CHAPTER X: Missing Links

The wind’s rather strong today even with the sun visible up above.

I fixed my sunglasses and closed my eyes. I was lying on the veranda of our house. I planned to enjoy the weekend as a part of my weekly relaxation routine.

Thinking about the amount of stress I endured for the past month drains me extensively.

Yes, a month had passed since that encounter with Professor Hannel. She became somewhat mild in the way she was treating me. Although, the constant glares and rolling eyes didn’t totally disappear. Maybe that’s just a part of who she is, so who am I to judge?

I don’t really care anymore. She can do whatever she wants, as long as she doesn’t make me lose my cool again.

The girls that created a ruckus managed to be suspended, given the evidence that was mysteriously gathered. After that, they didn’t bother to walk the same path as to where I am. They became afraid of even looking at me in the eyes, which was weird, as seen from the arrogance they showed me after ruining my artwork.

I was disturbed at first, but I just thought that it was all done for. Plus, it did benefit me. Not once was my name mentioned in the investigation and what’s weirder is that no one pursued to know at all.

Then, again, it did make my life peaceful, so there’s no need to dwell on it.

As I was just about to doze off, I heard a noise from downstairs.

My supposed-to-be-sleep was interrupted before it even began.

I remained silent and listened.

Against the silence of the house, echoing footsteps resonated as the person went up the stairs.

“Manang, have you seen my research papers?” A man’s voice called out.

“Ah, ‘nak, which one?” The elderly woman replied.

“The recent ones, I actually placed them on the countertop in the kitchen but when I checked, the papers were missing.”

“I didn’t really see anything. Is it important?”

“Yes, I went home immediately when I realized I left it. I need it for my presentation later.”

“Hmmm, I’ll look for it. I’ll also ask the other helpers.”

“Thank you and sorry for the trouble.”

The voices began to fade away after they passed by the place where I was at.

When I made sure that no one was there anymore, I quickly plugged in my airpods and listened to the song playing from my phone.

It was a calm tune, however, me, being an airhead when it comes to music, does not even remember the freaking title of the song.

Well, whatever.

I think I was able to doze off for a few hours because when I woke up, the sun was starting to set.

I looked at my skin to check if I burnt myself or something. Good thing the balcony doesn’t let too much sunlight inside which helps me be more satisfied as I leisure around.

I checked my phone and saw that the battery was almost drained.

There were also some messages and numerous phone calls from the trio and other unknown numbers. Technically, some of them were not really unknown, I just don’t bother naming contacts that I find irrelevant.

I stretched my body as I stood up. That was one good nap.

When I passed the round wooden table near me, my eyes seemed to have caught a glimpse of something white.

I approached it and saw a pile of scattered papers. I squinted my eyes on the words written on it.

It was a thesis paper that focuses on traumatic experiences and its repercussions on human attitude.

“What the…”

I almost crumpled the paper. It was probably his.

I gathered the sheets in my hands and went inside the house.

As I was nearing the upper lounge, I heard people talking downstairs.

When I looked down, I saw the helpers frantically running around. I glimpsed at the papers in my hand. I guess they still couldn’t find these.

They probably didn’t check the balcony because whenever I was there, they wouldn't bother to set foot inside because they knew I disliked people entering the place where I am at and disturbing my peace.

Across from this lounge was my room, I debated whether I should just ignore them.

Without a second thought, I headed for my room.

Before I could fully enter, I heard the man’s voice, as well as Manang’s.

“Good thing, my professor was unable to come to class or else I would be in trouble. Did no one really see it yet?”

“No.” She sighed. “Anak, we looked everywhere. We still don’t know where it could be.”

Before my bedroom door fully closed on its own, I heard the old helper gasp.

“What’s it doing up here?”

“I-I don’t know, I personally checked the lounge earlier.”

“Then, how did it end up here?”

From there, the door muted out their conversation.

I charged my phone immediately after I sat on my bed.

Good thing I didn’t have to look for the wire. I actually had a mini charging station on my bedside table wherein you literally just place the phone on top of it and it automatically charges.

What can I do? I’m a lazy person by nature.

