The classroom was buzzing with activity as students chatted and prepared for the day's lessons. The sun streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Amidst the usual afternoon routine, Kenzo, one of the quieter students, burst into the classroom with a look of urgency on his face.
His entrance was sudden and unexpected, drawing the attention of the entire class. Kenzo's eyes darted around, searching for someone to help with a situation he clearly found overwhelming. It was then that he made his way toward Akeno and me.
"Excuse me. I know we are not close but," Kenzo began, his voice trembling with concern. "I need your help, please."
Akeno, being nosy as ever, immediately sensed the seriousness of the situation. He nodded and asked Kenzo to explain what was happening.
Kenzo hesitated for a moment before revealing the source of his distress.
"It's Jana," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She's been drinking since early this morning, and she's crying. I don't know what to do, but I'm really worried about her."
I didn't know she could cry with that loud voice
"I am not sure if we can help about that too, we personally don't know her, she is just a mere acquaintance to us." Akeno replied.
I agreed to what Akeno said.
Jana is known for her vivacious and outgoing personality, and has always been the center of attention in the class. But now, it seemed that something had deeply affected her, and her behavior had taken a concerning turn.
"Please help me." Kenzo pleaded.
Akeno looked at me, signaling me like he was asking if we would do it or not. Understanding Akeno's signal, I nodded subtly, acknowledging the request. I am not sure if Akeno really wanted to help Jana or Kenzo but I know that he always wants to be involved in this kind of situation.
As we made our way to where Jana is, Akeno's been busy thinking and wondering about something, he was quiet during the whole travel, then he muttered,
"Do you have any idea what happened?"
Kenzo explained that he had crossed paths with Jana in a bar with a smoking area during a class break, and she had confided in him about a painful breakup with her boyfriend. The breakup had apparently devastated her, and she had resorted to drinking to numb the pain. Now, she was in a state of emotional turmoil, and Kenzo was deeply concerned for her well-being and that's when he ran into the room asking for help.
"I know it is not right for me to share this but can you please not tell her that I did." Kenzo requested.
Akeno and I nodded silently.
"Where is she? Which bar?" Akeno asked out of curiosity.
"Phoenix." Kenzo replied.
Nestled in the shadow of the university campus, there exists a modest and unassuming bar that caters to a specific crowd seeking a respite from academic pressures. This small, unpretentious establishment, colloquially known as Phoenix, may not win any beauty contests, but it possesses a distinct character and a unique charm. It is not my first time going there since Daiki already brought me to that place once to accompany him to smoke.
The ambiance inside Phoenix is dim and slightly dingy. Dim, flickering led lights cast a pale glow over the patrons, revealing a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture, worn-out barstools, and chipped tables. The low ceilings contribute to the cozy, if not somewhat claustrophobic, atmosphere.
Despite its appearance, the bar offers a couple of distractions to entertain its youthful clientele. A solitary pool table, its felt showing signs of age and wear, takes center stage. Beside it, a weathered dartboard is mounted on the wall, its once vibrant colors faded from years of use.
The scent of cigarette smoke lingers heavily in the air, a reminder of a time when smoking indoors was permitted. The acrid smell mingles with the aroma of cheap fried food, the latter emanating from a tiny kitchen in the corner. The ceiling fans whirl overhead, doing their best to circulate the air, but there's a perpetual haze that hangs stubbornly.
We ventured into the dimly lit bar, with its flickering lights and well-worn furniture. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. I could already smell the lingering scent of cigarette smoke as we entered.
Our eyes scanned the room until we spotted Jana sitting alone at the bar, her shoulders slumped and a half-empty glass of vodka and gin in front of her. Her usually lively demeanor was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a heavy sorrow that weighed her down.
I exchanged a concerned look with Akeno and Kenzo, their worry evident in their eyes. We made our way to the bar and sat down beside Jana, who barely acknowledged our presence.
"Jana," Akeno said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "we're here for you. What's been bothering you?"
