CHAPTER 1
The day in middle school, Ethan was so excited and so nervous about his first day
He wore his favorite worn-out hoodie, which he stole from His brother.
The definition of a perfect start is to wander and fantasize, and to have friends that I can express nor share stories.
''I hope we'll get along,'' Ethan meant every word.
BUT the world has different plans, or some will say, for the sake of self-growth.
Ethan was some could call an outcast, different from what he wants.
Do they hate me? Dislike me? Or do I need to change for … them?
Ethan was always lost in his own deluded world, still learning how to draw and paint, thanks to the guidance of his two older sisters. Ethan only talks to certain individuals, a few friends but there is one particular boy who stands out.
Joah was one of those boys who was fun, playful, kind, and smart. All the girls liked him totally, and Ethan was no exception.
Every time Joah tries to befriend Ethan,
Ethan would avoid eye contact or have a certain expression, specifically a cold one.
In Ethan's mind: This is bad, crushing on another boy who is literally in a catholic school!!
Very ridiculous and utterly insane, Ethan, are you insane? Maybe I AM??
(Ethan's head debates while having a straight face.)
Ethan's feelings remained unnoticed by everyone in their junior years.
In their 10th grade, every lunch time, Ethan and Joah were left alone in the classroom
For exactly 15 minutes.
In those 15 minutes, Joah would sit next to Ethan, turning the armchair towards Ethan
, facing him with that sweet smile he uses on everyone.
Even though Ethan knows that, he feels somewhat special.
Joah asks Ethan
"What songs do you like, so I can play them to you, and maybe I can earn the right to call you my friend?"
Ethan was smitten once more, then replied,
"I'd rather hear the TV play it," and then Ethan laughed awkwardly.
Later, a few weeks before graduation.
Ethan noticed that Joah's tactics were becoming more frequent and obvious
Ethan was trying to sleep during lunchtime, and then he felt an arm around his shoulders. While he was lying his head on his desk, Ethan didn't move as he felt Joah's arm on his shoulders. At that time, Joah didn't know Ethan was awake,
But before Ethan pretends to wake up Joah, Joah quickly withdraws his arm when his friends enter the classroom.