TSCEIAB Ch. 37

 

“It’s close to school.”

 

He muttered as if disappointed. Then he unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car.

Hugo walked across the front of the car and opened the passenger door.

 

“Oh, thank y – …….”

 

“Wait a minute before you get off.”

 

“Huh?”

 

As I unbuckled and prepared to get off, he stood blocking the doorway, refusing to move aside.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“We haven’t finished talking yet.”

 

“What are you –…….”

 

“I haven’t heard exactly what I want to hear yet.”

 

I furrowed my brow and he smiled softly.

 

“Is it okay to talk to you when the kids aren’t around?”

 

“…… Do we ever run into each other where there are no kids?”

 

“That hurts a little.”

 

“…… Sorry. I wasn’t trying to hurt you, it really is. The only place we run into is the school, and you always get the attention of the kids.”

 

“Hmm…….”

 

A low, throaty rumbling sounded. And then, soon after.

 

“Can I get your number?”

 

“What?”

 

He glanced at the phone in my hand.

 

“I don’t think you use SNS.”

 

“…….”

 

His words were true. I looked down at my phone, a little nervous.

Perhaps it was an expression of rejection, Hugo quickly added.

 

“An email would be fine.”

 

“…… I don’t check my phone much, I don’t even check my emails.”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

His eyes curved beautifully.

I felt like I shouldn’t get any closer to him, but I couldn’t say no.

I don’t know what to do. I was confused.

 

“…… Okay.”

 

“Here.”

 

Hugo held out his phone. I typed my number, and then he stepped aside.

 

“Oh, the jacket…….”

 

“Give it to me.”

 

It’s wet, shouldn’t I wash it first and then return it?

I hesitated as I pondered, and he shook his head as if he understood what I was thinking.

 

“You can just give it to me, it’s a hassle to return it.”

 

“……Right. Thank you.”

 

“No problem.”

 

I took off the jacket and a cool air rushed in, making me shiver.

 

“Go inside, you look freezing.”

 

“Thank you for driving me home.”

 

“No problem. How are you going to school tomorrow?”

 

“I’ll have to ask my dad, I guess.”

 

I hurriedly replied, lest he say he’d pick me up tomorrow. Hugo twisted the corners of his mouth as if he found me funny.

 

“Alright, then. Oh, don’t you need someone to fix your car?”

 

“…… Why?”

 

“I’m not saying I’ll do it, so don’t look at me like that. Olive is better at that than I am. I’ll ask him if you want.”

 

“Yes, I’d appreciate it.”

 

“Okay, I’ll see you at school tomorrow. I’ll pretend not to know you, so rest assured.”

 

With that, Hugo got into the car. I hurriedly spoke before he closed the door.

 

“You don’t have to avoid me like before.”

 

“What?”

 

“It’s a hassle to avoid me on purpose.”

 

“…… As long as the kids don’t pay attention to you?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Hugo’s eyes sparkled. As if he had figured out the right answer.

 

“Alright then.”

 

Tak!

 

The driver’s side door shut. He opened the passenger window and said goodnight.

 

“Sweet dreams, Haley!”

 

Before I could respond, Hugo’s car drove off, this time much faster than when he brought me home.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

“Your car broke down?”

 

“Yes.”

 

After coming home late without contacting them, I had to calm my nagging parents down and explain the situation.

Of course, I didn’t mention that it was Hugo who took me home.

 

“Good thing you had a friend around.”

 

“Yes. But what about the car? Wouldn’t it be better to get a new car?”

 

Dad acted like he was going to find the car dealer right away.

My car used to be my dad’s, and he was always upset about me inheriting it.

Something about wanting to give me a new car that better suited me.

I only drove to and from school anyway, and as a novice driver, the idea of a new car was overwhelming.

Eventually, my dad gave in to my opinion and gave me his old car.

 

“I think a sturdier car would be better. It will be safer even if there is an accident.”

 

His face lit up. I shook my head to stop him.

 

“No. I have a friend who knows a lot about cars. I’m going to ask him to fix it.”

 

“Friend? Is that Melissa or whatever her name was?”

 

“No. A different friend.”

 

“……!”

 

Dad’s eyes widened. Is it so surprising that I have more friends?

I pouted.

 

“Who’s the other friend? It’s a girl, right? Huh?”

 

“…… A boy and he’s just a friend. He’s Melissa’s childhood friend.”

