Krist was obsessed. He knew he was being creepy, but what else could he do? He was staring the new guy with some much curiosity that it was almost palpable. But the new guy seems not seeing him. He was cold as ice.
The boy didn't seem to have any friends either, at least not at university. He was mostly quiet in his corner and spoke only when the teacher addressed him. Even Mike, who was extremely friendly, couldn't get past the ice barrier that the stranger had created. The two even exchanged a few quick words, but Mike couldn't find out much more about him.
The first time the new student and Krist had the opportunity to talk was in the library. The Anatomy professor had passed on a vast amount of literature and any smart student knew that securing the book right at the beginning of the semester was the best way to not get bomb. As one of the top students in her class, Krist knew all the tricks.
Krist hurried into the library because he knew he wouldn't be the only one running for the books - even if not everyone would. He knew the place very well. It was one of his favorite places at the university and he went there whenever his friends were involved in other activities.
"Hey, do you know where Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy is?" he asked to the librarian.
"Let check for you", the guys answered. He started to write the book's name on the system. A minute later: "ok, it is in session 48."
"Thank you", Krist whispered.
Session 48 is one of the last from Medical and Biology books. Sometimes, when the library is empty, it is possible to see people kissing right there. Frankly, Krist thinks that is quite disrespectful.
Lucky of him, that place was almost empty. He saw a guy from another class looking for a book, but he was pretty sure that wasn't nothing like anatomy. Krist really like the smell from the books. Of course, in the library it was a little bit dusty, but when he was in a bookstore that feels correct. That is his favorite smell in the world. He really feels at home with the books.
He looked through the shelves, looking for the right book. He had no doubts that he was in the right place. The book had to be in there somewhere. And he finally saw it. The book it was on the highest shelf. He lifted his feet, trying to reach the book. His fingers almost touched the book, but he felt it slip without being able to get what he wanted. Until a hand accidentally grabbed his.
The touch was gentler than Krist would have imagined. He felt a slow breath close to his neck and shivered with it. The person's strong arm also kept Krist from slipping and falling.
It was Gawin.
For the first time, he wasn't wearing that serious expression he wore in class. There was a hint of curiosity in his gaze, and it intrigued Krist. Gawin seemed so reserved in the classroom, would he be a different person outside of it?
"Thank you", Krist said.
"Just be careful", his voice was gentle and strangely beautiful. Krist had heard her before? He wasn't sure.
"Are you here looking for some of the Anatomy's books?", he asked wanting to keep the talk.
"Nope", the answer was almost rude. That was the Gawin's class person again.
"Are you always so rude?", Krist asked before he could stop himself.
"Do you think I'm rude just because I don't want to be your friend?"
"No, I think you rude because you don't want to be nobody's friend. It's like you think you better than everyone else", he knew he was being judgmental, but he could stop himself again.
"I don't think I'm better. I'm here to study, so I'm studying."
"Bull shit"
"What now?"
"You can be a good student and still trying to be nice with your fellows from class. I'm not saying you have to be nobody's best friends, but at least great the class. That's what a polite person would do", Krist said with received.
"Again: I don't have to prove anything to you".
"All right".
Krist shrugged and turned his back on Gawin.
"You ARE being judgmental", Gawin said. That's surprise Krist, he thought the boy wouldn't reply to his last sentence.
"You know what? I'm being judgmental. I don't like yout attitude, I don't like your vibe and, frankly, I don't like you".
And he was out before Krist could say anything.
When Krist found Gun, he had fire coming out of his nostrils. He was so angry that if he heard Gawin's voice one more time, he would unleash a myriad of abuses on the boy.
Gun notices that vibe. It was intriguing seeing Krist that way. Usually, he is so calm and easy.
"What's the matter with you?", Gun asked.
"It's nothing..."
"Spill", Gun said.
"I run into that guy, Gawin. From Anatomy. You're not doing this class, right?"
"No, but he is in my Embryology class. Gawin Fluke."
"How do you know his name?"
"Oh, we talk sometimes. He is cool, just a bit quietly."
"Wow, he talks to someone in your class? He is so a damn stupid in Anatomy", Krist talks angrily.
"He doesn't seem angrily, just shy. I don't know, we did a lesson together and now we talk sometimes. We're not really friends, though."
Krist was speechless. Could it be that Gawin's problem was with him and that's why he was rude to everyone else in his class? That idea started to bother Krist.
"So, what's the problem?", Gun asked again.
"Nothing, I'm just in a bad mood", Krist answered.
After class, Krist went home alone. He wasn't in the mood to good talk or being funny. He was also allowed to be a little grumpy. It seams like he always has to be in good mood and polite. He was just angry and, somehow, frustrated.
As usual, his mother wasn't at home when he arrived. She had started a new job in the afternoon, and they had been seeing very little of each other the last few weeks. Before the divorce, he and his mother used to spend the night binge-watching a series or watching films of different genres. But now she needed to support the house and didn't like it when he brought up the idea of starting work before graduating.
To be honest, Krist didn't understand why his mother got so upset when he talked about working. New had a part-time job at a cafe and Gun worked at a library evenings and weekends. The study could get a little heavier, but he knew it would do.
The divorce had been a big problem for Krist. Not because he was immature and couldn't conceive of the idea of his parents living apart, but because everything seemed to be fine with them until they showed him that there was a huge problem. Are all relationships like this? Do people usually keep things to themselves until the moment they become too big, and the problem becomes irreversible? That's got him scared.
He was studying, when New texted him.
New: tomorrow, what time do I peak you?
Krist: What?
New: Homecoming... There's no classes. What time?
Krist: I'm not going...
New: u r
Krist: Gosh... 7 pm
New: okie
Krist knew Homecomingwould be a torturous night. But there was no convincing New otherwise. He wouldgo, stay right there for five minutes and then back to his home. That's theplan.