Without Me

Dinner

The medicine helped as time went by. It didn't feel like someone was constantly sawing at his head and he thanked the painkiller for that. He should probably check the convenience store and stock up for himself too.

Classes were almost done for the day and all that he could think up of now was what's for dinner. Yesterday's was just good ol spaghetti that you can't go wrong with. He was definitely hungry. Must be the medicine.

There was still time before dinner though. He guessed it was for those who preferred a shower after classes or maybe those who head on up for gym. He did do a little adventuring on his own yesterday and guessed he was going to do that again today until he got used to campus grounds.

He guessed he should ask someone to guide him around but didn't want to bother Chuck too much. Maybe Shou? If that boy is even in the room. Nobody really came to mind, considering how little interaction Jonathan had made so far. Different classmates for each class did make it hard for him to try to even converse.

His thoughts travelled on and on until his mind palace was disturbed by Mark's sudden appearance in the hallway. He stepped back, just noticing he had left class after the bell went off. He turned around, ready to run away or well, walk when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was a light pat.

Mark's smile came to view and Jonathan could have sworn he stopped breathing for a bit. And that was bad for his heart and his dear life. It is just a fluke. It's not real.

"Hey. Want to hang out for dinner?" Mark asked to Jonathan's surprise.

"Uh... mmm... Didn't you... well. You. Uh..." He wasn't quite sure how to put his words together now. He wanted to say yes but part of him still told him to stay away. Walk away.

"Me? It's cool if you don't want to. Just thought I'll ask," Mark replied before waving and started walking again. This time, Jonathan caught hold of his jacket. It was a different one this time but boy, did he still look fine--no, Jonathan. Keep your head in the game but why did you grab his jacket?

"Uh... That's if we don't eat in the cafeteria?" He managed to squeeze the words out from his throat, actually disbelieving himself for his boldness as well. Mark's smile returned and he nodded.

"Sure. Meet me behind the dorms. I'll get us dinner," the other said, making the thumps in Jonathan's chest louder to his own surprise and dismay. Why was he this excited and happy? He didn't know either. He just knew he didn't want Chuck to be upset about him meeting Mark somehow. It just didn't feel right to him to avoid Mark. He seemed like a nice guy after all apart from actually punching someone in the face.

"Yeah," Jonathan managed to make another squeaky reply appear. Mark let out a chuckle and nodded, waving and walked off as Jonathan's grip on the jacket loosened.

He breathed in deeply, not noticing himself holding his breath again. Great. A secret meeting. He hoped. A slight frown found its way between his brows but he shook it off and went to find his locker to exchange his books.

Maybe he could ask Mark to give him the short tour.

Maybe.

Except Chuck found him before dinner and stuck real close to him. Jonathan didn't have the heart to tell him to leave either. The other didn't do anything wrong after all.

He gulped a little as dinner time approached, keeping a keen eye on the time every time they passed by a clock. He guessed he should get back his old habit of wearing a watch. That would be nice.

Chuck hadn't notice his unease at all as the other rambled on about things that just went over his head. He could just tell Chuck to flat out leave him be for the night but that might sound mean and hurtful. Or he could find some way to run off. Maybe just running was a nice option. His mind was filled with thoughts of how to get away that he hadn't noticed a boy walking right up to him.

They bumped and both stepped back. Although the boy took a lot more steps back since he was smaller and shorter than Jonathan himself. He had his hood over his head and hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Watch where you're going," the boy mumbled and continued walking.

"Rude," Chuck hissed.

"Hey, it's alright. He was right. I wasn't really focusing on the path," Jonathan said, not wanting to get into a fight with someone smaller than him. He didn't look down on the other though since he was quite sure anyone could tear anyone's face apart in this school. Except maybe Chuck. He seemed too harmless for his own good.

"Sheesh. Fine. Why? Thinking of something?"

Dammit. It slipped.

"Uh... kind of. Look, Chuck. I kind of need to go somewhere now? I.... uh..." What was he supposed to say? He was going to meet someone else? Even though Chuck only had him? Maybe. He paused for a long while, unsure which excuse to spout lies with. But he didn't need to do either when Chuck nodded.

"Sure. Must be something important, right? You can go. I'll just eat dinner and head back to my room," he replied nonchalantly. Jonathan smiled and nodded, quite glad he didn't need to lie to Chuck.

"Thanks, man. You're the best. I'll see you at lunch tomorrow," he replied before he hurried off to the meeting spot.

Time to meet Mark and hopefully not get disturbed by anyone else. He turned back to make sure nobody was following him either.

He turned the corner and looked around. It was quite dark so he wasn't sure if Mark could even see him. He sat down on the grassy areas, taking his phone out to light his path. Oh yeah. He forgot to ask Chuck for his number again. Thank goodness, he brought his charger. He kept his phone and waited for Mark.

There was a rustle and sounds of footsteps soon after.