Chapter 3: Breaking The Ice

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Joey glanced across the room and found Rael, still staring out the window, his face an impassive mask. Rael never seemed to participate in class discussions, always keeping to himself. Joey had learned quickly that the aloof exterior wasn't just a personality trait—it was a defense mechanism.

Joey picked up his bag, hesitating for a moment as he watched Rael gather his things in silence. The other students, chattering and laughing as they left the room, barely seemed to notice the lonely figure sitting at the back. Joey, on the other hand, couldn't just leave things like this. It didn't sit right with him.

He took a deep breath and approached Rael's desk, offering a warm, casual smile. "Hey, Rael," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "You heading to the cafeteria? I'm starving. You want to join me?"

Rael didn't immediately respond. His fingers paused over his notebook, the only sign that he'd heard Joey. Then, with a glance that was as cold as ice, Rael spoke in his usual monotone voice. "I don't like crowds."

Joey grinned, not deterred by the dismissal. "Fair enough," he said, leaning against the desk. "I'm not exactly a fan either. But I hear the lunch today is particularly bad—so bad, it might be worth it just to watch the chaos unfold. You could be my fellow 'victim.'" He gave Rael a playful wink.

Rael's eyes flickered for just a second, the smallest hint of something in them—maybe amusement, maybe curiosity. But he quickly masked it, his face returning to its usual indifference.

"I don't need to watch that," Rael replied flatly, standing up and gathering his books.

Joey's grin didn't waver. "I guess I'll have to eat it all then, and you'll miss out on all the fun. I'll be sure to tell you all about it." He turned to leave but then paused, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder. "Hey, don't be a stranger, okay? I'll catch you later, Rael."

Rael didn't say anything as Joey walked away, but Joey had a feeling he was being watched. He smiled to himself, undeterred by the lack of response. It wasn't the first time Rael had brushed him off, but Joey was used to it. He was determined to wear down the walls—no matter how long it took.

Later that afternoon, Joey was sitting in the school courtyard, eating his lunch alone. As he half-heartedly picked at his food, he glanced around, his eyes scanning the area for Rael. He spotted him across the courtyard, sitting by himself on a bench, his expression unreadable as he stared into the distance.

Joey's heart softened. He couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. Rael always seemed so alone, as if he didn't belong here, in this place filled with noisy, boisterous teenagers. There was an ache in his chest, a need to reach out and offer Rael a hand, even if it wasn't wanted.

He took another bite, his thoughts wandering back to the moments when Rael had caught his eye. The rare moments when his stoic demeanor cracked, when a flicker of something—something human—shone through. Joey knew that Rael wasn't as cold and distant as he appeared. There was more beneath the surface, something that had been buried for far too long.

"Hey, Joey."

Joey turned at the sound of his name and saw Maya, a friend from his history class, walking up to him with a curious look on her face.

"Hey!" Joey greeted her cheerfully. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," she replied, sitting down beside him. "I saw you talking to Rael earlier. That's... new."

Joey shrugged, looking back toward Rael, who had not moved. "Yeah, well, he doesn't exactly seem like a fan of crowds. Thought I'd try something different."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "You really think he's going to warm up to you?"

Joey shrugged again. "Maybe not today, but I think there's more to him than just the silent loner act. He's got his reasons for keeping everyone at a distance. I just want to get to know him."

Maya was quiet for a moment, then gave Joey a side glance. "You know he doesn't really talk to anyone, right? He's kind of a... difficult person."

"I know," Joey said softly, "but I think that's exactly why I want to befriend him. Everyone's so quick to judge, but I don't think they realize how much he's probably been through." His voice trailed off, and he let his gaze settle on Rael again, lost in his own thoughts.

Later that evening, after school ended, Joey found himself walking out of the building with no particular plan in mind. He was about to head home when, to his surprise, he spotted Rael walking down the steps of the school building, alone as usual.

This time, Joey didn't hesitate. He jogged up beside him and fell into step. "Hey, I'm heading that way, mind if I walk with you?" he asked, keeping his tone light, casual.

Rael glanced at him, then looked away without responding. But he didn't walk faster, and he didn't tell Joey to leave him alone either. To Joey, that was progress.

As they walked in silence, Joey kept his eyes ahead, but his mind was racing. He could feel the tension in the air, but there was something else there too—something that wasn't as cold as Rael made it out to be. Joey had been around long enough to recognize it. It was hope, buried deep, waiting to be uncovered.

By the time they reached their separate destinations, Joey had succeeded in breaking through just a little. Rael wasn't exactly friendly, but he hadn't pushed Joey away either. And that, in Joey's eyes, was a victory.

As he watched Rael disappear around the corner, Joey's heart swelled with determination. He knew it was going to take time. But he wasn't giving up. Not now, not ever.