Episode 2 — A Quiet Interruption

Devion’s POV

I don’t know what’s wrong with me today.

Usually, when class is over, I just… disappear. Straight home, or sometimes I hide in the farthest corner of the library with my hoodie up, headset on, pretending the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

But not today.

Today I’m here, sitting on a bench, phone in my hand, acting like I’m busy. In reality? I’m listening. Not to everyone. Just to him. That guy.

“Hey, don’t you ever get tired? You’re carrying too much,” one of his org-mates said, a girl with a notebook full of sticky notes.

“Maybe a little,” the guy answered. I didn’t need to look at him. I could already imagine his smile.

“Wow, future manager! You’re in charge of schedules, files, meetings—”

“Stop it, I might believe you,” he joked, and the group laughed with him.

I rolled my eyes. Why is he always the center of attention? He’s not even that tall, not the type that screams presence in the hallway. But whenever he’s around, the atmosphere changes. Everyone notices.

And I hate to admit it, but… I notice too.

Seriously, Devion? Since when do you care about random conversations?

I scrolled through my phone. Empty notifications, dead chats, boring emails. Nothing interesting. Still, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it, my ears kept catching his voice.

“Guys, we’ll have a short meeting tomorrow morning. I just want to finalize the event details.”

“Tomorrow? That’s too early!”

“It won’t take long. And don’t worry, I’ll bring food.”

“Wow, free food? We really love you!”

Wait. He’s paying? Isn’t he on scholarship? Why is he spending his money on them?

I frowned. I don’t know what annoyed me more — that he’s too kind, or that I actually care about where he gets the money.

Stop it, Devion. Stop caring. This isn’t your business.

I opened Spotify, turned up the volume. Didn’t help. My eyes still drifted back to him, whether I liked it or not.

Three minutes passed like that. Just me, staring and thinking. And then it hit me: I’m acting weird.

I talk to myself a lot when I’m alone in my room. But now? Here, with so many people around? My brain won’t shut up.

Why are you listening to him? Why do you care if they have a meeting? You’re not invited. You’re not required. So why are your eyes following that guy?

I sighed quietly. Annoyed. At myself.

“I brought a new scent for tomorrow. Want to try?” the guy suddenly said.

“Another perfume?!” someone laughed.

“Not perfume. More like essential oil. It helps you relax.”

“Wow, Mr. Wellness!”

Essential oils? Collecting scents? What kind of hobby is that?

It sounds shallow, but somehow, when it comes from him… it doesn’t. Maybe because of his tone. Gentle, genuine. Like he really wants to share something that might help other people.

I shook my head. Devion, stop analyzing people like some therapist. You’re not one.

Still, I caught myself smiling a little. Just a little.

Then his phone rang. “Hello? Yeah, I’m still here,” he said softly, turning away so no one else could hear.

His group was still laughing, but me — I was staring again.

I didn’t catch everything, but I heard the last words clearly:

“I’m fine. Don’t worry. I can handle it.”

Then he went back to smiling, like nothing happened.

But inside me, something shifted.

‘I’m fine. Don’t worry. I can handle it.’

I’ve said those words myself, more times than I can count. And nine out of ten times, they were lies.

So when I heard him say it, I just knew. He wasn’t fine.

And for some reason, I wanted to tell him: You don’t have to pretend.

Of course, I didn’t. That’s not me. I don’t join conversations. I don’t comfort strangers.

Instead, I just sighed again. Stood up. Pretended I was leaving.

But before I walked out, I noticed him leaning against the table, fingers touching the necklace around his neck, breathing slowly like he was calming himself down.

I don’t know why I did it. Maybe I wasn’t thinking. Maybe I didn’t want to think.

But I left a small bottled water on the table near him. No words. No explanation.

He’ll probably think it’s from one of his org-mates. And that’s fine.

I don’t need him to know it was me.

As soon as I stepped outside, I realized what I’d done.

Devion, what the hell was that?

I don’t give water to people. I don’t go out of my way for anyone.

But I did. For him.

And the worst part? I still don’t know why.

-

End of Episode 2

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