Things We Left Unsaid

First Impression

I walked into class expecting to see Dami in his usual seat.

Instead, Folani was there.

Alone.

For a second,I stood at the doorway wondering if I had entered the wrong classroom.

I looked at the number written above the door, then back at him.

Same classroom.

Same class.

Just not the same person sitting where Dami usually sat.

Folani had his bag beside him, one hand resting on the desk while he looked through what seemed like a notebook.He looked completely comfortable for someone who had barely been in school for a day.

I considered walking past him.

That would have been easier.

But before I could, he looked up.

Our eyes met.

" You're Viola, right? "

I stopped.

So much for not talking to him.

" Yup, that's me." I replied.

I immediately regretted how casually it came out.

Folani smiled slightly.

" I wasn't sure."

" Why? "

" I've heard your name a few times."

I raised an eyebrow.

" Already."

He shrugged. " People talk."

That was probably the honest answer I could have gotten.

I walked over to my seat and dropped my bag beside it.

" So, you're getting used to the school?"

" I'm trying to."

" How's it going? "

" Not bad."

I waited for him to say something else.

He didn't.

I nodded slowly.

" Okay."

There was an awkward silence between them.

I wasn't exactly sure what I had expected from him. Maybe a little more

conversation. Maybe he was just shy.

Or maybe he simply wasn't interested in talking.

I was about to sit down when he spoke again.

" Would you mind showing me around?"

I looked at him.

" Showing you around? "

" Yeah. I'm still trying to figure this place out."

I hesitated.

I wasn't planning on spending my day showing the new student around school. I had enough things to worry about already.

But there was something about the way he asked.He didn't sound demanding.Just genuinely unsure of where everything was.

" Ummm...sure."

His face relaxed.

" Thanks."

" Don't thank me yet. This school is confusing even when you have been here for years."

He laughed.

That was the first time I noticed that his laugh was quieter than I expected.

We left the classroom together.

I started with the places he would actually need to know the administrative block, library, science laboratories, assembly ground, sports field, of course,the canteen.

He listened as I explained everything.

Well, mostly.

I was doing most of the talking.

" So, that's the library, " I said, pointing towards the building ahead.

" I guessed."

" You guessed? "

" Books usually give it away. "

I stared at him.

He smiled.

" Okay. Bad joke."

" Very bad."

" I'll do better next time."

" Please don't."

He laughed again.

For someone who didn't talk much, he somehow made me talk more.

We continued walking.

I pointed out some of the teachers and warned him about the ones that didn't like late students.

" You should especially avoid coming late to Mr. Ade's class."

" Why? "

" He doesn't care if you have an excuse."

" Not even if there's traffic? "

" Especially not traffic."

" That's harsh."

" Welcome to Lorentz."

He laughed.

By the time we reached the canteen,I realized we'd been walking for longer than I expected.

I glanced at him.

" So, where did you transfer from? "

He looked at me for a moment before answering.

" Another school."

" That was obvious."

He smiled.

" I know."

" You're not very helpful."

" I'm trying."

" No, you're not."

He laughed again.

I shook my head.

Maybe he wasn't as quiet as I first thought.

Maybe he just took his time before saying anything.

We eventually made our way back to the classroom, and I found myself wondering why hadn't felt boring as I expected.

I didn't know much about Folani.

Actually, I barely knew anything about him.

But there was something different about him.

I couldn't explain what it was.

I didn't want to think much of it.

At least, I tried not to.

It wasn't until close to the end of lunch break that I spotted Dami near the canteen.

He was standing with a few other students,but the moment he saw me walking with Folani, his expression changed.

He frowned.

He must've spotted us a while ago.

I slowed down.

Folani noticed.

" What's wrong? "

" Nothing."

I looked at Dami.

He was still staring.

" I've got to go."

Folani nodded.

" See you around."

" Yeah."

I walked towards Dami.

He didn't say anything immediately.

He just looked at me.

The looked past me towards Folani.

" What were you doing with the newbie?"

I sighed.

" Showing him around."

" You? "

" Yes, me."

" Since when did you become a tour guide."

" Since he asked. "

Dami shook his head.

" Interesting."

" What? "

" Nothing."

I knew that tone.

" Dami."

He looked at me.

" I said nothing."

I rolled my eyes.

" Whatever."

We headed back to class together.

For the rest of the day,I tried to focus on my lessons, but my mind kept drifting.

Not to Folani exactly.

It was just strange having someone new around.

Someone who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and somehow already had everyone's attention.

By the time school ended, I was ready to go home.

I packed my books and headed outside with Dami.

We walked through the school gate together, talking about everything and nothing.

When we got closer to my house, Dami suddenly stopped.

" I've got some school stuff to sort out."

he said.

I looked at him.

" Now? "

" Yeah."

" Okay."

He gave me a quick smile.

" I'll see you tomorrow."

" Sure."

We reached my house, and before leaving, he held my hands for a moment longer than usual before pulling me into a quick hug.

It felt different.

Not necessarily bad.

Just different.

He seemed like he wanted to say something, but he didn't.

" Bye, " he finally said.

" Bye."

I stood there for a moment, watching him walk away before I finally went inside.