FIXated

Photo II

The classroom was silent except for the slow, droning voice of Mr. Davies explaining a single line from The Great Gatsby in great detail.

Sylvia sat in her seat, leaning forward as if carefully listening to the topic with interest. Her arms propped up on the desk, resting her head on her arms.

Ugh. How boring...

She glanced down at her phone, tapping the screen.

The time flashed in a split second.

11:53 AM

No notification.

No ping.

How long are you going to keep me waiting, Raphael?

Her eyes narrowed.

Once Mr. Davies slapped his textbook shut, the school bells rang incessantly, blaring through the halls.

Students began standing up as chairs scraped the floor in chaotic unison. Some packed their bags hurriedly while others just rushed, dashing through the rows and bumping into each other as they all exited the room.

Loud chatters gradually filled the room.

Laughing.

Bickering.

Gossiping.

Sylvia didn't bother.

Her crossed leg swung lazily. Her eyes still darted to her desk.

11:58 AM

The messaging app was now open on her phone.

Nothing new.

For a moment, she caught Raphael's status indicator flash green for a second. Her eyes widened, gasping softly as she leaned in closer.

She paused, staring intently at the space, expecting.

The dot turned grey.

Still nothing.

Her jaw tightened. Her eyes darkened, forming a scowl.

Oh, Raphael...

Time's up.

You are in trouble now.

---

The bells rang outside in a distant blare.

Raphael remained inside the cubicle, sprawled on the ground, legs touching walls, body slumping against the cold tile. All cramped up in the small space.

His hand clutched the device tightly as he looked at it once more.

Did I do the right thing?

Sweat dropped on his forehead.

What if she's looking for me now?

He heaved a sigh as he slammed his head back on the wall with a soft thud. The pain vibrated for a moment, his head spinning in a daze.

"Ow." he winced, rubbing the back of his head.

Voices coming from outside echoed in loud jeers and cheers, getting rowdier with every minute that passed as more students came out of their classes.

Footsteps came in the room, resonating on the tiled floor.

His breath hitched as he quickly stood up, brushing off his pants.

No longer alone.

His fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, missing it a few times as his fingers trembled in clasping it shut. Then, he tied his tie hurriedly in a messy knot.

His hand reached for his coat and hung it on his arm.

Okay. Just keep calm. Nothing happened.

He steadily breathed in and out as he stood right behind the door.

Click!

The lock in his cubicle unlatched as the door opened slowly, creaking its hinges. Raphael's reflection peered into the wide set of vanity mirrors as he stepped out.

He glanced at himself.

Disheveled.

Discomfort.

Distraught.

He sighed, adjusting the folds of his sleeves and the wrinkles of his shirt. Still, it never looked any better than before as he scrutinized himself more.

His ears perked up all of a sudden.

Then, a soft hum filled the room, blissfully echoing in the walls like angelic choirs in a citadel.

A familiar tune.

Harian?

Raphael peered around the corner toward the urinals.

There, a man stood in a corner with his white, fluffy hair falling to one side as he turned his head in Raphael's direction. His humming stopped.

"Oh!" Harian gasped. "Raphael, didn't know you were here."

He beamed with his usual bright smile.

Raphael couldn't help but smile back at him.

"Same. Just got out of the stalls," he scratched his nape, and a small quiver on his lips appeared for a second.

"Hmmm... I just realized. We never had lunch together, right?" Harian rubbed his chin while adjusting his pants. Then, a zip as he closed his pants.

Raphael nodded. "Yeah...Wanna have lunch together?"

Harian immediately bounced towards him excitedly in small hops, nodding eagerly with eyes sparkling bright.

"Yes! We should!"

Raphael chuckled at the sight. "Alright."

The two walked together towards the vanity area as Harian washed his hands with suds bubbling all over while Raphael stood beside him, waiting.

"So, today... I am planning to try cafeteria specials." Harian continued. "I heard interesting things about it."

Raphael's face scrunched up, thinking for a moment about the last incident.

"Um... if it's called cafeteria specials, I doubt it's something good."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It's disgusting."

"Oh." Harian's smile faded upon hearing that. He flicked his hands, drying them out.

"Anyway...we could try together if you really want to," Raphael suggested with a hint of hesitation.

Harian chuckled softly.

"If you say so. No backsies, promise? "

"Fine. I won't." Raphael sighed, defeated.

"Let's go then." Harian beckoned with his head as he turned towards the exit. Raphael followed, walking right beside him.

Footsteps echoed softly against the tiles as they passed the rows of stalls before heading outside.

In the first cubicle right next to the exit, the door was left slightly ajar, and a pair of shoes was visible behind it. Through the thin gap of the door's hinges, someone peered out from the shadows.

No breath.

No sound.

Just quietly watching.

A small grin slowly formed in the dark.

---

When the two stepped out of the bathroom together, Harian halted, stopping right in front of a group of students clad in the same uniform as the rest, except for an additional vest that resembled Harian's usual school outfit.

Raphael paused on his steps as his eyes scanned them from top to bottom.

All of them clad in expensive jewelry, branded bags, shoes, and accessories.

One of them spoke up, stepping forward.

"Oh, Harian. Where have you been?"

Her brown locks fluttered softly by her movement, strutting like a galloping horse as she flipped her hair to the side, stopping in front of them.

Isn't she part of the student council?

" Ah... Um. Hi, Natalie!" Harian greeted.

Raphael felt Harian's hand, tugging on his shirt. He glanced at him in wonder, seeing his face form a forced smile.

"Oh? Isn't he the new transferee?" Natalie crossed her arms, scrutinizing Raphael with her gaze.

Raphael turned towards her. He never had a good impression of her during their first meeting, but somehow, he remembered she saved him from that uncomfortable situation.

"Mhm. You're from Photography class, right?" he casually pointed out.

Natalie scoffed.

"Hmph. Fyi, it's Miss Natalie, the Student Council's secretary. Learn to read your handbook, transferee."

The girls standing behind her stifled their laughter.

"Yeah, right. Don't disrespect the Queen."

"Gosh, who doesn't know her name? Is he living under a rock?"

"How unruly. He can't even dress properly."

A few whispers mockingly interjected at the sides, judging him.

Raphael's brow twitched.

"Hey, hey. Calm down." Harian stepped forward between them to clear the tension.

"Anyway, you coming with us, Harian?" Natalie shifted her attention to him. "You aren't hanging out with losers, right? That's shameful."

The group cackled together.

Raphael blinked in confusion, looking over Harian, who seemed to lower his head with a grim look.

"Yeah...I mean... Just happened to bump into him. He is a fan, you see." he rubbed his arm.

Natalie just nodded.

"Oh, I understand. Now, will you excuse us, Mr. Fanboy? The meet-up is over."

Natalie casually grabbed Harian's arm, dragging him away from Raphael.

He couldn't do anything.

He watched as Harian looked at him with a frown. His lips silently formed the word, sorry. The group of students followed right behind them, giving Raphael judgmental looks and scoffs.

He stood there, speechless.

He was familiar with those glares and snide remarks. But being on the receiving end irked him.

He sighed deeply.

Perhaps next time, Harian.

He walked off in the other direction, slowly blending into the crowd and disappearing.