REMAINING DAY

BEAT'S POV

He walked ahead of me quickly, his pace brisk and confident. I followed closely, my eyes glued to the floor, too nervous to take in my surroundings. The knot in my stomach tightened with every step.

Suddenly, he stopped.

I didn't notice in time, and before I could react, my forehead bumped into his shoulder. The impact wasn't hard, but it felt like my soul left my body for a moment. He froze, and so did I.

Slowly, he turned around, his piercing gaze meeting mine. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I stammered, "S-sorry!"

Before he could say anything, I lifted my head and realized where we were: the classroom.

The air felt thick as I became aware of the sudden silence. Everyone in the room had stopped what they were doing and was now staring at us.

My heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to disappear into the floor, to melt into nothingness.

After a moment that felt like forever, the silence broke. The students turned back to their own conversations; laughter and chatter filled the room again. It was as if the awkward incident had never happened.

He didn't say a word. Instead, he walked to a desk in the front row, greeted by a small group of students who seemed thrilled to see him. They laughed and joked like old friends, and the atmosphere around him was warm and welcoming.

And me? I was left standing at the door.

I scanned the room, trying to find an empty spot. Finally, I noticed an unoccupied desk at the very back. Keeping my head down, I made my way there and slid into the seat.

From the back, I had a clear view of him. He sat at the front, surrounded by friends, his demeanor completely different from earlier. His cold, distant tone was gone, replaced by laughter and a warm, friendly smile.

I watched, puzzled.

How could someone seem so different in just a matter of moments? With me, he was curt, almost dismissive. But with his friends, he was relaxed, lively, even charming. It was like watching two completely different people.

Does he have two sides? I thought to myself.

The question lingered as I sat there, feeling small and out of place. The distance between us wasn't just physical-it was emotional too.

And for the first time, I wondered: What's his story?

The first period began, and everyone stood up as the teacher walked in. Nervously, I followed suit, my movements stiff and uncertain.

"New student, please introduce yourself," the teacher said, her voice calm but commanding enough to catch the class's attention.

All eyes turned to me-including his.

I felt a wave of heat rise to my face, my nerves tightening my throat. From my seat, I managed to introduce myself with a few shaky words. I kept it short, avoiding eye contact with anyone for too long. Sure, I could've mentioned that I'm a national pro gamer, but what was the point? It didn't feel necessary-or relevant-at that moment. I just wanted to sit back down as quickly as possible.

As I took my seat, I could feel the weight of the classroom around me, the quiet whispers, the glances. I kept my head down and focused on my desk as the class continued.

I felt alone.

But it was okay. Or at least, that's what I told myself.

The bell rang, signaling the break. I quickly stood up, not waiting to catch anyone's eye, and made my way to the principal's office. I needed an escape.

The principal greeted me with a puzzled expression. "What brings you here?" he asked.

I shifted awkwardly, my fingers fidgeting. "Can I go home? I'm not in proper uniform, and I don't even have any books..."

The principal raised an eyebrow but smiled reassuringly. "After all the classes are over, return here. I'll give you your books and school clothes."

I sighed internally. Why? Just why? Couldn't he let me start tomorrow, when I'd be better prepared? But I nodded politely, thanked him, and walked back to class.

As I stepped back inside, I saw him-Heart-surrounded by his friends, laughing and talking. His energy was so different with them, so warm and open. I quietly returned to my desk and rested my head, trying to shut out the buzz of the classroom.

"Hey, Big Baggy!"

The voice startled me.

At first, I ignored it, thinking I misheard.

"Hey! Big Baggy!" the voice came again, louder this time.

I raised my head, startled, and turned toward the sound. A thin boy with bright, mischievous eyes and funky, unkempt hair was smiling at me.

He approached my desk confidently, his grin widening. "Hi! I'm Kevin. I've been watching you since this morning. You haven't talked to anyone, and you seem a little lost. Why don't you join our group?"

I blinked at him, unsure how to react. His appearance screamed "backbencher," with his carefree demeanor and messy hair. For a brief moment, I wondered if he was making fun of me.

But his smile seemed genuine.

"I... yeah, sure," I said, my voice hesitant but hopeful.

Kevin's smile widened. "Awesome!" He turned and called out to the rest of his group, introducing me to the others. They all shared the same easygoing, slightly rebellious vibe as Kevin.

Despite my earlier doubts, I felt a surge of relief. These weren't just troublemakers-they were warm, welcoming, and full of life.

For the first time that day, I didn't feel so alone.

The bell rang, signaling the next class. Kevin moved to the bench in front of me, and as the day went on, we exchanged quick jokes and whispered comments. The hours seemed to pass faster now that I wasn't stuck in my own head.

By the end of the day, I felt lighter, more at ease.

When the final bell rang, I gathered my things and went back to the principal's office to collect my books and uniform. Carrying the stack in my arms, I headed to the big school gates.

And there he was.

Dad stood waiting for me, his face lighting up with a smile as soon as he saw me.

Something about that moment-the weight of the day, the kindness in his eyes-hit me hard.

I walked up to him, my arms full of books, and hugged him tightly. "Why are you so good, Dad?" I murmured, my voice thick with emotion.

He patted my back gently. "It's because I have the best son."

My eyes stung with tears, but I didn't let them fall. Instead, I let his warmth fill the heavy spaces inside me.

As we walked home together, I felt a bright smile spread across my face.

It had been a long, overwhelming day. But as I stepped through the front door, I realized something: I wasn't just surviving this new beginning-I was slowly learning to embrace it.

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