"So, our seats were rearranged, I will be sharing a seat with Nithane… Then who are you with?"
"Mmm… It's with Abaddon."
Before entering the class, Eric explains the recent changes that occur during Aiden's absence.
[Why is it had to be like this? If I let this go on, don't they spend too much time together? I need to do something… Think Aiden, think…]
Without gaining much attention from Eric's side, Aiden observes the classroom and spots Abaddon at the backbench (He is reading something). There is also a long distance between Eric and Aiden's seats.
"Aigoo, my legs hurt…" Slipping away from Eric's supportive hands, Aiden walks (more like jumping) on one leg and reaches Abaddon's desk, taking a seat before hearing anyone's rejection. "Let me stay here for a while…" Anyway, the 'while' stay too long until the teacher gives an entry.
Eric cluelessly looks at Aiden's activity which doesn't make any sense. However, he also took this as an opportunity to keep a distance from Abaddon until he sorts out his personal feelings.
Well, Eric that moment doesn't aware of the danger of sitting around with a nerd boy. Nithane not only focuses on his studies, also shows interest in his desk-mate matter. Sincerely wants to support Eric by forcing him to study as well with him.
Regularly raising hands to seek doubt clearance and attract teacher's attention, makes Eric's seat a 'hot seat'.
"Eric, can you help me to take these notebooks to the teachers' room." Even at the interval, Nithane doesn't let go of Eric.
"[Why me…] Ok…"
On the way to the teachers' room.
"I didn't expect that you say 'Yes'. Thanks…"
"There is no need for such formalities."
"You changed so much…"
"Yeah, I know… Humans are meant to be changed over time, its nature's law."
"…"
"Can you walk a little faster? My hands hurt by holding these many books… Where that brat gone?
What's gotten into him? Why is he standing there like a statue? Nithane…" After covering a distance, Eric noticed that Nithane is missing.
Went back and look, he saw Nithane is standing in the hallway while looking in a direction without taking of his eye as he is watching something preciously.
Looking in the same direction, Eric saw a school beauty standing there. Eric quickly got the name of the strange disease.
"Do you like her?" Coming closer to Nithane's ears, he shouted. All the books in Nithane's hand landed on the floor. However, his hands quickly react to the words, and closed Eric's mouth before he talk more that attract her attention towards them.
"Areeww uuuu Aafffraided offe hee" [Are you afraid of her?] Eric try to speak even though his mouth is covered tightly.
"What??? Noo…"
"Is she your girlfriend then?" The moment his hand is released; Eric curiously asks the question.
"N-No…"
"Do you have a crush on her?" Seeing his face turning red with embarrassment and shyness, totally give out space for suspicions.
"That…" Nithane hesitate to answer that question.
"You like her, right? Don't try to hide, I can read from your chubby face so clearly."
"It's not like that… Please don't tell anyone about it…" Understanding Eric already learned about it, Nithane doesn't hide the fact any longer and requests to keep it to himself.
"Buy me a drink then…"
Later at the cafeteria.
"So, you like her, but she isn't aware of it. That's the conclusion of your love story right!" Taking a sip from his apple juice, Eric spoke after hearing Nithane's one-side love story that begins with cat food.
One day coming back from school, an unexpected encounter with a girl from school, who secretly giving food to a stray cat, that incident leaves a good impression on Nithane about her. Not taking too long, they met again. She saved him from the bullies, those who often try to take advantage of him. Her courage, righteous and carefree attitude towards the rough surroundings completely win over his heart the second time.
But his love isn't blind. He can clearly see the invisible boundaries that set in their relationship. A beautiful heart isn't enough to stand beside her… Compared with her, he had nothing… No wealth, no power, no beauty…
"That be the situation now, but one day I will open up my heart to her." With determination, Nithane spoke as it's his only dream.
"But there are some problems…"
"What?"
"What if she had a boyfriend then? Or you don't match her ideal type? What if she wants to become a nun then? In the worst case, what if she died in an accident?"
"That's impossible… That won't happen… Why are you being so negative?"
"How can you be so sure? All these are a possibility… So, before you get regret, tell her about your feelings. If she rejects, accept the truth and move forward or try again. If she agrees, try even more harder to achieve your dream. A wealthy happy life with her and your children…" Eric tries to advise him a bit based on his past life experience.
"Wish me luck…."
"Huh!"
"I'm going to confess… Don't call me back, it's bad luck…" Is he really going to confess or not, Nithane runs away from the cafeteria without paying the bill.