FIXated

A Smile

The special cafeteria for class A students had a pristine atmosphere with chandeliers hanging low from the ceiling, bathing the place in soft, warm lighting. Marble countertops were positioned at the center of the room with golden trim along the edge. The trays of freshly baked goods, hot soup, and quality dishes are lined on top and stored inside a chafing dish, keeping them warm.

From the side, a barista took orders from groups of students, serving fresh coffee, hot tea, and iced drinks.

The view from the wide glass panels showcased the Academy’s courtyard, littered with students along the paths and the late spring blooms and greenery, while the noontime sun shone brightly at the edge of the window’s ledge.

Soft Jazz music played in the background, keeping the voices muddled like whispers and elevating the calm, elegant, and aesthetic atmosphere.

Harian sat at the edge of the table, stirring the straw of his strawberry Frappuccino as it began to drip from the radiating heat outside. He perched his chin on his arm, watching the students passing by from below.

A sigh escaped from his lips.

Chortles and giggles filled the room, coming from the students sitting right next to him after discussing the latest gossip.

Harian didn’t care.

He was uninterested, still looking over the window.

A nudge on his shoulders snapped Harian out of his daydream. He quickly turned his head.

“H-huh?”

"Smile~"

Natalie leaned slightly on Harian’s shoulder, hovering the phone’s camera right above them in a selfie.

Snap!

The shutters clicked.

Natalie excitedly sat right next to him, showing the preview of the photo: A picture of Natalie and him together with a forced smile across his cheeks.

“Looks great,” Harian remarked.

"Thanks. I bet it’s gonna reach thousands of likes!" Natalie excitedly exclaimed as she clenched her phone tight.

“Caption? Eating lunch with Aria. Winking emoji with lips.” Her fingers began tapping aggressively on her screen as she posted her story.

“Hey, isn’t it my turn to post something with Harian?”

A husky voice spoke up, coming from a man with a plate of protein on his tray.

“Nuh-uh, Melvin. You had one a few days ago.” Anastasia shook her head as she hovered her finger on his face, flicking it left and right as the golden bracelets from Cortier rustled on her wrist while holding a purse from YvSL in one hand.

“Then, it’s my turn, isn’t it?” Another huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Ugh. Really, Rinna? Well, too bad. I got it first.” Natalie rolled her eyes as she flicked her hair.

The group broke into laughter.

Harian chuckled softly with a pained smile.

All that matters are just views, likes, and follows, huh?

The group continued their bantering session before turning into gossip. Harian watched them from a distance as he carefully observed them one by one.

An influencer? A fitness enthusiast? A child star actress? A politician's daughter?

What am I to them? A convenient tool for clout?

He bit his lip as he pondered the thought.

The smiles on their cheeks were carefully crafted, forced in every moment. Their laughter resembled more of a pre-recorded laugh track in a comedic show.

What's the point of friendship if everything is fake?

The smile across his face ached, twitching his lips as it slowly disappeared.

It's suffocating...

Everyone’s too engrossed in public image, like it’s a matter of life and death.

His hand clenched the drink on his hand, crushing it lightly with his grip.

He had been hanging out with them for a while, eating lunch, studying in the library, and hanging out outside during weekends. He was used to pretending like he enjoyed their company.

Why can't I just be myself for some time?

A hand tapped onto his shoulders.

“You good, right? Ari?”

Natalie peered at him, blinking her eyes as she tilted her head to the side, draping her brown locks down her shoulders like a water curtain.

Harian’s eyes locked onto her green emerald eyes, staring at them for a second longer. His shoulders tensed slightly at her touch.

Just keep smiling, Harian.

Play pretend like usual.

“Yup. It’s all good. Nothing to worry about.”

He smiled.

A set of footsteps echoed against the tiled floors, confidently striding across the room before stopping right in front of them.

Harian looked over his shoulder.

A man with blonde locks stood at the other edge of the table. A warm, charming smile formed across his lips, holding a tray in both hands as he set it on the table with a clunk.

"Oh? Isn’t this a surprise. . . Almost everyone’s here."

Everyone beamed up in surprise.

“Mr. President!” Melvin called out with a nod.

Anastasia’s eyes gleamed up, ogling at his presence like a blessing as she clasped her cheeks.

“Ah~ Golden Prince. You’re here~.”

Harian's smile reached through the corners of his mouth as his eyes crinkled up. A real one this time.

"Drew! You are here.” He excitedly exclaimed.

Drew’s attention immediately turned to him, his shoulders dropped down while a soft smile curved out of his lips.

"Thought you'd be out busy with your schedule."

Harian shook his head, laughing softly.

"Something came up so I had to stay. . ."

Drew began to move through the seats while his eyes remained fixated on Harian’s as he grabbed the seat across from him.

"Ah, I understand. But for real, though, I am still glad to see you around. You know… It’s been a while, Harian."

His voice cracked a bit, losing his confidence, but at the same time, there was a sense of longing in his eyes.

Ever since he got promoted as the President of the Academy Student Council, Drew has barely joined them, focusing more on his duties and responsibilities.

Harian saw through his devotion.

He is truly genuine in his sight.

Harian’s cheeks flushed as he chuckled once more.

“Drew, you talk like we've never seen each other for a long time.”

“Ah, really? I must’ve lost track of time.”

He scratched the back of his head.

“It seems like you are busy too. Mr. President.” Harian teased, leaning his body forward in a whisper.

They chuckled together, their shoulders moving in sync with each other. As Drew began to take a bite of his lunch, Anastasia leaned in closer to him, nudging his arm as if wanting to start a conversation with him.

“Hey, Drew. You got a minute?” Anastasia pouted her lips.

“Oh, yeah, sure. What is it?” Drew turned his attention to her, listening attentively.

“I need help with an upcoming program- “

The conversation between the two blurred into the distance from Harian’s perception as the lines and words turned into muddled voices.

Harian lowered his head and sighed.

And . . . he is gone.

Then, his gaze turned to the side, looking over the courtyard by the window pane, quietly watching the students passing by.

For a brief moment, Harian felt the burden in his chest lifted.

While taking a sip of his drink, a lingering thought crept into the back of his mind as a familiar figure emerged at the corner of the courtyard.

Dark hair, pale skin, and tall stature.

His brows knitted together, worried.

Raphael . . .

Is he doing alright?

I hope he isn’t mad at me for ditching my promise.