CHAPTER 11: BACK TO SCHOOL

“Finally full.” The demon said contentedly and detaches himself from Chris. The human didn’t answer and used his limited time to recover. He immediately stood and went on his way downstairs.

“Be careful on your way to school.” Damien grinned sweetly. Chris rolled his eyes, all he can feel is disgust.

“Stop taunting me. Gather some info while I’m out.” He ordered. The demon laughed, “who are you to boss me around?” Damien said and disappeared.

“Useless demon.” He mumbled before going out.

“Woah, you’re really here.” Kurt reacted like Chris didn’t mention it to him yesterday, “are you… okay now?” Kurt asked.

“Let’s not talk about it,” Chris answered and started walking, “I wanted to divert my attention that’s why I went back early.” He said, just like what the demon told him.

Kurt nodded, “Okay, I won’t ask any more questions about it.” He grinned and hanged his arms to Chris’ neck, the latter had no choice but to duck as Kurt is shorter than him.

“Get off me, my neck will break!” Chris complained but Kurt only laughed, “It’s your fault for growing taller than me! We used to be in the same height when we first met, what happened, what did you do?”

Chris laughed this time, “It’s just your destiny to be short.” He said then dashed his way to the highschool building.

“Hey!” Kurt yelled. The teacher passing by immediately scolded him. He looked at Chris standing at one side by the entrance of the highschool building, busy laughing because of Kurt being scolded.

He scratched the back of his head and apologized to the teacher before approaching Chris.

“Happy?” Kurt pursed his lips and it only made Chris laugh. Kurt found himself chuckling along Chris. He didn’t care if he would look silly, if Chris is laughing then he’ll be glad to make a fool of himself. He’s actually relieved that Chris is already trying to move on. He couldn’t bear to see his best friend crying like the last time.

Chris has always been a quiet person. He’s the type that would bottle up his emotions then bear the burden all alone.

That day, he didn’t know how but he felt off after going home from Chris’ house. He felt so bothered but he can’t explain it, that is why he rained him with messages but none of it were even read. That is why he dashed his way back to Chris’ house with nothing but his phone when he heard the news.

Their classmates are surprised when they saw Chris entering the room, but Chris chose to ignore them.

“Look, this is expensive.” Kurt said while he hands his notes to Chris. The latter smiled, “I’ll treat you lunch later,” he said then opened the notebook. He then looked at Kurt like he grew another head.

“What?” Kurt answered. He’s getting flustered when Chris does an eye contact with him, because he rarely does.

“Did you really write this, isn’t this one of our classmates’ notes?” Their seatmate laughed, “I’m the witness, he really wrote that. I was actually surprised that he’s listening attentively to classes the past few days.” Chris looks at the notes again, he didn’t expect much. Kurt is the type of student who would write everything and just leave it as is. But the notes he’s seeing is cleanly made and very organized.

Kurt pulled out his pencil case and took out 3 highlighters, “I used this to make the notes, but I won’t be using it again so take it too.”

Chris didn’t know if he should laugh or cry. He really appreciates Kurt gestures.

“You’re right, this is expensive. A rare sight.” He joked. Their classmates laughed and started peeking at the notes Kurt made. They started teasing him but Kurt only laughs with them.

The teacher for the first class finally arrived so everyone settled on their seats.

“Thank you.” He mouthed to Kurt. Kurt only smiled back.

Chris still couldn’t give his 100% attention to his classes but he’s trying his best. Most of the teachers are surprised that he already came back but he would only respond with a smile. He has to pretend that he’s getting okay, that he’s moving on.

He checked his phone on their way to the cafeteria. There are messages from Leila, Fidel and Joaqin.

“Chris, should we go to the arcade later?”

“Huh?” Chris wasn’t paying much attention. He’s busy reading his messages.

“I said let’s go get food, I’m hungry. What are you doing? You look so serious while looking at your phone.” Kurt curiously asked.

“Ah, it’s nothing.” Chris dismissed the topic, “The line is getting long already, let’s go.”

“Okay.” Kurt knew that Chris is hiding something from him. Chris…changed. He cannot pinpoint but there’s something to Chris that changed.

Chris checked the messages again as they eat. Leila is simply checking on him and reminded him to eat, Fidel is also checking on him and asking if he’s home.

He immediately replied that he’s in the school. He also replied a thank you message to Leila.

Joaqin is keeping him posted by saying that he’s still gathering information about the possible suspects. Chris asked when they could meet and put his phone down on the table.

“Let’s go the arcade after class.” Kurt repeated his invite, “It’s been long since we’ve gone to an arcade. You said you wanted to unwind right?” he persuaded further.

To unwind and have fun, does Chris have a right?

“Don’t you have soccer practice?” Chris asked.

“Nope, practices are halted for in preparation for the school festival, remember? C’mon Chris, please?” Kurt continued persuading him.

“Fine, let’s go.” Chris gave up. He knows that Kurt is doing this to cheer him up, and it’s actually working. He’ll be happy, even just for today.

“Yes!” Kurt exclaimed. He then started to tell things that Chris has missed when he was absent. Chris couldn’t help but laugh when Kurt tells the story with exaggerated gestures.

“It’s nice to have you back Chris,” their homeroom teacher greeted. Chris simply smiled, their teacher started giving them information about the upcoming event, and asked them to brainstorm regarding on what booth they should do.

