Blue Hour

Chapter 73

It was a chilly afternoon because of the heavy rains that

kept pouring across the country. There was a storm report the other day, but the storm signal is not high in the area that I am in. On the other hand, it kept on raining. I was standing in the school hall, waiting for someone to pick me up. I am now in my third year in high school, but nothing has changed. People are still awkward with me, nor even dared to approach me.

I was lucky to find someone like Miko, who was brave enough to be friends with one of the sons of the biggest business tycoon in the country. He did not even flinch when he found out that I carried the surname “De Luna.” He just told me that he saw himself in me, that’s why he wanted to be friends. Being alone is scary enough and it will drive you insane. Those were the words that he told me. After that, we became really close friends. At first, I thought that he was just after the surname that I have, but I was wrong. He was really a nice person.

Picking up my phone from my pocket, I dialed the number of the driver that was assigned to me. There were no signs that the rain will stop soon, and I can’t ride the train if this continues to happen since I forgot my umbrella. I sneak out sometimes to ride the train going home. Father found out once, but luckily he did not scold me.

“Hello, where are you Mr. Niel?” I asked, looking around to check any signs of him.

Unlike my childhood, there was only one bodyguard assigned to me. This time, he told me that he has an emergency. That's why I agreed to his request to leave early. I know I am a bit cold but if it’s really important, I allow them to do so.

“Sir, I am still on the way. There is congestion now with the traffic, most probably I will arrive there in around an hour.” Mr. Niel responded.

“That’s fine. Just give me a call when you are at school. I’ll stay at the library.” I said and hung up on the phone.

I began walking towards the direction heading to the library. As usual, I could see people moving away from me, and it felt like they were always talking behind my back. I am already tired of wanting to get their attention and make friends, so that’s why I tried not to bother anymore. The teachers also gave up on having the other students communicate with me. There were a lot of things that I should prioritize, especially buying that farm I visited a few months ago.

I arrived at the library and headed to the librarian. I asked for the pass and walked towards the left wing where it was quite enough for me and away from those watchful eyes. Browsing some books, I noticed that a girl was looking at me. I am used to this already.

After picking up the book, I sat down on the corner near the window and began reading. The rain was still pouring outside, and while reading, it was making me sleepy already. I was about to doze off when I heard a female voice in front of me.

“Hi.” The girl said.

Shocked, I looked at the girl who was smiling brightly. I looked down and I continued reading the book. I can feel that she is still looking at me, and has no plans of leaving even if I ignore her. I don’t know what her agenda is, but I am tired of this thing already. Picking up the book, I left and headed back to the librarian.

I can feel that the girl was still following me. I hurried walking to get away from her without bothering to look behind. I returned the pass and left the library. I looked around but the girl had already disappeared, and I felt relieved.

“Thank God.” I sighed, walking slowly. I placed the book in my backpack and picked up my phone. There was a message from Mr.Neil that he just got out of the area which was congested from traffic.

I sat down on the bench at the hall, looking at the non stop rain. I suddenly remembered the first time I took a bath in the rain. I wanted to do it now, but people might think I am weird.

“Hi.” I heard the voice again.

Slowly, I turned my head around and noticed the girl was holding an umbrella. She was smiling brightly, and I felt my heart run faster. Why is this girl here again? I guess I have no choice but to talk to her.

“O-oh, hi.” I said, looking down.

“Finally, I was able to talk to you. Nice to meet you, my name is Pine. Pine Martinez.” She said, and held out her hand.

There is no running away from this, so I have no choice.

I reached out for her hand, and gave her an awkward smile. “Hi, I think I don’t need to introduce myself because everyone knows my name already.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t know that you were this shy, Mr. De Luna. By the way, thank you for talking with me.” She said and smiled.

I never realized that I should have stayed away from her from this moment.