After a few minutes, I heard a rustle from outside the door.

When I looked down, I saw a piece of folded paper slide on the floor.

I stood up and approached it. I picked it up and slowly unfolded the paper.

Written on it with a fine handwriting were the words,

'Thank you.'

I stared at it for a few minutes while I unconsciously traced the ink on the paper.

Without a single thought, I crumpled the paper and tossed it somewhere in the room.

I stole a glimpse on the fallen picture frame and bit my lip.

This is right.

The following weeks were boring. It's a shock how peaceful it is.

Would I prefer noisy and chaotic events? No. I'm actually the epitome of boredom so there's really nothing for me to complain for.

It's just creeping me out how calm the students are.

Well, except for the usual bunch.

"Hey guys! Guess what I heard!"

Solar was practically speeding towards us in five inch heels.

Imagining her trip just made me wince.

"Listen! Listen!" She excitedly jumped towards where I sat.

I stealthily moved to the side. Haru, who was quietly reading beside me, managed to receive her fall though.

"That was harsh, don't you think?" She glared at me.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

"Anyway, did you guys know?!"

"No we don't." I deadpanned.

"Argh!" She took Haru's book and threw it in my direction.

I raised my right leg and crossed it over the other. While doing this, the book that was bound for my head, flew towards another direction.

Ross, who had just arrived, easily catched the book before it landed on the ground.

"Didn't know there was an exhibition. I think I was informed a little late."

"You did exhibit stupidity. I think you did the best out of all of us here."

She pouted. She knew she can never outsmart me when it comes to sarcasm. That's like my most prominent trait.

"So what are we talking about?" The ever peacemaker, Ross, stated as he sat down on the other chair next to me.

I mindlessly observed the space between our arms.

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked back at Solar when she began to talk.

"So, when I was in the bathroom earlier, I heard a forbidden announcement!"

"In short, you gossiped."

"Well, yes, but let's make it sound professional."

I decided to ignore the last part.

"My sources talked about a certain event happening next month!"

We didn't say anything. She was looking at us as if begging us to ask her what it is.

I looked at Haru who was eating away at the side.

I nudged him and he seemed to understand.

"What is it?" He asked Solar.

Not.

I slapped my forehead. Haru looked back at me innocently.

"Haru, can I have some food?" I turned my head to Ross. Haru obediently gave him another bag of cookie chips.

I watched longingly as he opened the package filled with chocolate goodness.

I thought he was going to eat it when all of a sudden he gave me the entire bag.

"Here. You wanted to eat right?" He smiled.

I didn't bother to say anything and hurriedly grabbed the bag of goods away from him.

I turned back from him and greedily ate the cookies.

Even with my back turned, I could clearly hear him chuckling.

I chewed away at my heart's content whilst enduring the heat that crept up my face.

"I heard that there was going to be a sports festival in the following month! Not only that, but I heard there's also a surprise! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!"

"Don't we usually have those kinds of events?" Haru tilted his head in confusion.

"Yes! We do! But it was always during the hot days so it was rather inconvenient but this time the weather is much cooler." She pointed out.

"You know, that's still confidential right?" We all looked at Ross after he said that.

Solar looked at loss because of that, "Umm…? How did you know?"

"He's actually part of the governing student council." Haru butted in.

"What?! Really?!" Solar looked at me after seeing that was the only one who reacted, "Did you know?!"

"Didn't care."

"Of course, what else should I expect from you?"

"You tell me." Then I munched on another cookie.

"All that aside, you released private information." Ross declared. Solar stood there like a child who was being scolded by her own mother.

"But I'll let it slide. Just don't share it with anybody."

Solar nodded enthusiastically.

Haru, on the other hand, smiled and gave an 'ok' sign.

When his gaze landed on me, I immediately grabbed another cookie and ate it.

He was purposely waiting for my answer provided that he was ignoring my bold attempt to speak.

I finished my head and sighed.

"Let me introduce you to my friends. They're NO and NE."

"Good enough."

They continued on with their blabbering for the rest of the break period.

I hope I came prepared because that sports festival was about to cause a major disturbance in my life.