone dinged I took it.

It was a blank message

I looked up to him, he didn’t even bother to put a letter in it! He’s so lazy!

“We got each other’s contact now, contact me when you need me” he said lazily. He put his phone back in pocket and started to walk past me.

“Oh okay thank you!” I hurriedly said.

He halted in his step, “No problem, it would be a waste not to finish it” he said dismissively and started to walk away again. I tilted my head in question, not to finish it? I looked at my canvass again and oh! He saw!

My canvass is ripped by its covering and there it was an unfinished painting of a figure he saw! And he wasn’t mad or didn’t think I was weird well—I’m not sure what he thinks right now but he didn’t say anything bad so I think it’s good.

Started to walk towards my apartment again. One thought came to mind. Oh my—I got his number! And I’m gonna see him again! And near! Oh my g—I think my heart is gonna burst of emotions!

But—I didn’t get his name, I quickly took my phone and message him,

Message Body

[Sorry uh it’s me, I didn’t get your name]

And I pressed send. Seconds passed he hasn’t seen it yet probably. Minute passed he hasn’t still maybe he’s busy? I put my phone in my pocket again and trekked my way towards my apartment. Greeted Mrs. Larsen on my way whom is going to walk her dog Benny I patted Benny’s soft fur before continuing my way.

I sighed in relief when I dropped my exhausted body in my sofa closing my eyes.

What a day!

I think I dozed off for a while because when I opened my eyes it’s already dark when I peaked at window, little stars are seen. And glowing lights from the windows splashing the darkness of the night.

I took my phone from the coffee table to see the time when I saw a single text I was confused for a second but when I saw what’s in it. I smiled in delight. Sure—I’m very shallow it has one word in it but it did really make my heart flip.

Sloan