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2 | Lambent Light | [3]

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! Are you hurt?" Ethan apologised frantically, his voice quivering in equal shock. His casual, laid-back, and reserved demeanour had all but been replaced by an unmistakable sense of stress and guilt.

I shook my head, taken aback.

I knew not what to think; my mind was still processing the last minute. I was pissed. No, it was much more than just being ticked off. I was brimming with fury. That was a given, really. But at the same time, I could not fault Ethan for a simple mistake - a poor series of unconscious decisions that culminated in this fiasco.

I ducked my head to see the broken glasses, but everything was one collective blur. I narrowed my eyes, having a difficult time differentiating between the odd shapes. I bent over and swept my hand across the floor, hoping to appraise the damage.

It felt off, much thicker than my pair of glasses was - Ah, it must have been a part of the table or chair's legs. I squinted, furrowing my brows upon the realisation I must appear like a clown to everyone else at that moment.

Nelly snorted, "It's completely wrecked. Suits the filth right."

The notion called forth a feeling of immense dread. Was she just playing mind games on me again? Or... was she earnest?

"I'd hate it if someone broke my glasses." One of the classmates, whose name I believed to be somewhere along the line of Clara, perhaps Clarice, expressed.

"He's a shitty nerd, but still, that sucks," answered one of the swimming team's jocks.

In between all the comments, Ethan expressed a heartfelt apology after another. Each and all went in one ear and came out right away through the other.

Mr Evans, though initially reluctant to mingle, joined in on the commotion; growling, "Nelly, if you don't keep your mouth shut-"

His voice drowned in the chaotic rambling that filled the atmosphere.

Then, like a brilliant ray of light across the dark sky, Ethan called out, "Let me help you." In a fluent motion, he grabbed hold of my glasses. Though, in doing so, the ink-black blur split up into two smaller fragments, confirming my suspicion.

It had indeed been torn loose.

Upon the sight, Nelly's minion broke out in unadulterated laughter. However, contrary to my expectations, nobody joined in. Instead, I noticed blurred motions. It was as if they all averted their focus to the noise's origin. I hoped their glared daggers into her.

Ethan passed me the pieces; his hand was warm to the touch. He held it in place for a brief moment as he looked at me sorrowfully. "I'm so sorry, Xavier. I don't know-"

I flicked my hand up, motioning him to stop. "It's-," I stuttered, already stumbling over the mental phrasing. "It's fine, Ethan," I assured him, trying to make out his facial expression. He didn't seem affected by the comment. "It sucks, definitely does. But still, I can't fault you for it. You were half-asleep. It is not your mistake."

"Please, don't say that-" something peculiar in his voice altered. It was as though something had cracked; a more profound, darker feeling seemed to reverberate from within, albeit momentarily. I wasn't entirely certain where it came from. Nevertheless, Ethan recovered, swiftly inquiring, "You don't happen to have an extra pair with you, do you?"

I looked away, biting down on my lip. We couldn't afford a spare one just to have it stowed away in my school locker. Hell, actually, we could - if Dad didn't hit the local pub every other day. It was a common occurrence nowadays, ever since Mum and Dad's relationship entered a rocky state. I knew it was because of me. The combination of Dad's conservative upbringing and his obstinate nature culminated in a perfect recipe for social drama in our household.

If only I had waited a few more years before coming out...

"Xavier?"

Ethan spoke my name, snapping me out of my heavy mantra.

"You're drifting off again," muttered Ethan awkwardly, his hand rubbing the back of his head.

A blurred person approached the two of us. I squinted my eyes intensely, figuring it was Mr Evans who drew near. The man came to a halt before our tables, lowering down through his knees into a position that clumsily resembled a misbegotten squat.

"I hope you aren't hurt, Xavier. Are you?" Asked Mr Evans, intently watching me. His voice was kind and full of compassion. His eyes momentarily swayed off to the side, meeting Ethan's, then back to mine. His posture did not appear to harbour any resentment for Ethan; instead, there was a sense of understanding.

I shook my head again, "I'm fine, sir."

He nodded affirmatively. "I see. Will you be able to follow the rest of today's class without your glasses?"

Crossing my legs, I considered my answer carefully. Initially, I thought I would be able to attend. Then, I looked at my textbook, realising I wasn't able to read a single line. "Uhm," I began, deciding it was best to head home. "I'm afraid I cannot. I don't have a replacement with me, sadly."

"Mhm, Ethan, given the fact you have a part in this matter, please escort Xavier to Mrs Dhelia at the reception."

Mr Evans' command made my stomach flutter. I, for a moment, did not believe my ears. He did not just-- Did he? I glanced over at Ethan, who simply nodded along.

"Everyone," announced Mr Evans, his voice heavy and stern. "resume your exercises. This occurrence will not influence the tasks set for the day. You've got a quarter-hour left."

Complaints and frustrated groans lingered in the air, but I paid it no mind.

"I'm so sorry about this. Really." Ethan's continuous apologies never seemed to stop. I had not thought of him as such an apologetic person. In all fairness, seeing how he dealt with Nelly on the first day of school, I'd have written him off as both callous and distant. He opened his mouth again, "Need some help stashing your books?"

"Ah, no. Thank you," I answered, hurriedly sweeping my books closer and stashing them away.

Ethan rose from his chair.

I had just put my notebook in my backpack as he extended his hand.

"Let's go, shall we?" Ethan spoke with a chuckle on his face.

I thought I saw a few heads turn to us as soon as I accepted his help. Hell, I swore I heard some snarky comments echoing in the back of my mind. We walked over to the door and exited the classroom. The hallway was equally blurred.

I stepped forward, then froze up - almost shrinking in my shoes.

Ethan took a step, standing next to me.

A moment of silence befell us.

Then, out of the blue, Ethan coyly spoke under his breath, "...Hold my hand."

Something sparked in my head, fireworks exploding in a swirl of heartwarming emotions. I was flustered, and my eyes widened. I stood there motionless. All the while, my mind was slowly processing the words Ethan had spoken a moment ago. I felt my cheeks burning up. I needed not to look to know they were surely glowing a light pink.

... I obliged, tenderly reaching out.

I thought I saw a transient smile on his face before he locked his fingers with mine. "There we go! No way you'll end up running into a wall now," joked Ethan, a childish tone bleeding through his words.

"Perhaps I should've kicked you off your chair after all."

I spat the words out without a second thought, rolling my eyes.

The action awarded me with a flabbergasted stare. The commentary had taken Ethan aback. A sense of deep confusion was piercing through his eyes, albeit shortlived.

A second or two later, he laughed out loud, patting me on the back.

"Deep down, I knew you'd turn out to have a funny bone - somewhere, shy guy." He remarked, sticking his tongue out.

I looked away for a moment. I did not want to admit it, but his company was soothing - even if it was forced. We began walking through the hallways; all the while, I let Ethan guide me.

His gentle touch was a shining beacon across this fogged reality.

His hand locked onto mine.


────「♔」────

- 07/11/'22

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