The blue sky accompanied by many bright white clouds dazzled my vision. The reflection of the sun which is little by little covered by huge white clouds makes the atmosphere cloudy and cool. I keep looking out of the school window even though there's a lesson going on in class. A relatively young male teacher explained an economics subject that I listen to without really paying attention. As you can see, I'm a model of a delinquent student who must be taught some valuable lessons.
Nothing important, I just can't get rid of this uncomfortable feeling in my heart. Again and again, Hana Binatha. The girl who recently moved to our town and school, I can't get her out of my mind. This girl who can be included in the quiet student category has difficulty making friends at school. Always paying attention to her doesn't make me a stalker, you know. I'm just a little curious, about why it's so hard for her to make friends.
Well, if I overdo things I'll become a freaking hypocrite.
The bell for break time is ringing. I, who don't really care, keep looking out of the window, releasing my gaze to the free sky. It's noon now, the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Keeping on staring at the sky makes me begin to feel the weight in my eyelids. It's fine, right? It's break time, it should not be a problem. I'm starting to fall asleep but end up saying something beyond my control. "... Hana, why did yo-".
*BUMP*
"WOAH, ARKAN SUDDENLY FALL!".
The loud voice of a boy I recognize his voice wakes me up a little. "Woah, what's wrong with you? It's rare to see you fall asleep in class".
In response to those words, me who was still half asleep can only reply, “Huh? Oh yeah... I'm a little sleepy” I said in a sluggish tone.
The reason on the sudden wake is because I was suddenly shouted at by someone who doesn't know any manners. Giving my stare towards the person who had woken me up. However, my vision is very blurry.
"Who?" I asked sleepily.
"Have you forgotten the face of your own friend just because you haven't seen each other since this morning? Rude" Said Tomi.
As expected, who in this class has business with me besides him anyways? Well, nothing in particular, either.
"Oh, it's you. What is it?" I said in a slightly closed tone. Indirectly telling him not to talk to me. Sleepy.
Tomi answered my question while sitting in someone's chair in front of me, “Well, don't be angry like that. I'm sorry for bothering you. I was just shocked because you suddenly dropped your head on the table. Very sleepy, aren't ya?”.
"Don't just sit in someone else's chair".
"Don't mind me".
Tch, this guy is annoying.
"Yeah, I'm a little sleepy" I replied annoyed.
Tomi who is tapping his fingers on the table made a very loud sound and it hurt my ears that needed some quietness.
“Staying up all night? Watching TV shows? Playing games? Reading books? Or… thinking about Hana?”.
His last words suddenly surprised me and I came back to my senses as if I wasn't sleepy at all. "Hah? What do you mean?" I asked in a stiff tone.
I did think about Hana, but not to that extent. How could he know, anyway?
"I heard your sleeping words, 'Hana, why did you-' like that" He explained.
"Was I? I'm not aware of that. To be honest, I haven't really focused on my own thoughts since yesterday an-“.
"Arkan!" Tomi suddenly shouted at me. I turn my look towards him. His serious expression like he wants to know something and doesn't want to get a 'no' give me a backbone shivers. If it has come to this, I can't run away from him. The bond of old friends sure is great, huh? He can tell if there's something stuck in my mind very quickly.
I made a smiling face and then thought of the best way to convey my thoughts to him.
“… How do I put it? You're right, it's about Hana” I frankly said it was about Hana because it's no longer useful to hide it. “I'm just curious about the reason why it's so hard for Hana to interact with others. It sounds weird coming from me, I know, but Hana seems to have a hard time making friends. And I think it has something to do with her past. The reason why she chose to transfer herself” I explained.
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Finished muttering, I turn my gaze to Tomi who is in front of me. The look on his face stunned me. I thought he would have a serious face but instead, a smile while directing his gaze sharply at me can be seen from him. He smiled and then said briefly, "Is that so?".
I am in deep silence.
“But… weren't you the one who said not to meddle in other people's business? Especially Hana” Said Tomi while twirling his index finger at me.
Tomi is right. Even though I'm curious, that's none of my business and I can't just go around sneaking into Hana's life. That might make her hate me in the end. However, what kind of frustration is this…
"Well, yeah, you're right. However, I can't deny, there is an uncomfortable feeling in my mind about this matter" I explained.
“Hmm? Tell me more”.
Telling him about this matter? I'm not sure if I can share the things I'm concerned about Hana without her permission. I could have started a strange rumor that can have had a negative impact on Hana's school life which has been improving lately.
