Gray was walking alongside Castle on the way home when they were stopped by an unknown lady.
"You're Gray, right?" She asked in a polite and calm tone. Gray nodded with confusion written all over his face.
"Can I talk to you alone?"
"Why?"
"It's about Lucas..."
One day earlier...
"Finally, lunch time!"
Castle exclaimed as he stand up and stretched. Gray playfully hit his slightly exposed tummy.
"Let's go, Gray. I'm hungry!"
Gray nodded. "Wait." He glanced at Lucas' direction and found him tidying up his things.
"You're not planning on inviting him for lunch, aren't you?"
"What's wrong with eating lunch with him?" Before Castle could protest, Gray already walked towards Lucas.
"Lucas, let's eat together." He cheerfully offered as he give him a wide smile. To his surprise, Lucas nodded. He stand up, bringing a small black bag he assumes is his lunch box.
Lucas turns around when he didn't move. "Are you just going to stand there?" He said coldly before walking away. Gray immediately grabs Castle and follows him.
They decided to eat at Lucas' favorite place, the old and abandoned gym equipment storage. The three of them are all sitting on the grass, eating rather awkwardly and quietly. Only their small chewing noises can be heard.
Castle, who annot take the silence any longer decided to break it by clearing his throat and asking a question. "Uh... Why are we eating here? The cafteria's closer to the building."
"Why not? It's peaceful here and also quiet. Besides, it's fun to eat with nature sometimes." Gray answered. Castle secretly glances at Lucas who is still calmly and quietly eating.
"Yeah, it's-it's peaceful." Castle answered, completely giving up before he continues to eat.
-
"Lucas, do you want to go home together later?" Gray asked as they are walking back on their classroom.
"Gray!" Castle blurted out his tone screaming in protest. Gray turns to him.
"Why?"
"Why..." He sighed unable to continue. It seems like Gray really wanted Lucas to be his friend and he feels like it would be rude not only to Gray but also to Lucas if he voices out his protest to not go with him after school.
'But the rumors about him... It seems true that it' s creeping me out. I'm sure Gray have heard about it so why is he acting like that? Is he playing superhero again?'
"No." Lucas answers briefly. Castle stares at him.
'Is it because of me? Did he notice-'
"But why?"
"Our houses are both out of the way." He answered as he enter the classroom. Gray could only nod.
"Gray, wait." Castle stopped him as he's about to enter the classroom. He grabs him by the wrist and walks a few meter away from the classroom.
"What's wrong, Castle? The class is about to start."
He hesitated for a bit before speaking. "It's... about Lucas."
"What about him?"
"I was just wondering why are you suddenly acting all friendly to him."
Gray glanced at him with bewildered expression on his face. "Is that a bad thing? Am I not supposed to be friends with him?"
"No, that's not..." Castle sighed. "You heard about the rumors about him, right?"
"What rumors? That he killed someone? You even believed in that, Castle?" When he didn't say anything, he continued. "Those rumors came out of nowhere and you don't even have an evidence for it so why are you all so quick on judging him?"
"Gray-"
"I'm disappointed, Castle. I thought you're different than them."
He then turned around leaving Castle speechless. Somehow, he felt guilty at what he just did.
'Maybe I really did judge him without basis.' He sighed at that thought and started walkinbg back to the classroom. 'But what can I do? I just wanted to protect Gray.'
He sat beside Gray who didn't even bother looking at him. Judging by his face, he's certain that he is mad.
"Gray-"
He didn't got the chance to continue when their teacher enters the classroom and starts the class.
-
Endless chatters and laughter can be heard through the four wall of the classroom. Their subject teacher is absent thus giving them free time to do whatever they want. The blackboard actually says 'study time' but the students have other plans.
Among them are Gray's group who are encircled talking just about random things. Gray can't seem to focus as he keep on glancing at Lucas' seat. As usual, he's quiet and staring at the window, watching the students down there. Castle kept glancing at him too, looking for the timing to apologize at what happened earlier.
"Gray, you seemed to be close to Lucas these days." One of the students commented making Castle flinched. He knew that that topic is rather sensitive, especially at what happened earlier that he hopes that their classmates won't dwell on it further.
"Yeah. I saw you three eating together for lunch. Don't you heard about the rumors?"
"We're only saying this so you could become aware. But Lucas is scary, you should stay away from as soon as possible. Who knows what might might happen if-"
"What-"
"How can you judge someone when you don't even know him that well?" Castle interrupts, unable to hold his annoyance any longer. The circle got quiet, surprised at his sudden outburst.
"But Castle-"
"Like you said, those are only rumors. Is there evidence that it really happened? If not, then aren't you too narrow minded to be thinking that way?"
"C-calm down, Castle, we're just saying..."
"If I say that Gray killed someone. Would you believe me that easy? Just because I told you?"
"Why are you getting so mad? We-we don't mean it that way."
"Then what is the warning for?" Gray suddenly speaks, making the atmosphere grew even colder.
"Gray-"
"I'd rather hang out with him than you narrow minded guys." He stands up and leaves. Castle follows him soon after.
Lucas just watches the commotion, his expression still void of emotions.
-
"I'm sorry."
Castle whispers. They were just outside the classroom, leaning on the wall.
"You should say that to Lucas."
"I know."
"Just now... Is it really that bad to be friends with him? Because of all those baseless rumors, he must be having a hard time right now."
"I can't really tell. He always has this same expression that it's hard to read him. But honestly, it's bit that bad hanging out with him. It makes me feel at ease somehow."
Gray glances at Castle and grins.
"So you're not mad at me anymore?"
"How can I get mad you?" Gray answers as he give him a light punch on his arm. "You were the only person I trust. If I lose you, I won't have anyone anymore."
Castle frowns, slightly cringing at his statement. "Aren't you too cheesy right now?"
As if to tease him more, Gray jumps on him and hugs him tightly while rubbing their cheek together. "I'm always sweet, though?"
"Gray! Get off of me this instant!"
"Nope, I won't!"
"Hey!"