Elliot

  "Will that be all?" The cashier's voice was rough, like gravel scraping against the pavement.

  I nodded as he rang up my things. "$16.07," he said.

  I handed him the cash, grabbing my stuff, a candy bar, bread and olive oil. I put my wallet in my back pocket before grabbing my bag of the counter and immediately taking my candy bar out of the bag to snack on, on the way home. Walking out of the convenience store the air was cool — not freezing, but enough to make me pull my hoodie over my head. The pavement glistened faintly from the earlier rain, puddles reflecting the dull glow of streetlights.

  I walked down the sidewalk, my candy bar almost gone, rushing to get home. All I wanted to do was lay down. My feet moved automatically, the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement the only thing breaking the silence.

  Then I heard a voice behind me.

  "Hey, you dropped something."

  I turned around, confused, and saw a guy standing there, holding my wallet in his hand. I blinked, trying to process it.

  I hadn't even noticed it fall.

  "Uh... thanks," I said, feeling a little dumb.

  The guy looked about my age, his face a bit rough around the edges like he'd seen some shit. His hair was messy, curls falling over his forehead, and his eyes were sharp, but tired.

  "Yeah, no problem," he said, handing me the wallet without hesitation.

  I took it from him quickly, still trying to figure out how I hadn't noticed it drop.

  For a second, neither of us spoke. It wasn't like some big moment—just a quick, awkward exchange.

  "Alright, later," the I said, turning to walk off.

  ***

  "Food's almost ready," my mom called from the kitchen. "Did you get what I told you?"

  "Yes ma'am," I said, handing her the bag.

  "Your father wants to talk to you," she added quickly, already turning back to whatever she was cooking. "He's in the study."

  I exhaled through my nose. Great.

  I knocked on the study door. "Dad?"

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  "Come in."

  He closed his laptop as I stepped inside, folding his hands on top like he was about to give some big speech.

  "Finals are in a few months, yeah?"

  I nodded. "Five more months."

  "We've talked about this before, and I'll keep saying it because it's important that you pass." He sighed like I was already failing him. "Have you applied to Kyoto or Harvard yet?"

  "Not yet... I don't know if I wanna stay here or go abroad."

  "Well, you don't have forever to decide," he said, circling his desk and leaning on the edge like he was about to coach me through a game plan. "You've got four months. Don't waste them."

  "Close the door on your way out."

  8:44 pm

  "Dinner's ready," my mom said, peeking into my room.

  "Not hungry," I mumbled into my pillow.

  I heard her sigh before retreating downstairs. The muffled sound of her voice drifted back up — something about how I wasn't eating. My dad's voice followed, low and skeptical.

  "He doesn't have to eat if he's not hungry," my mom said firmly. "It's fine."

  I closed my door and buried myself deeper in my blankets, waiting for sleep to take over.

  Monday - January 6th - 6:31 am

  "Elliot! Time for school!"

  I groaned into my pillow before dragging myself out of bed. The morning chill clung to my skin as I got ready — teeth brushed, face washed, hair barely tamed.

  Downstairs, my mom slid a plate of waffles in front of me.

  "How'd you sleep?"

  "Fine," I said, taking a bite.

  By the time I left, my mind already felt heavy.

  6:15 am - School

  I walked into the office, barely awake. "Where can I get my schedule?"

  The lady at the desk shuffled through some papers. "First and last name?"

  "Elliot Mashca."

  "Here you go," she said, sliding me a paper. "Have a good day."

  I barely glanced at it — Speech and Debate, PE, Chemistry... Whatever. I just wanted the day to be over.

  Gym - Locker Room

  "Did... he do that to your face?"

  The teasing voice cut through the chatter. I kept my head down, spinning the lock on my locker, trying to tune it out.

  "No... I just fell." The guy's voice was shaky — like he didn't even believe himself.

  This school's bullying problem was ridiculous, and it felt worse knowing I never stepped in. Safer to stay quiet.

  I shut my locker a little too hard, drawing attention I didn't want.

  "What's the problem?" someone sneered. "You know him or something?"

  I glanced up — and froze.

  It was him. The guy from last night. His bruises had faded, but his face still carried the tired look of someone who never caught a break.

  "Yeah," I said before I could think. "He's a family friend. So I'd appreciate it if you'd leave him alone."

  His eyes flicked toward me, slightly wide with surprise before he masked it again.

  The other guys scoffed. "Whatever you say." The ringleader shoved past Adrian, shoulder-checking him hard enough to make him stumble.

  I exhaled sharply, already regretting getting involved.

  "You didn't have to do that," Adrian said.

  "Yeah... and I probably shouldn't have," I muttered. "No offense."

  "None taken." He smiled faintly. "I'm Adrian."

  "Elliot."

  "Nice to finally put a name to your face." His smile widened just a little, bright enough to stand out against the bruise. "Thanks again for the chocolate... I didn't expect to run into you so soon."

  "Don't mention it," I said. "But we should probably get to class."

  He nodded, following quietly behind me.

  We parted ways outside the locker room, but I still felt his eyes on me from the top of the bleachers.

  When I glanced back, he smiled again.

  I looked away.

  What have I gotten myself into?

  —

  [note: I will be doing A LOT of editing when I'm done with this whole book because a lot of parts seem really choppy and rushed. I also will go back and make chapters longer]

  Thank you for reading this chapter. <3

  - unnoticedsmile