 

“Oh, invite him and Melissa over some time. I’ll make something delicious.”

 

“Sure, next time.”

 

Even though it was a soulless answer, my dad was smiling brightly at whatever made him so happy.

Mom looked at Dad and clicked her tongue. Her expression brightened even more.

 

‘What’s so great about me making friends?’

 

I grunted inwardly, embarrassed, and rubbed my stinging eyes.

It wasn’t empty words; I felt like I should invite Melissa and Olive over someday.

 

‘Friend. Friends…….’

 

Suddenly, I remembered Hugo’s face saying that he wanted to be friends with me.

 

‘What’s the relationship between us?’

 

I couldn’t think of a word to define the two of us.

It’s too distant to call friends, yet strangely close to call mere acquaintances. That kind of relationship.

 

‘Hmm…….’

 

I thought about it for a long time, but I couldn’t figure it out. I eventually gave up trying to find the right word.

What’s the big deal?

 

Bzzzz-

 

At that moment, the phone I had left charging on the living room table vibrated.

 

‘Who could it be?’

 

I tilted my head and walked toward the table. Checking my phone, I received a text message.

 

 

[Did you get home safely?]

 

 

It was from an unknown number. But I knew who it was.

 

‘Hugo?’

 

Then it vibrated again.

 

 

[I just got home.]

 

 

I looked at the text and checked the time.

It hasn’t been long since I came home, yet he’s already back at his place?

 

‘Does he live nearby?’

 

With that in mind, I saved the phone number.

As soon as the save was complete, another text arrived.

 

 

[Alexis: Just wanting to let you know, in case you’re worried. Rest well and good night.]

 

 

That was the last one. I thought about it for a moment, then belatedly sent a reply.

 

 

[Me: You too, good night.]

 

 

After my reply, no more messages came. The night went on.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

The next day. I went to school safely in my dad’s car.

I was on my way to my first class, when my phone suddenly vibrated.

 

“……?”

 

When I took it out of my pocket and checked it, I saw a text from Hugo.

 

 

[Alexis: Can you look behind you?]

 

 

‘Behind me……?’

 

I turned around and saw Hugo leaning against a shaded wall. He glanced at me and typed on his phone.

 

 

[Alexis: Good morning. Is it okay to say hello like this?]

 

 

I couldn’t help but laugh. I glanced at Hugo; he was also looking at me with a smile on his lips.

He then raised his phone and waved it lightly.

 

‘Do you want me to reply?’

 

Luckily, it was a busy morning, and no one seemed to be paying attention to us.

I checked the time on my phone and turned away. As I walked to the classroom, I quickly wrote a response.

 

 

[Me: Aren’t you texting me too often? The other kids might think it’s weird.]

 

[Alexis: The other kids won’t know we’re in touch, but if it really bothers you, I’ll cut back, how about five times a day?]

 

[Me: Aren’t you going to class?]

 

[Alexis: I’m in the same class as you, mind if I join you today?]

 

[Me: Why are you asking me that?]

 

[Alexis: You said it made you uncomfortable.]

 

[Me: …… I didn’t mean to skip class entirely. You haven’t been skipping class because of me, have you?]

 

[Alexis: No, I’ve been busy with work at the center. But I’ll go to class today. Of course, I’ll pretend to be a stranger. This is my sixth text; just let it slide today. I’ll text you again tomorrow. Have a nice day.]

 

 

I narrowed my brows when I saw Hugo’s text. I didn’t know what he was talking about, so I tilted my head and checked the text we had exchanged earlier.

 

 

[Alexis: …… If you’re bothered, I’ll cut back. How about five times a day?]

 

 

I let out a short laugh in disbelief.

 

‘He really keeps his word.’

 

By then, I arrived at the classroom. I sat in an empty seat and tidied up my desk when the door opened.

The children, who had been chattering in groups, stopped and turned their attention to the open door, their expressions changed immediately.

That alone was enough to tell who had walked in.

 

Creak-

 

A tall boy walked past me nonchalantly. He sat in a seat far from me and prepared for class.

Even though all the eyes of the kids in the room were on him, he acted like it didn’t bother him in the slightest.

It wasn’t familiarity – it was as if he didn’t feel anything at all.

 

‘How could he be so unaffected?’

 

Suddenly, I realized how different he and I were.