The afternoon wind howled softly behind the convenience store where Richard and Roze sat, the air heavy with the scent of dust. But before that quiet moment, the day had already started in a rush of noise and laughter.
It was P.E. day filled with whistles, bouncing balls, and the echo of sneakers against the gym floor. Every student was required to join some kind of physical activity, and Roze, without much hesitation, chose volleyball. She’d always been good at serving and receiving, and something about the sport gave her the urge of productivity. As she made her way to the registration desk to write down her name, a familiar voice called out from behind her.
“Yo!”
She turned, blinking in surprise. “Oh, hi! I haven’t seen you in a while, Jophan.”
He grinned, clearly happy to see her again. “Yeah, I’ve been pretty busy lately. Wow, you’re joining the volleyball club? That’s nice.”
“Thanks,” she said, returning his smile. “I figured I should at least volunteer for something. Besides, I actually enjoy playing.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.” Then he suddenly asked, “Uhmm… I was wondering if I could get back the sheet music I lent you. I kind of need it soon.”
“Oh, right!” Roze’s eyes widened. “I forgot to bring it back. I’ll totally give it to you as soon as possible.”
He chuckled lightly. “Oh, you can just give it to me when you’re free, alright? So, how are you, by the way?”
“I’m doing fine, actually,” she said softly. “Lately I’ve been more active. More… productive.”
Jophan’s face brightened. “Oh, that’s great to hear.” There was genuine relief in his tone, as if he’d been quietly worried.
“You know,” she added, “we should hang out sometime. It’s been ages. Maybe grab lunch? I could introduce you to my new friend.”
Jophan blinked. “Ahh, that’s the first time you’ve ever invited me to lunch. I’ll definitely join you.”
I chuckled. “Well, it’s almost time and, uh, I think someone’s waiting for you.”
“Who?”
I pointed down the hallway, where a woman stood with her arms crossed, watching him intently.
“Oh, crap! It’s Emily,” he said quickly. “Anyway, see you soon, Roze!”
Before I could reply, he jogged toward Emily. The woman’s eyes flicked toward me with sharp and burning with something close to resentment.
I exhaled softly. “She still hates me, huh?” I murmured, lowering my gaze. “Well, I can’t really blame her.”
The sound of the wind filled the space again, tugging at her hair. For a moment, it felt like the world was holding its breath yet full of unspoken things.
Practice was finally done, and she headed to the library, where she found Richard sleeping at the side of a table.
“It’s time to wake up, Ward.” I kept shrugging his shoulder, hoping to wake him up. He slowly opened his eyes and finally responded.
“Uhhhh… five more minutes,” he said, covering his head with his hands again.
“Have you not been sleeping lately? You’re always dozing off here at the library. What happened to the advice you gave me tips on how to sleep you dummy."
He didn’t reply and continued sleeping peacefully. I decided not to disturb him and wrapped my jacket around his body, hoping it would keep him warm since it was almost winter.
-----
“Whaaa, man, that was a good sleep. Oh wow, how time has passed it’s already afternoon.” I felt a bit of clothing on my shoulders and realized she must have put it there.
“Where is she anyway?” I mumbled. I decided to get up and look for her. I immediately found her in the corner of the library, looking at some sheet music.
“I didn’t know you play the violin.”
“Oh finally, you’re awake.”
“Yeah it sure was an amazing sleep.”
“So, can we head home now? It’s almost closing time, and we don’t wanna get stuck in here, you know.”
“Hmm, I’m hungry. Can we go somewhere to eat?”
“I’m not going to a restaurant.”
“I know. I was thinking we could just go to the convenience store and buy some snacks.”
“Oh, sure. We can head there first.”
We then left the school and headed to the convenience store. As we were walking, I noticed how Roze was starting to feel more comfortable talking to me. We were chatting about the usual things.
“You decided to join the volleyball club?”
“What do you mean?”
“I just didn’t expect you to be the sporty type, you know.”
“What! Do I look like a frail person who can’t do any physical activity?”
“kinda.”
“Well screw you. I’m stronger than I look.”
“Haha, I’m kidding. I can tell you’re gonna be a good player, Rozy.”
“Yeah, sure, buddy.”
"Im serious"
Our relationship was getting closer than ever. It had been few weeks since she and I became friends. Our first interaction wasn’t great, but it was a memorable one either way. Still, I thought I was her only friend or so I believed.
“Yumm, this ice cream is so delicious.”
“Ew.”
“Are you kidding me? This ice cream is actually good.”
“I prefer the other one.”
“The one with the nuts?”
“No, it’s the vanil—”
Suddenly, some random guy barged through the door, looking like a twig.
"Oh, hi Roze! Didn't know you came around here."
"I just happened to pass by with my friend let me introduce you to him, this is Richard."
"Is this the new friend?"
"Yeah. Now introduce yourself."
"Yo, my name's Jophan. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," I replied. Then I turned to Roze. "I don't like him"
"What, you just met him?"
To be continued