Jana, her voice trembling, began to share the story of her recent breakup. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke of the pain and heartache she had been enduring. Kenzo, Akeno, and I listened attentively, offering a supportive presence and empathetic nods.
I didn't know that heart breaks can be this heavy and hard. I cannot even remember what it's like being in a relationship.
"What's his name? Do we know him? Akeno asked.
"I am not sure but you know her new girl." Jana replied.
Huh? Who the fuck can that be? The freaking witch doesn't know about boundaries, she's such a freaking whore.
"Who?" Akeno and I exclaimed.
"You know that girl, who has brown hair and is a somewhat smart girl. That's her." Jana said with a trembling voice.
I don't know who she is talking about because half of the class has dyed their hair brown because it was a trend. Akeno also shows in his reaction that he don't have any idea who she is talking about.
"Who?" Akeno and I asked for the second time.
"It's Mindi." Kenzo answered.
Ahh! Mindi.
Mindi is one of the smartest girls in our class, with her brilliant mind and a cascade of brown hair, is an enigmatic figure in her own right. While her intellectual capabilities are undeniable, her appearance and personality have left her on the fringes of social acceptance.
Her brown hair frames a face that society might label as "unattractive" by conventional standards. Her features don't align with the typical standards of beauty, and the asymmetry of her features, coupled with her unconventional looks, can make it challenging for others to see past her appearance and recognize her intellect.
Mindi's reputation among her peers has suffered due to her behavior. Her narcissistic tendencies and perceived fakeness have created a barrier between her and those who might otherwise appreciate her intelligence. She often comes across as dismissive or condescending in her interactions, undermining her chances of forming genuine connections.
In conversations, her voice can carry an air of superiority, as if she believes herself to be the smartest person in the room. This attitude has made it difficult for her to forge meaningful friendships or collaborative relationships, as many people find it challenging to relate to or trust her.
While Mindi's intelligence and academic accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, her social isolation serves as a reminder that personal connections and emotional intelligence are equally important in navigating the complexities of human interaction. In short, she is smart but ugly inside and out.
I knew that something was off about that girl with all that acting sweet and kind to senior students. She is a straight up fucked up human being.
Kenzo, Akeno and I decided to skip class that day to console and comfort Jana. It was so weird and sad for me to see Jana being devastated because of a person who clearly doesn't know her value.
I still remember the first time I saw Jana, it was the first day of school. I was annoyed by her voice and loud laughter. Jana has a captivating blend of intelligence, exuberance, and boundless energy. With her sharp intellect and vivacious personality, she leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Jana's outlook on life is distinctly positive. She approaches each day with a sunny disposition, embracing the world with open arms and a ready smile. Her cheerful demeanor is a source of inspiration for those around her, as she navigates challenges with resilience and an unwavering belief in the power of optimism.
Jana, the usually vivacious and loud girl who sat in the second row of the other column in the classroom, had been acting strangely all day. Her usual laughter and boisterous conversations had been replaced by a somber silence and tears.
It was hard to look at. I wished I could take away her pain. I don't know why but it felt like I am now attached to her. I don't know why but I want to see her smile again and I hate to admit it but I want to hear her loud voice again asking everyone who is smoking and stuff.
I cannot believe that I am actually concerned for someone.
I cannot believe that one event can make you attach to someone you barely know.
I cannot believe that I cared so much that I wanted to take her pain away.
As the night wore on, Kenzo ordered Jana a glass of water to help sober her up and continued to lend our ears and our hearts. It was clear that Jana needed friends to lean on during this difficult time, and we were more than willing to provide that support.
The hours passed, and as the clock ticked toward closing time, Jana's tears had transformed into a sense of relief. She thanked us for being there, for listening, and for caring when she needed it the most.
Leaving Phoenix that night, the bond between Akeno, Kenzo, Jana and I had deepened. We had shared a moment of vulnerability in an unexpected place, and it had brought us closer together. As we stepped out into the night, we knew that true friendship meant being there for each other in both the good times and the bad, even if it meant visiting a dimly lit bar with a heart full of empathy.