007 - Experiment

Leithe’s POV

In the mirror, I caught sight of my reflection. I looked terrible. The first thing I noticed when I looked in the mirror was my hood, which must have fallen when she was playing with my hair. My hair, like hers, is a mess.

I examined my neck closely. A heavy sigh escaped me. She managed to leave a little hickey at the spot where my neck and shoulders met, as well as one at my pulse point, which is a visible spot.

I wash my hands with soap after wiping my lips with the back of my palm, which was likely smeared in her saliva (or a mix of ours). I was disgusted by my own action.

As I immerse myself in fixing the aftermath of our illicit activity, the clock strikes 1.19 pm.

Overwhelmed with filth and revulsion, I felt sick to my stomach. Thank goodness I regained my composure in time since we were really close to executing it. What I may feel if we continued is beyond my comprehension.

One more thing, I don’t understand why I couldn’t read her the first time. I swear I can make out her eyes, all defined and all, but I still can't. After all these years of rejection, is it finally going away for good?

My phone rang a notification just as I was splashing some water on my face. I waited a few minutes, used tissues to dry my hands, and then reached for my phone.

[Where dude]

[It’s starting]

Not bothering to respond, I put it in my hoodie pocket and grab my stuff before exiting.

I dash to class, weaving in and out of other students who are also in a mad dash to get to theirs, while really trying not to run into Bella this time because we are both headed to the same class. It will be hella awkward.

My professor was already standing at the front of the room, pointing to a slide when I walked in. Through hundreds of focused heads, I searched for Griffin.

Because I was terrified of accidentally reading people, I took off my glasses as soon as I stepped inside. Even though my vision was blurry, I could make out a hand waving at me. I have a strong suspicion that it is my one and only friend. After all, no one has the guts to make such a bold move in front of a packed lecture hall full of strangers.

I adore him just the way he is, but there are times when I wonder why I have such a bold friend as him.

I walked towards him in the middle row. I could see him smiling as I approached. “Thought you’re gonna leave me alone again.” he said with a hint of mockery.

“Almost did, but then you’ll whine. I’m sparing my ears from your nags.” As a response, he rolled his eyes, which made me chuckle silently.

I took my bag off and put my glasses on again before digging into the bag. As I was getting ready for the lecture, I noticed a familiar figure casually walking past our row to a seat in the second row from the front of the lecture hall. Despite being late, she did not seem embarrassed.

After she had settled into her seat, she glanced over at me and winked as she laid her things down. I hate to admit it, but she managed to get under my skin, even though I know she did it on purpose. My blood is boiling at how easily I am swayed, but I must control myself.

That brings back the question of why I was unable to read her previously. I mean, I could see her eyes very clearly.

I looked over at Griffin beside me. He was utterly engrossed in his phone, paying no attention to the lecture taking place at the front of the hall.

I put my palms on his cheeks and grasp his face, yanking him close. He squealed just as I was getting the familiar feel of getting inside people’s minds.

"Is there an issue, Mr Johnson?" A stern male voice suddenly breaks the previous hushed hall.

By turning our faces to the front, we met the stares of everyone, even our professor.

“Do tell us if there is anything you wish to divulge.” He said again when none of us responded.

Griffin was still taken aback by my previous action, which left him unable to respond to the middle-aged man. I thought it might be worth a shot on him instead.

"My apologies, Professor Saez. I was merely interested in learning more about something; therefore, I was going to enquire about it with Mr Johnson here.” I purposely made a long comment, as I was focused intently on entering the professor.

I experienced the usual dizziness at the beginning of reading people, but what caught me off guard, though, was that absolutely nothing happened after that.

What the actual fuck is going on?

"Regarding your concern, let us assist you since Mr Johnson appears to be unavailable at the moment." Even the professor could tell that Griffin zoned out.

Despite his obvious mockery, I enquire, "When is the next class?"

Come on, I’m running out of fortune. Why can’t I penetrate his mind? Is this for real? Did I really lose it?

"Perhaps if you pay attention in my class, I will let you know," he responded, raising one eyebrow. “And what’s with the look?” I kept staring, oblivious to the fact that he could see my expression. I mentally slapped myself.

He thankfully spared me and went on with the lecture after I smiled awkwardly. Feeling relieved, I let out a sigh. That was close.

“What was that for, dude?” Griffin immediately asked as he bent down to retrieve his phone from the floor. His phone slipped out of his hands from sheer shock, but thankfully it was carpeted and left unscathed.

I locked eyes with him once more, then reached out and gently drew our faces close as before. He seems somewhat prepared for it this time.

I breathe in and out. The pupil is black, and the iris is azure. Get in.

“Hmm, Leithe. I love you, man, but please hold off till we get to my house if you’re interested in doing it. We’re out in the open now, just in case you’ve forgotten.” As he retreated, he patted me on the shoulder. Leaving me baffled.

Whatever I do, I cannot get in. What happened?

The two-hour dull lecture has finally come to an end. Before the class was dismissed, the professor gave us some assignments, but I must admit that my mind was elsewhere the whole lecture. Everything that transpired still fazed me.

This is beyond me. I cannot concentrate because I have been thinking about it during class.

