THE SAVIOUR

"Welcome back, Charlie. We are delighted to have you back after your week-long absence," the teacher greeted me.

I gave him a small smile, "Thank you, sir. I apologize for my absence. I had an injury."

"Oh no, are you all right? What happened?" he asked, displaying genuine concern for my well-being.

"I fell into a well, but I am doing much better now," I explained, relieved that he cared about my situation.

"I hope you received the necessary medical attention. Please take care of yourself." He advised me.

As the teacher moved on to the next student, he called out.

"Arthur, Arthur..." but received no response.

"Sir, Arthur is absent today," someone informed the teacher.

"Very well, let's proceed with today's lesson," the teacher said, commencing the lecture.

During class, he kept noticing Arthur's absence, which worried him. He wondered if he was dealing with personal issues or not taking his studies seriously, especially with the upcoming exam. He appears to have lost interest in his studies. Such a demeanour is careless.

"Today's lesson will focus on..."

The teacher continued with the class as usual.

As I sat in my classroom, my eyes drifted toward the window. The serene spring scenery outside catches my attention, and I can't help but feel captivated by its beauty. The sky is a canvas of soft clouds painted in shades of white and blue. The gentle breeze carries with it the aroma of freshly bloomed flowers, and I can't help but feel the urge to be outside, soaking up the sun. The scenery before me is stunning. I have found myself in a realm where the concept of beauty is boundless and seemingly infinite in its variations. Tulips sway in the wind as if they're delighted by the sweet whispers it brings.

Suddenly, the teacher's voice breaks my reverie; as the teacher wraps up the lesson. I realize that time has flown by quickly. Well, at least this dreadful class is over now. I pack my belongings and head towards the cafeteria, my stomach growling in anticipation, reminding me that I haven't eaten in what feels like ages. The thought of a warm meal is enough to make my mouth water.

As I enter the cafeteria, I notice it is busier than usual, filled almost with chattering girls.

I wonder if he'll show up today.

After scanning the lounge for a few minutes, I spotted an empty bench.

"Perfect," I muttered to myself, relieved to have found a place to sit.

As I settled in, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Charlie!"

She called out to me, her voice filled with worry.

"Can you hear me? What's been going on with you?" I remained rooted to the spot, unable to muster a response.

"Please, let me know how you're feeling now. I've been concerned about you since you haven't answered my calls. How am I suppose-" I had to cut her off abruptly since she wouldn't stop bombarding me with questions and didn't pause for even a moment to catch her breath.

"Sorry to cut you off, but I have important work to attend to now," I firmly explained before she could ask more questions.

I left quickly for a vacant classroom adjacent to the main building, opposite the cafeteria. There I pulled out my lunch from my bag and settled down on a dilapidated chair, ready to take a much-needed break from the chaos of the outside world.

Oh God, the aroma of this food is making me famished, as if the food is pleading with me to devour it right away. I can't wait any longer.

The moment I took a bite, someone threw water on my food.

What the hell!

''Who dares to mess with my food, stupid bastard!''

''Stupid bastard?'' A voice interrupted from behind.

''Whom did you call?''

There's a tall figure hovering over me. A man I'm well familiar with. Everyone warned us to stay away from him. He was infamous for being the school's official troublemaker, Leon Martin.

Why on earth did I mess with him?

He'll dismember me and give my bones to the wandering dogs. I need to get out of here as quickly as possible.

''Excuse me; I need to use the restroom. I can't hold it any longer. So, I guess I'll have to leave you now, but if you make the same mistake again, it won't be good for you.'' I pointed my forefinger at him as a warning and turned to go. He stopped me by forcibly grabbing the back of my shirt collar.

''Not this time''

He hauled me to the furthest corner of the classroom, signalling his two men to lock the door.

Now I'm done for sure.

''It's pretty unfair because there are three of you while I'm alone.''

He wrinkled his nose, and shortly afterwards, a slight grin appeared on his lips, while his olive-green-coloured eyes drifted from my face onto his men, who were standing by the door like obedient puppies.

''Goddamn! You babble a lot. Don't speak further. You're getting on my nerves at this point. I came here to ask you something.''

I knew what he was going to ask me.

''I swear to my life she was merely inquiring about my whereabouts, but I didn't respond, barely spared her a glance, and dashed out of the cafeteria as soon as I could.''

He released his grip on my collar, taking a step back, perplexed.

''I'm well aware that you like her. Don't you?''

The moment I stated this, his demeanour changed from confusion to rage in no time.

''Break both of his legs. Don't let him go today!'' He ordered his men as he slid his thumb against his throat, making a 'kcch!' sound.

''Let me go this time. That was reckless of me. I beg you! '' I pleaded to him.

He smirked, looking at me. The way he smirked made my blood boil. I abhor his mere presence. He had that awful smirk for all the time I'd known him. I despised him and that damned smirk. I swear to myself that I'll wipe that off his face eventually. The way he treats people like they are nothing but a piece of trash. He believes he owns everything.

The muscular man approached me. My eyes abruptly went to his hand, and I realized that the guy was holding a hockey bat which I'm not sure it came from. I was terrified by this scene. Seeing this kind of scene makes my legs shake. He was about to hit me with that bat.

Suddenly, the silence shattered as a loud crash echoed through the abandoned classroom. Splinters of glass fly through the air as a figure forcefully smashes through a window. He carefully steps over the shattered glass. The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the entire room.

All of a sudden, we heard a familiar voice.

''If any of you lay even a finger on him, I'm afraid he won't be able to walk out of here without them.'' he emerged from the shadow.

All three of them froze, their hearts pounding against their chest as adrenaline coursed through their veins.

''Without what ?'' Leon mustered up the courage and ask him.

He moved closer to him and locked his eyes with Leon.

''Their legs, my beloved Leon.'' He exclaimed, evidently enjoying the growing tension. An enigmatic smile danced upon his lips.

Standing tall with an imposing stature that seemed to command attention, he possessed an air of mystery. He raised his chin high; his strong jawline hinted at a determination that could rival anyone. His dark hair was outmatched only by his darker grey eyes. His fists clenched, making Leon shudder in fear. He strode towards me.

''Arthur!''

I called out to him happily.

''Are you okay?'' he questioned.

''I thought today was my last day in this world,'' I stated.

''Didn't I warn you before?'' Arthur asked Leon.

"No! When did you?''

"What! Didn't you warn him not to mess with me?'' I turned to ask Arthur.

Arthur stared at Leon with his piercing eyes.

'' Haha! I was messing with him, Arthur, my brother.''

''Messing? You freak, you were messing with me? You ruined my food.'' I angrily said to him.

''C'mon man, why are you making such a fuss? Grow up. Don't be angry. The next one's on me, okay? Now I'm going. It's time for my class.''

He left as soon as he said this.

''Since when did this boy start taking classes?'' I wondered.

''Leave him! Tell me why your face turned yellow, looked like you were going to pee your pants.''

''Yes, that jerk didn't let me go to the bathroom.''

He burst out laughing.

''My food is spoiled, and the canteen is also close-''

''Yes, I know what you want. You do this every single time. Come with me to my place to eat something.'' I placed my hand on his shoulder, feeling overwhelmed.

''Yes! My saviour, what are you waiting for? Hurry up! Let's go.''