He had no trouble adapting to his new surroundings—Saka had often visited Loka during school holidays. Like most boys who easily make new friends, Saka was no different.
There were three students who had become quite close to him: Vito, Dani, and Toni. The four of them were walking toward the cafeteria.
Saka suddenly noticed the girl who had come looking for Sila. "Hey! Why'd you stop? What are you looking at?"
Vito and Toni went ahead to find a place to sit since the cafeteria got crowded during break. Dani followed Saka's gaze. "Don't tell me you like that girl."
"What? No. That girl came by the house once, looking for my grandmother. I was just surprised to see we go to the same school."
"Ohhh."
"Why do you think I like her?"
"Because a lot of students here have a thing for Hani." So her name's Hani.
"Including you?"
"I was interested at first, but then I noticed that she studies every chance she gets, even during break. I figured it'd be hard to talk to her. Her conversations are probably all about school, and I'm not into that. We're total opposites."
"You haven't even tried yet. Who knows? You two might actually get along."
Dani laughed softly. "Even if we were a good match, I'm sure Hani would still reject me. She's probably more focused on her studies, especially since she's on a scholarship. Forget about Hani. Let's go, Vito and Toni are probably waiting for us."
"Hmm."
At the cafeteria, Saka and Dani joined Vito and Toni after ordering food and drinks. The four of them ate heartily, chatting about games or movies that had just been released.
"I'm going to the restroom. If the bell rings, just head to class without me." On his way to the restroom, Saka noticed Hani carrying a stack of books. Her pale face made him approach her. "Are you feeling sick? You look pale."
Hani looked at Saka but stayed silent.
"Don't you remember me? You came to my house to return my grandmother's food container."
"Ah, yes, I remember now. I'm fine."
Hani had barely taken a step before she wobbled.
"It really looks like you're not feeling well. Let me carry those books for you. You should head to the infirmary." Saka wasn't trying to play the hero; he just genuinely felt the need to help. There was no other motive.
"But... well, okay. Here you go. Please take it to the library. Give it to the staff there. Thank you. I'll head to the infirmary now."
"Yeah, no problem." Saka watched as Hani walked away. He could sense a deep sadness radiating from her. "How much sadness is she carrying?"
*****
The weather was cloudy. In the dining room, Saka was enjoying a bowl of boiled noodles. He needed to finish quickly before Sila arrived, as she didn't like him eating noodles too often.
What could he do? Noodles were his go-to meal when he was too lazy to cook. After his parents passed away, he had no choice but to learn. It was Sila who insisted on it, saying everyone should know how to cook because it's a basic survival skill.
"Just hire someone to cook. Rich people do it."
"They're rich, but you're not. No more excuses. From now on, you have to learn to cook. Every time I visit, you better have something homemade for me. It doesn't need to be fancy, just edible and delicious. Got it?"
"Got it."
That was the conversation between him and Sila back then. Thinking back, Sila's advice wasn't so bad.
"Oh, great. Still eating noodles, I see."
Saka was so focused on eating that he hadn't noticed Sila had come home. She was now standing behind him. Busted. He thought to himself. I should've brought this into my room earlier. Why is she back so soon? Didn't she say she'd be late?
"Sorry, Grandma. I've only had noodles once since I got here."
Sila's expression was far from pleased. "I'm not angry, but don't eat noodles so often."
"Yes, Nana!"
Saka cleaned up the dishes while Sila sat on the sofa, watching TV. "I forgot to buy some medicine."
"I'll go buy it for you, Grandma."
"No need."
"Are you still angry?"
"No."
"Then let me buy the medicine. The pharmacy is nearby."
Sila relented. She was still strong enough to bike to the pharmacy herself, but she decided to let Saka do it this time. "Here's the prescription and the money. Don't stop anywhere, just come straight home. The weather doesn't look good—it's going to rain soon."
"Okay. I'm leaving now."
Saka rode his bicycle. The streets were deserted. He realized he hadn't seen Rutha or any other demon since arriving in town. "At this rate, I might as well stay here." Suddenly, his bicycle wobbled. He got off to check the issue. "Great, the tire's flat. Must've hit a nail back there."
With only a few meters left to the pharmacy, he had no choice but to walk his bike. When he arrived at the pharmacy, he spotted Hani. "Hey." He wasn't sure why he greeted her first, considering they weren't close. Well, it's done now.
"Oh, hey."
"Here to get some medicine too?" Obviously, she's at a pharmacy. What a dumb question.
"Yes." Hani left shortly after.
"Why are you leaving?" Saka quickly paid for the medicine and rushed after her. "Hani, wait!"
Hani turned her head, seeing Saka approaching while leading his bicycle. "What's wrong?"
"Why did you leave like that?"
"I already finished buying the medicine."
"You're right." Saka and Hani walked side by side. There was no conversation. Saka didn't know what to talk about. Dani was right. It's hard to find a topic for conversation.
Hani turned right. Saka should have turned left, but instead, he leaned his bike against a tree and followed her silently. Saka was confused by his strange behavior. There was definitely a compulsion to follow Hani, especially when he accidentally saw the bruises on Hani's hands as her hoodie was slightly lifted.
"I hope my guess is wrong."
Hani entered the house. Her mother was already waiting inside. "Finally home. Where's the money?"
"What money?"
"Don't play dumb. I know you work part-time at the shop. Your boss must have given you a salary."
"You took it yesterday. There's no money left."
"Don't lie!" She checked the pockets of Hani's hoodie and pants. "WHERE'S THE MONEY, STUPID KID!" She picked up a glass from the table and threw it near Hani's feet. "You useless child! Why don't you go to hell with your father!" She stormed out, slamming the door violently.
Hani burst into tears but quickly wiped them away and began cleaning the house, which had been thrown into disarray by her mother's actions.
Meanwhile, outside, Saka saw the woman leave. Pulling out his cell phone, he pretended to make a call so she wouldn't suspect him of snooping around her house.
Saka had heard the yelling and things breaking from inside. He rushed in and saw Hani cleaning up the broken glass. "Let me help you."
"You! What are you doing here?"
"I..."
"Don't tell me you followed me on purpose!" Saka remained silent.
Hani grew angrier. She pushed Saka out and slammed the door shut.