Chapter 15

It was another day and everyone was preparing for the graduation ceremony and Ada, and Psalm especially, were busy with things for their department too.

Since Felix wasn't one of the most active students in his department in any way and wasn't involved in anything, he didn't bother himself. He knew he'd have to change soon though, especially if he wanted a really good scholarship abroad.

For now, he decided to go outside instead of staying back at home writing. Going out was something he'd gotten a bit accustomed to because of Psalm, and he wasn't mad at it. Especially if it's just him.

He waved back at the gateman who seemed happy to see him, encouraging to go out more so that he'd continue to look bright.

Dressed in khaki shorts and a T-shirt, headphones on and phone in his pocket, Felix was ready to go.

He hadn't told anyone that he was going out though, because he didn't see the need to. It wasn't like he was leaving the school environment. He was just walking.

He had Born This Way blasting in his ears as he walked by the roadside, hands in his pockets all composed and expressionless. No one would be able to tell that he was busting some dance moves in his head.

He took in the fresh air around him, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his skin but not for long. He wasn't going to risk sunburn.

"I should go shopping," he muttered after a while.

And so he did. Or tried to.

*****

He'd had an idea on what to get Psalm for his graduation. His options were: clothes, a wristwatch or a necklace. He hadn't spent most of the money he'd been getting from Psalm, so he only thought it'd be nice to get him a small gift with it.

Felix came to the small shopping mall he found through Google maps that was situated in the school, but discovered that he didn't know Psalm's size of anything. He left after a short while, in frustration. He couldn't as well text him or call him to ask. That would destroy his attempts to keep things secret!

He was deep in his thoughts while walking out the door, wondering whether to get a wristwatch or necklace and how much they even were.

What kind of gifts do graduates even get?!

Within the blink of an eye, Felix saw himself facing the clear blue sky before wincing at the pain on his body, his headphones on the ground.

"What the…fuck?"

"Jesus! I–I'm so, so, sorry!"

Felix couldn't help but recognize the voice addressing him, but tried to get himself together before saying anything.

"Hey. Are you alright?" The owner of the familiar voice asked, helping him sit up.

His eyes were on the person's shoes before they were raised up and widened in surprise.

"Jon?"

It was 'Big-Eye.' Jon Gbadebo. They hadn't talked to each other since that day Professor Mandi tried to lecture them about the LGBTQ.

"Hey, Felix," the boy said sheepishly.

Felix realized that a few passersby were staring and suddenly felt embarrassed that he was sitting on the ground. He wanted to scream at the obvious cause of his misfortune, but he decided to keep quiet and let him speak.

"I'm so fucking sorry, Felix!" Jon apologized, handing him his headphones as he got up on his feet finally. Jon tried to reach out to help out more, but Felix waved him off.

Jon kept apologizing so much that Felix simply told him to shut up. They were standing in front of the shopping mall and Felix didn't want to be there anymore. He wanted to get going on his mission despite the interruption and annoyance.

"I'm sorry," Jon said again, to which Jon glared.

"I already said you should shut up," he said, gladdened that his phone was good. "But I accept your apology."

Jon sighed in relief as he shut up. Then he explained that he came to buy some shirts but couldn't find what he liked, so he wanted to drive out of school. He offered to buy Felix another shirt or shorts for compensation for his troubles.

Felix waved off his offer, having something else in mind. He tried to stretch his muscles to relieve the pain he felt a bit while waiting for Jon's response to his request.

"You want me to drive you out?"

Felix nodded, looking Jon right in the eyes. "Yes. But first, I have a question for you."

"Ask away," Jon said.

"What do you think is an appropriate graduation gift? Budget friendly, too."

Jon seemed like he didn't expect the question, but he answered either way. "Jewelry, books, maybe a fancy pen, a–"

"Alright," Felix interrupted, realizing that he'd gotten a good answer. "I'd like you to take me to the department store."

Jon didn't protest and instead, nodded eagerly. "Let's go to my car then."

"I didn't know you had a car," Felix suddenly said as they walked towards where he was parked.

He really never noticed anything about anyone in his class.

Staring at the car now, Felix couldn't help but think about all the cars he'd seen Psalm with and compare. Psalm would probably never drive a Toyota Corolla…or maybe he had one in his garage. Somewhere.

"It's a birthday gift!" Jon responded excitedly as he opened the car doors. "My parents bought it for me to make transportation in school easier."

Felix nodded. Having a car to take care of must not be easy; it's probably expensive.

They got into the car, with Felix sitting comfortably and putting his seatbelt on, waiting for Jon to start the car.

"So is there someone you know that's graduating?" Jon asked when he started driving out of his parking space.

"Yeah," Felix answered. "Not in our department though."

"Hm. I've never seen you with anyone, except for that pretty girl."

Thank God for that, Felix thought.

"That's my best friend. She's not the one graduating, but I met the person through her," he said, having no interest in mentioning Psalm.

Psalm Gerard was very popular and powerful in school. In the country even... He'd never really paid much attention, but from all the articles and news he'd read online, he'd understood to an extent who he was. The family was no joke too. For someone so powerful, Psalm actually lived less powerful than he should.

Yes, less.

"Okay, cool. I'm surprised that you have other friends, really. You're always so quiet… I mean, you're really smart, but you barely talk to anyone."

Felix sighed. "Yes, I know."

And I should probably change that habit, but I don't know how. Maybe in my second year?