Chapter 9 A Rumour

["Mr Xeno."

"Yes?" The man, Xeno, stops swinging on his chair and puts the file on his desk.

"We've recovered a stack of pamphlets in Mr Arran's home. What should we do about it?"

"Well. In this past month we've looked everywhere for him. And I don't think it is very necessary to go for a big scale search for an adult male. Might as well make use of those pamphlets." He mumbles. "Given that we don't have his cellphone nor anyone who exactly knows about his private life."

"What are these pamphlets about anyway?" Asks another person.

"These are about rental houses. Not only in this town but also other towns in this district."

"Did he rent any house?"

"That.. I can't tell. If it was a bank transaction it'd have been easier to find out."

"Ohh right. He closed all his bank accounts."

"What was this dude even trying to do before he went missing?"

"At this rate his disappearance seems deliberate."

"Yeah. No lie."]

"Sain Sinzer!" A teacher yells out my name.

"Yes ma'am!" Out of shock, I stand up.

"Don't sleep."

"I'm so sorry!"

"I'm letting you stay because you got exams just three days later."

"I'm very grateful!"

"Sit."

I glance at Eclise and find him staring at me with concerns in his eyes. I smile to relax him.

At break Ms Yana calls me in the counselling room.

"Sain. Let me see your hands."

Confused, I stretch my hands. She starts to roll up my sleeves and I pull my hands back. She grasps my hands and inspects.

"There's some burns and bite marks."

"Those.." I look away. "those are because I cook at home! I'm an awful and clumsy cook. Haha."

She looks into my eyes and then my teeth. She twists her neck and calls out for the doctor. The doctor comes and puts the injection under my skin.

I grunt and frown as I see them doing such. "What are you doing? Why is the doctor taking my blood, ma'am?"

"Sain. Tell me is there anything wrong? Are you taking drugs?"

"Drugs?" I gasp.

"Don't get me wrong. I've been observing some signs of you. Also I'm concerned about your physical state."

"You assumed I took drugs only because I'm thin?!"

"No.. I.. uh.."

"That's just.. body shaming.." My voice cracks as I say such. "How can you say I take drugs?!"

"I'm sorry that I jumped to conclusions all by myself. That was so immature of me. But given your circumstances, I'm worried."

"It delights me that so many people are worried about me.. but I'm already living a peaceful life. I don't understand why people want to get in my private life anyway! What is bothering them too much?!"

She leaves my arms and twitches. "I'm so sorry Sain. But as your teacher I can't overlook your situation. In case of any harassment I'll.."

"I'm not harassed! Leave me alone already!" I dash out and scare some students in the hallway.

Why does it have to be like this always?! Just because I look this way?!

"Sain?"

Eclise tries to stop me but I rush to the balcony to cool off. The next time I enter the classroom, I become the centre of a scandal.

"You're the boy Ms Yana called, right?"

A group of girls and boys ask me. I wipe my dried tears and reply. "Yes."

"I heard a doctor came for your dope test. What? You take drugs after all."

My pupils shrink. "Nnn.. no. I don't."

I look at other students who glance at me and then whisper among themselves.

"Come on. Don't lie. Tell me. Is it good?"

"I told you! I don't take drugs!"

The boy who led the group, attempts to touch my forehead bangs. "I heard Ms Yana…"

I heave and shove away his arm.

"Oww. That was quite painful. Are you sure you aren't drugged?"

"Stop it you guys!" Eclise steps in between us. "When he said he doesn't take drugs then that means he doesn't take any. Why are you forcing him to confess something he doesn't do?"

"Eclise?"

"Why does it bother you, Eclise?" He smirks. "What.. are you gay for him?"

"You're crossing the line!" I shriek.

"I just find him like my frail little brother.." Eclise glances up and grins. "Why do you even care if I'm gay for him? What, you like him or something?"

The boy chuckles. "You two sure make a good pair. A set of maniacs. Haha." He leaves along with his group.

So soon as he leaves, Eclise leaves a sigh of relief. "Did he hit you?"

"No." I keep hiding my forehead. "Thanks Eclise. You saved me from having paranoia."

He grins and ruffles my hair. "Like I told them.. you remind me of my little bro. I'll make sure no one hurts you."

My eyes sparkle. "I never had any siblings.. but if I had one I'm sure they'd be like you."

"Now now. Don't make me embarrassed."