Seeing the look on my confused face, Tomi says, "It's a no, huh?".
"I'm sorry. The situation is a bit complicated, even I'm also confused” I said while apologizing.
Tomi sighed in a slightly disappointed tone and then make a smile. "It's fine. In the case of Hana, I think you better go along with her. You already helped her in school. Then, why not let her share burdens with you and vice versa, maybe that can make Hana herself feels better. Give her a place to share something inside her heart".
"I see. I'll think about it" I replied shortly.
Even though Tomi didn't know anything about Hana's condition, he managed to guess a bit from what Hana was experiencing so far.
Sharing, huh?
Tomi suddenly makes a weird face and then says, "Nosey Parker".
"Shush it".
Tomi's words ended up making me think for a whole day during school. How do you go along with Hana and share both of our burdens? Isn't it if we want to share our difficulties we have to trust each other? Not that I'm worried that Hana doesn't have any trust in me, but it's better to think normally, I think. After all, it should be Hana herself who has to first tell me about the problem she's having. Because we share. If I'm the one to ask instead, it would sound weird instead, right?
But, yeah. The will to burden oneself with other people's problems can be called kindness and stupidity. Though, I don't know which one am I at.
{The Tenth Schedule Has Completed. Students Allowed to Go Home}
{The Tenth Schedule Has Completed. Students Allowed to Go Home}
The final bell has rung, Though my mind is still thinking about these annoying matter and end up didn't even tidy up my desk. Many students have already gone home, although there are some who were going to take part in extracurricular activities. The class is quiet and I'm with it become one, sitting silently on my seat.
Like a call from Heaven telling me to go home, a familiar girl's voice called my name. “A-Arkan?”.
A gentle voice called out to me in a gentle tone. Finally, I woke up from my endless thoughts and replied, “A-Ah, what's wrong? Hana".
I turn my gaze to the side where Hana is. Her face is slightly above my eyes so I have to turn up my head a bit. "Nothing. I'm the one asking you. How come you haven't gone home yet?".
When I look around, I realized that only me and Hana is the only two left in this class. The outside window let the orange sun shine through on us both. I can see the sun is about to go to the underworld which will be replaced by the moon in the new phase of February.
"Ah, no. Just busy thinking about some things that are not important "I replied.
"Not important enough to make you stay at school?".
"Yes".
Wait, isn't this a good opportunity to ask for that?" Oh yea, Hana, I have a little question for you” I said.
Hana looked towards the outer window slightly dropping her face and says, "What?".
Damn it, this sudden opportunity makes me didn't know how to convey my words properly. I should have prepared myself before.
"Hmm?".
Come on, Hana is waiting. I just have to say it.
“W-Will you accompany me to see the fireworks tonight?”.
…
"Hah?".
"Hah?".
Wait, wait, wait! How come that sentence is the one that came out?!
Why did I even invite her to watch the fireworks display tonight? What date is it today? Wait, how can I invite him without knowing the date?!
Rather than the panic expression that I have, Hana is giving quite a calm expression about my strange invitation.
…
Wait! Duh, she became a statue instead!
"Ha-Hana, don't think what I said earlier" I said in a stiff tone.
“… Want to” Hana said something in a very small tone.
"Hah?".
"I do Want to!".
“Eh?”.
“Like, I, said! I want to!" Hana said in a broken tone.
Since I'm afraid that the misunderstanding would continue, I said, “No, no, no! We'll go into the forest, you know? Don't you feel uncomfortable walking into a dark forest with a boy like me?" I explained.
"Why not?! We've both been there together, twice too!” She fought back. "Besides, when I'm with you... I feel comfortable" Hana said in a weak and cute tone.
…
"Hah? Why do you feel comfortable when you are with me?” I asked.
After I asked that question, Hana's face suddenly turned red. Is she blushing? No, it could also be because of the orange sunlight reflecting on her face.
"It's nothing! Anyway, we're going there tonight! It's a promise! Half past seven, okay?!” She said in a forcing tone then ran to her desk, took her bag, then goes out of the classroom.
“Wai-“. Ah, she's out of sight already.
…
However, it really took me by surprise.
'when I'm with you I feel comfortable', huh?
I think I'm a bit happy to hear those words.
Well, what has happened has happened. This could also be an even bigger opportunity to ask her about that. But, in order to make it fun while waiting, what should I do?
Looks like I have to pay an old friend a visit.