Without Me

Shou

The week went by quickly with the days passing by without anything big happening. Classes were normal. Chuck was hanging out with Ares a little more since they shared more classes together and Ares seemed to be getting happier. Mark met up with Jonathan for dinner mostly and he would drop by his dorm just to chat once in awhile but nothing big happened during those moments which Jonathan was thankful for. Shou didn't get any new information or progress with his investigations and always appear in the dorm either tired or just straight up asleep on his bunk bed. Jonathan wasn't sure if that was worrisome or just relieving honestly. Viktor hadn't made any moves on him or Chuck either but he could feel the glares every time they crossed paths.

It made Jonathan feel like nothing big was happening but something was definitely lurking and waiting. Something being nothing good. He sat in the cafeteria, munching his food. He was a bit dazed as Chuck and Ares talked to each other about games which Jonathan wasn't a huge fan of. He didn't mind it though. Being left out was normal for him by now. He finished his food and sipped his drink when he felt a rushed tap on his shoulder.

"Jonathan. You have to meet me later after your classes," Shou's voice entered his ear, making him startle as he turned around to look at the boy who has his brows knitted. He probably found something but Jonathan didn't have time to ask where they should meet up. Shou was already dashing out from the cafeteria.

He sighed a little. So much for peace. He turned back to Chuck and Ares who were both slightly stunned. Chuck had a more surprised look on his face though.

"What?" Jonathan asked with a slight awkward chuckle in his voice.

"Oh. Nothing," Ares replied and went back to eating.

"You know that guy?" Chuck asked with a gulp.

"Uh... Yeah. He's my roommate," Jonathan replied honestly, not liking where this was going. His grip tightened around his drink slightly, causing the carton to deform.

"Your roommate? You didn't tell me that that's your roommate!" Chuck squeaked.

"Well, I don't have to. Plus he hardly comes to the cafeteria. Today is literally the first time I've seen him here," Jonathan replied in a slightly rushed tone. He felt as thought he was being accused of something that he didn't know. "I don't share any classes with him either so I never had a chance to introduce you guys.... wait. What's wrong with him? He's not... Not bad."

Chuck was quiet for awhile when Jonathan seemed to click two with two. His roommate. Asian. Barely attends classes. A little eccentric.

"He's the last guy you were warning me about, isn't he?" Jonathan asked just for confirmation and Chuck nodded to his dismay. "No. This is wrong. Shou doesn't mean any trouble with his actions." Jonathan disapproved of having to shun Shou away just because of rumors.

A bad egg? He was trying to save students who were complete strangers to him from something that the school was hiding. That might potentially affect all of them. Jonathan stood up.

"He's not bad. I know it," he said firmly and grabbed his tray. A part of him couldn't handle this anymore. First, Mark. And now even his own roommate? Just no.

"Wait, Jonathan. I'm not saying you can't hang out with him. It's just not good," Chuck said worriedly as he got up and followed behind Jonathan who put the tray aside and headed to the entrance. Ares stared at them as they went, unsure of what to do.

"Shou is a nice person. He's just different from some of you guys. He doesn't deserve to be treated like a psycho," Jonathan said.

"I- He... He's not a psycho... I just... I don't want anything bad happening to you just because you happened to hang out with the wrong people."

"Oh yeah? What about Ares then? Has he actually told you why people get hurt when they hang out with him?"

"What? Why're you dragging Ares into this? He's innocent."

"Innocent? I'll tell you who is innocent. Shou. And Mark," Jonathan said through gritted teeth. Chuck was about to say something else when Jonathan accidentally bumped into someone.

"I heard my name. Can I be of any help?" Mark spoke as he placed a hand on Jonathan's shoulder to stabilise him.

"N-no! We were just t-talking!" Chuck stuttered and stepped back. Mark blinked and tilted his head slightly.

"Right. You're Chuck. Nice to meet you," Mark replied, holding a hand out to the other for a handshake. Jonathan could tell one was attempting to be nice and the other was trying not to run away. Chuck stared at Mark's outstretched hand and then at the soft smile.

"You. I. I can't," Chuck said after some thought. Mark feigned a hurt look which Jonathan noticed and moved his hand away.

"Well. I won't force you then. But I would prefer it if you don't go around telling people that they shouldn't be friends with me. I'm sure you know how lonely it can be to be alone," Mark said and let go of Jonathan. "See you around, Chuck. And you too, Johnny."

Mark gave them a wave and walked past them into the cafeteria. Jonathan sighed and looked at Chuck who was fidgeting. Chuck looked up at Jonathan with a slight expectant look but Jonathan couldn't return the hope that lingered in the other's eyes.

"I won't say something childish like let's stop being friends but I would appreciate it if you'll allow me to have my own friends too. I know you worry about me and all but it's really alright. Shou and Mark have never hurt me before," Jonathan said softly before he started walking again.

So much for peaceful times.

He didn't know why he felt so much anger then. If Mark hadn't appeared, he might have had shouted at Chuck unknowingly. He guessed it just really hurt to know that the person he had come to trust disapproved of the people who had started to mean something to him. Both Mark and Shou. He tried not to think about it as he headed to the library to cool down before class started.