ONE DAY

Together with a Stranger

As soon as Sun opened his eyes, he saw the boy looking at him and he aggressively tried to stand up making their heads bumped with each other.

“Ah!” Sun thought she’s dreaming, but she’s not. She looked to every corner of the room where they resides and realizes that she is with the boy from earlier at the Campus clinic.

“Ouch. That really hurts. How many times do I have to bump with anyone today?” The boy said in a lower volume. He looked at Sun. “Hey, are you okay now? How are you feeling?

“What happened? Why am I here?”

“Well, first and foremost, I didn’t do anything wrong or suspicious towards you so stop with that stare. You just collapsed earlier so I had to carry you here at the clinic. I never thought you’re that heavy.” The boy hugged himself.

“Really? Well, I’m really sorry to bother you.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m planning to go out of the University just like you, I guess, because I don’t have anything to do here at all. But because of the parade, we’re both stranded here.”

“Oh yeah. Well, how’s the parade?”

“Unfortunately, I know it’s still running. Can’t you hear that loud noises?” Pointing out the window. “And I bet we still can’t make an exit by this time.”

Sun’s heart again beats faster than the usual just by thinking of how many students joined the parade.

“I don’t think I should say this but do you want me to walk you home tonight? I mean, I’m just worried that you might faint again. Do you live nearby? Do you live on a Dorm or a Condo just like the other students here? Hey, don’t worry; I’ll be right behind your back. I will also never try to enter your house or you Condo. Just wanted to make sure you’ll be safe tonight.”

Sun knew that she’s still weak to go alone and that there’s nothing wrong with walking with the boy so he agreed right away.

The boy signed some paper at the nurse’s desk before they left the clinic.

They can still see the parade afar from the campus building.

“Do you want to watch the parade from here?” the boy asked.

Sun just hold at the building’s railings and looked the parade that is slowly moving then the boy suddenly speaks once again.

“I used to enjoy this kind of stuffs before but not anymore. My best friend was one of those students that died last year because of suffocation and stampede during the parade.” Sun remained silent and just looked at the boy.

Right, last year was a tragedy for the school. Few students died because of suffocation due to over usage of chemicals for the parade floats and due to stampede. But the School didn’t want to miss this year’s festival so they decided to still make it happen due to the students’ demands also.

“You know what, after the parade, students will go home already. Want to walk around the campus with me? If it’s fine with you.” Sun was confused. She didn’t even know why she kept on agreeing to what this boy is telling. They didn’t even know each other. Sun looks around and saw that the numbers of students are gradually shrinking so she agreed to walk in the field with the boy.

The boy seems to love taking photos. He had his camera and was randomly flashing it to whatever he wants to capture, but that’s not Sun’s business. They just walked around the campus but strangely, Sun felt so comfortable having the boy beside him as they walk to a place he hated the most. Finally reaching the end of the campus, Sun courageously speaks.

“Well, You know what; thank you for today. And to tell you, I have agoraphobia, that’s why I collapsed earlier. It’s too overwhelming for me to be in a crowded place. But I really thank you for accompanying me tonight.”

“Wow. But you don’t look like one now. I mean, look at you now. Yeah, I noticed that you’re shaking earlier, but now, you’re just fine and calm.”

“Yeah. I think because I know you’re with me.” Strangely, the two of them looked at each other’s eyes for the first time, smile can be seen.

“What if we finished this day together? I’m also alone. Aside from that friend I talked you about a while age, I don’t have any.”

“Strangely, I felt comfortable with you right now. And this will be my first time enjoying a festival. I think I’ll be good.”

“That’s really strange also, this is almost my last time to attend a festival because of what happened last year. But I met you. What a coincidence, huh?”

They don’t realize that they both give comfort to each other. The two walk around and take some photos around the campus. Though they don’t talked much about their personal lives, they’ve enjoyed the night just by accompanying each other, walking side by side.

Then they sat on the field with some food that they bought from one of the festival’s booth.

“Wait for me here, I’ll be back.” The boy said and ran away. Sun tried to calm herself while the boy was away. As he saw the familiar guy approaching, some group of students called him and they seem to know each other. They are laughing and talking with each other casually. Sun felt betrayed. Especially because the boy told him that he has no friends at all and that they will accompany each other ‘til the end of the day. While the boy was busy talking with the students, Sun got pissed and stood up, walking his way the nearest exit of the campus. The boy noticed it and followed her.

“Hey, what’s the matter?”

“Well, we can call it a day. I should go home. Thank you for being bringing me to the clinic and for being with me tonight.”

“You’re shaking again. I’m he-.“ the boy tried to hold Sun to calm her but she refused.

“No, I’m not. I’ll go home. What’s the point of telling me that you don’t have friends and that I can accompany you also? Am I that pitiful? Go back and talk to your friends. They’re waiting for you. Good night. Again, thank you.” Trying to hide that she’s shaking, Sun walked away.

“Wait!” But the boy didn’t try to follow Sun and just watch her walk away.

Sun didn’t go to the exit rather she went to their college’s building and sat at a corner where no one can notice her. Sun can’t help it but to stay. She’s not even sure what’s holding her back that’s why she let it slide for a moment.