88 Mall (1/2)

Once the bell signaling the end of school rang, I immediately made my way out of the classroom through the closest door, which is the one in the back of the class, and onto the packed hallways. I never leave this early, but because of my obligations, I did. I was expecting for the hallway to be extremely packed, and I was right about that.

When I had slid open the back door and ventured out in a brisk pace, numerous other doors from other classes opened, and from it streamed out a seemingly limitless number of students as they crowded the hallways. The congestion level of the hallways led to a decrease in my pace, but I did my best to alleviate the effect by dodging or going around people.

One thing I hated the most was the group of people that walked in a single row, blocking off the entire hallway. Like if you're walking that slow and talking at the same time, stay in the classroom! Stop blocking the road for other people. We have places to be.

After about three minutes, I finally arrived at the front entrance of the lecture building. Once I stepped foot outside, the path should be less congested, and I was able to arrive at my destination without wasting any further time. Seeing that Luna has yet to arrive, I leaned my back against the concrete wall that surrounded the campus and waited. Before me, numerous students walked past, laughing as they talked with their friends. They were probably either headed home or somewhere else for entertainment, but that was none of my business. I merely observed them out of boredom.

After a few more minutes, Luna finally emerged from the lecture building. She glanced around before walking to the front gates in search of me, and once she caught eye of me, a smile appeared on her face as she jogged over to me with light steps.

”Sorry,” she said with a smile. ”Did I make you wait for too long?”

”It's not that bad,” I responded.

”Let's go then.” She started leading the way and I followed after her.

As we walked, I realized numerous eyes focused on us. Those gazes were probably attracted by Luna at first, but once they saw me trailing after her, those judgmental stares became focused on me. I felt somewhat uneasy by this, but Luna seemed to be unaffected. Her steps were light as if free of any burdens and that lively smile never disappeared from her face.

I realized that this was actually the second time that I'm seen in public with Luna, with the first being the first day of the Student Festival. One time, people might think it's just a coincidence, but two times, people will probably start thinking that something is up between us. They'll gossip about our relationship and probably even spread rumors about us. With my luck, those rumors will bring nothing but trouble.

I lowered my head, trying to conceal who I was, but I knew it was of no use. Everybody probably saw my face already, and with my reputation, the consequences of this sighting will probably harm Luna's.

Maybe I shouldn't follow her so closely. It's understandable that others don't want people like me to be around someone Luna...

Gradually, I slowed my footsteps, allowing the distance between us to increase. Even though it might be futile, I still wanted to try and alleviate the consequences of this sighting. It's the last thing I want to bring harm to her.

”Alevian.” Luna stopped and turned around. On her face was a frown while she gazed into my eyes. ”Why're you all the way back there?” She then walked towards me and grabbed my free right hand. ”Let's go,” she smiled as she started dragging me by my hand.

Her smile, so carefree, was the opposite of mine. Unlike me, she didn't seem to care about my reputation and what rumors might start if we were seen together. She didn't abandon me because of that. Instead, she actively sought after me, even holding my hand so as to provide me with companionship... She's different from others. She's special to me.

We soon arrived at the nearest train station, passed through the ticket gates, and rode the escalator underground for the metro platforms. In a few more minutes, our subway train will arrive, and we'll be riding it to the busier areas of Nocsinis to visit the mall that Luna had decided on. In the meantime, we simply waited on the platforms.

”Why did you walk so far behind me earlier?” she asked while still holding onto my right hand.

”I...” I lowered my head. On my face was a bitter countenance of self-doubt. ”I didn't want rumors to be started...”

”Rumors?” She stared at me blankly. ”That's what you're worried about?” she laughed.

I looked up at her, taking in the way she was smiling.

”Don't worry,” Luna then said. ”I don't mind.”

”But my conscience...”

”I don't mind,” she said in a serious voice that was accompanied by a stern expression. Then, she paused and observed my wavering countenance before she smiled. ”I don't care if the entire world distance themselves from me. As long as those I'm close to understands and remains by my side, I don't care about the rest.”

Those close to her... I repeated in my mind.