There are several suggestions like pastry shops, horror booth, match making booths and a mini café. They decided to do a voting to choose and the class president facilitated the poll.

In the end they decided on doing a mini café and selling pastries along with it. The class continued planning their activities but Chris’ mind is on elsewhere.

--

They just entered the arcade and Kurt could see how Chris’ mood lightened up.

“Oh, I didn't know they have this.” Chris is talking about the toy catcher which you can get ice cream instead of toys.

“Let's try it.” Kurt quickly entered a coin and started the game.

“You're bad at this.” Chris teased as Kurt focuses on getting a popsicle at the very middle.

“Shh, I'm concentrating.” He answered without removing his eyes on his target ice cream. Chris chuckled instead of going quiet. Kurt looks funny with his eyebrows knitting together.

“Woah!” Chris exclaimed in surprise. Kurt looked surprised too.

He gave the Popsicle to Chris while wearing a smug grin. Chris laughed, “get one more and I will be impressed.” Kurt take on the challenge and entered another coin.

“You're so lucky today, how could you win two consecutive times?!” Kurt quickly opened the strawberry flavored popsicle.

“Ah, the taste of victory.” Chris snorted and shook his head, “I shouldn't compliment you. Air is getting in your head.”

They continued playing in the arcade. They tried all the games available, both are getting competitive in winning.

“Ah!” Kurt exclaimed as he lost the 2^nd round of their game.

“Let’s go play basketball.” Kurt suddenly invited, “the loser will grant the winner’s wish.”

Chris grinned, “I know that I will lose, why would I agree to your bet?”

“Because I wrote pretty notes for you, I spent hours organizing them and I didn’t even sleep at the class.” Kurt brought up again.

Chris chuckled, “fine.” They started the game and it ended with Chris scoring 46 points while Kurt scored 78 points.

“Okay, what do you want?” Chris immediately accepted his defeat. Kurt will probably ask for food or something.

“I’m… going to tell you something but promise me that it wouldn’t get awkward after okay?” Kurt spoke.

Chris’ eyebrows knitted, “what is it? What did you do, did you get in trouble while I was absent?” He immediately assumed.

Kurt shook his head, “No, it’s not that. I’ll tell you later, let’s go eat first. I got hungry after playing. How come you’re so competitive?” Kurt instantly shifted the topic. Chris is curious but they decided to wait for Kurt to tell it later.

“Hey,” Kurt called. Chris who is busy munching on his corndog looked at him with questioning eyes, "You got crumbs on your face. What are you a kid?" Kurt continued as he gave some tissues to Chris. They are currently sitting at a food court.

“Sorry, I missed eating this.” Chris admitted with a shy smile. Chris is really comfortable around Kurt, he could be himself anytime of the day when he’s with him.

Just this day, Chris told himself. He’ll savor the moment and enjoy his day, he needed this or he might really go insane. Kurt is his anchor at the moment, even without him knowing about it.

Kurt couldn’t help but to observe Chris earlier during the class, he’s mind is obviously wandering. Kurt knows that it might be because of the passing of his parents but no, there’s something beyond that matter. He wanted to ask everything, but Chris wished to be away from his problems and so he would set aside the questions later.

What he’s determined to say today is something he wanted to say ages ago.

“Right, what is that you wanted to say?” Chris asked. Kurt felt his hands go cold like it was submerged in a bucket full of ice.

“I…” Kurt trailed off. Now that Chris is asking he wanted to back out.

“You?” Chris willed him to continue. He’s getting worried to, why is Kurt so hesitant to speak?

“I like you.” Kurt mumbled, enough for Chris to hear.

Chris couldn’t answer, did he heard it wrong?

“What?” he answered after few seconds.

Kurt looked at him with all seriousness in his face, “I said I like you… It’s been 3 years.” Kurt added. Chris is still speechless, he didn’t know how to react.

Kurt laughed awkwardly, “I know there’s a lot your mind right now. My timing is probably very untimely too…but I want you to know my real intention. I really like you Chris.” Kurt continued.

Chris felt his heart ache, he have never seen Kurt as someone more than his best friend or brother. So Kurt has been hiding his feelings for years?

“Of course, I don’t expect you to respond to me and I understood your reaction. Your best friend, another man, confessed to you that he likes you for three years already.” Kurt kept laughing awkwardly. He felt like he’s melting, he wanted to melt and just disappear. Their 4 years of friendship shattered before his eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” Chris muttered.

“No! You don’t have to apologize I-” Chris cut him off, “I needed to. I never noticed and I have never thought of it before either. I honestly don’t know how to properly react. You are my best friend, my brother and you’ve helped me beyond of what you think. But there are still a lot of things that I have in my mind right now. I don’t want to hurt you just because of my rash decisions because you are very precious to me.”

Kurt felt breathless. He got rejected by his first love.

“I understand, but could we stay as friends?” Kurt is almost pleading. This is what he fears the most, losing Chris forever.

Chris smiled, “of course. Our friendship wouldn’t just disappear because of what you said. Besides, we promised not to be awkward after right?” Kurt smiled back. He feels relief with Chris’ words.

At least he could stay by his side.

Chris felt pain by Kurt’s disappointed face, maybe he did have feelings for him too. But he doesn’t have the liberty to love, even if he wants to. He can’t be selfish, not with Kurt’s emotions at stake. He already sold his soul to a demon, he will eventually die. He doesn’t want to bring further pain to Kurt.