Zek couldn’t help but laugh to himself at the logic of studying solving some of your problems. If academic prowess held the key to solving personal struggles, he might as well aim for the title of the class genius.From afar maybe he seemed like a normal, cheerful person without a care in the world. Yet, beneath the surface, his life was a delicate balance of challenges and hidden hardships. It was not hard but it took a long time for Zek to perfect his facade of the loveable, goofy boy that was always happy. The beginning of their senior year marked a chapter in his life where the contrast between appearance and reality became stark. Few would fathom that the goofy boy who always wore a smile was, in fact, grappling with homelessness. Nights were spent in budget hotels, sometimes resorting to unconventional measures like breaking into various places, including the school, when financial constraints became particularly tight.
[color="#707151”]”I hope you didn’t pick the classroom with the creaky chairs, they are so annoying,“[/color] ended up being the only thing he said, ignoring her apologies. He was already at school and her words would not stop him from proceeding, would not make him go back and continue whatever he was doing before this. Nothing could stop him from helping her. As he approached the open window, the familiar scent of the school mingled with the cool night air. His lanky frame maneuvered through the window with an ease that spoke of past escapades, a skill mastered during nights when he sought refuge in the familiar embrace of the school’s empty corridors. As he landed inside the classroom, Zek scanned the dimly lit space, his eyes adjusting to the shadows cast by moonlight filtering through the open window. His gaze fell upon Lenora, seated on a desk with her legs crossed, an expression caught between guilt and self-reflection. ”Hey there,“ he spoke up still holding the phone in his hand, not hanging up. The soft glow from his phone illuminated his face, casting a warm hue.
Choosing a desk Zek set himself in front of her, goofy grin softening into a warm smile. [color=“#707151”]”So,“[/color] and it wouldn’t be Zek if he didn’t do something stupid. He kept talking into the phone while being face to face with her. Maybe it was just his silly self or maybe that in a twisted way felt like a comfort barrier. [color=”#707151”]”I would like to finish high school so if someone catches us here I’m putting aaaalll the blame on you, sorry.“[/color] The humor in his voice was a subtle acknowledgment of the shared history that bound them. But as his eyes adjusted to the dark and the figure in front of his smile faltered, noticing her expression. Noticing the state she was in. ”You called me… So talk to me, are you alright?“
@novella- Lenora