Ken dragged himself back into the classroom, his mind still buzzing with Noel's words. Alex was sitting at his desk, completely immersed in his notes, scribbling furiously. Ken dropped into the seat beside him without saying a word.
Minutes passed before Alex finally looked up, blinking in surprise.
"Ken?! You're here… Can we talk?" His voice carried concern the moment he noticed the heavy look on Ken's face.
Ken hummed softly, a low "hmm" that was more silence than agreement.
"What did Noel say to you?" Alex asked, cautious but unable to hide the fear in his tone.
Ken sighed, eyes fixed on the desk. "He said… he wants to focus on studying and getting into college. And then… he'll think about it later." His voice cracked with disappointment.
Alex leaned closer, staring at him in disbelief. "What?! That's… that's actually a positive sign, man! Then why do you look like the world just ended?"
"He said… he wants us to be like we were before," Ken muttered.
"Like what?" Alex asked, frowning in confusion.
"Not strangers… but not friends either," Ken said, his voice tight.
Alex froze for a moment, processing. Then he leaned back, rubbing his chin. "That's not rejection, man. Think about it. As far as I know, anyone else who's ever confessed to Noel got shut down right on the spot. You're the first one he said he'll even consider—after college."
Ken snapped his head toward Alex, frustration bubbling. "So… do you think he will?!" His voice was sharp, almost desperate.
Alex sighed, shaking his head. "Oh boy… you think this is the biggest thing that'll ever happen in your life. But it's not. This? This is just a small bump compared to what's waiting for you out there. And right now, you're acting like it's the end of the world."
Ken clenched his fists under the desk, his chest burning with emotions he couldn't name.
Ken had been disturbed for days after Noel's words. Alex didn't know how to fix it, but he knew part of Ken's breakdown was his fault. That evening, he decided to tag along and stick with Ken, whether Ken liked it or not.
"Alex, I'm saying this one last time—it's NOT FUNNY ANYMORE. DON'T FOLLOW ME!" Ken barked, teeth gritted.
"It's not even a break-up, boy! So please, let me cheer you up, psycho," Alex shot back, keeping a safe distance. He knew too well Ken's habit of choking him whenever he got too annoying. "Exams are coming and you don't even know what you're doing anymore."
"I'm aware of what I'm doing. Don't bother me," Ken muttered, staring at the ground. And right as he said it, his foot caught the edge of the trash pile and—THUD!—he slipped, crashing face-first into the pavement.
"...Well, this clearly shows how aware you are, Mister Ken Danish," Alex deadpanned, helping him up.
Ken didn't say a word, but his nose was bleeding badly. Alex's expression shifted immediately. "Okay, enough. We're going to the hospital. No arguments."
Ken silently followed, too embarrassed and too dazed to fight back. Soon, with a fresh plaster across his nose, his humiliation was complete.
Back at Ken's house, Alex handed him food, grinning like an idiot. "Well, it really suits you—the face of a broken boy."
Ken clenched his jaw, trying not to explode, the pain in his nose keeping his anger at bay.