I completely missed Griffin's attempt at a conversation since I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts. I promise I did not squeal when I realised it was him reaching out to touch my shoulder.

“Dude, what’s keeping you so occupied that you can’t hear me?” He laughed. He already has his bag clinging over his right shoulder. “Let’s go.”

The unopened notebook that has lain untouched since its retrieval is tossed back into my bag. In the midst of getting up, I heard a voice beckoning to me. A figure approached me as I turned to look at the source. He seems familiar.

“Hunter?” Aside from Griffin and Bella, no one seemed to know I existed. Even if they were aware, they would still refer to me as Griffin’s friend. So I was astonished that someone called me by my name.

His dazzling whites gleamed as he grinned at me. “Hey, Leithe. Well, it’s always nice to see a familiar face. You’re here too, right?”

“Yeah. Are you...?”

He smiled and responded, "Yeah, we’re classmates since I am majoring in engineering." Excitedly, I nodded. "Finally! Now I can escape his clutches.” Eyeing the person next to me, Griffin, who responded with rolled eyes.

“You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.” His expression—almost as if he were prepared to murder someone, me—made me chuckle.

“Relax, bud. I’m kidding.” I reached out for his shoulder, but he pulled me away, and then he turned to face the other side, pouting. His stocky frame does not prevent him from acting adorable on occasion.

I grin looking at him but didn’t mind coaxing him and turned to face Hunter, who was grinning as he watched us. “I got an intriguing friend there.”

“This is Griffin, my childhood friend. He’s a bit sassy, as you can see.” I said it while gesturing towards Griffin.

“And Griffin, meet Hunter, my new neighbour.”

He quickly turned around to face us as soon as his name was called out. Giving up the sulking and pouting and instead greeting Hunter with a smile on his face.

“So, Hunter, have you seen around the campus?” Knowing Griffin all too well, I knew he would get along with Hunter in no time. Since he is amiable and laid-back, people warmed up to him quicker than they did to me.

That is why I’m worried about him, because that amiable persona of his also attracts the no-no-to-good-parents kind of friend. That side of them is unknown to Griffin, so it would be unethical to suggest cutting ties with them out of nowhere. Until they make a move on him, I’m willing to close one eye on them.

I saw Hunter shake his head while smiling at the other latter.

“What?” Griffin finally asked. So, I’m not the only one who noticed his smile then.

He chuckled as he shook his head once again. “Nothing. And about the other question, no, it’s my first class. I finished registering just before the class and went right in.”

His smile is noticeably less prominent now than it was before, as if he were attempting to conceal it. Given how close we are currently, I was tempted to read him and find out what’s up.

“Come. We’ll give you a tour.” I said after deciding against my urge.

I need to stop my habit of prying into people’s personal lives. I admit that on occasion, I did read people on purpose.

I have to respect Hunter, especially since he is my neighbour. I do not think I could act normal around him if I witnessed anything unpleasant. So, it would be wise to leave it as it is.

“Yeah, we’ll grab lunch after. I’m starving.” Griffin has already started to walk away as he speaks.

-

The trip home today was unexpectedly later than usual. There was an accident on the highway that caused police to close down two lanes, leaving only two open for hundreds of cars during rush hour.

I was expecting to be home around 6:30 pm so I could take a nap before working on my assignments. However, I made it home at about 7:53 pm.

Upon pulling into the garage, I noticed that my mom’s car was gone. Perhaps she is working the night shift today. It is nothing new. In any case, I was rather anxious about being alone with Kairo after our situation this morning.

I stepped inside the house through the garage door, and as soon as I creaked the door open, I heard someone rushing over. I turned to the source and saw a small figure sprinting from under the couch towards me with her tongue out.

“Woof!” Snow rushes enthusiastically with her little legs, and once she is on my legs, she sits obediently with her tail wagging. Her behaviour tells me she's expecting a pet.

“Hi, baby. How are you?” I get down on one knee and pet her, scratching the back of her ear—something she loves—and she leans to me.

“Have you eaten yet?”

I stood up and strode over to her bowls. There is water in one bowl and an empty bowl beside it. He fed her, at least.

Considering I had eaten with Griffin and Tyler just before going back, I don’t mind skipping dinner.

We had to eat a late lunch because one of our professors needed our assistance while we were touring Hunter at the library. Initially, we were fine aiding him because he seemed in a hurry and the librarian was nowhere to be found; however, it took us two hours to locate a single book among thousands of books that were available in the library.

We ended up with a luxury meal after that, so the trouble was worth it in the end.

After tossing the car keys on the kitchen counter, I went upstairs to my room and found Kairo's door closed. The sound of yelling and laughing is audible from his room. I thought he was with her girlfriend. If it were not for our predicament, I would likely ask him.

I enter my room, closing the door behind me, and let out a sigh. I carelessly dropped my bag by the bedside and proceeded to the mirror. I gazed intently into my reflection.

Why can’t I read Bella? And Professor Saez? And Griffin too. Am I losing it now? Perhaps I was too exhausted to read at the time because I did, in fact, read Bella for a brief moment.

If I really did lose it, I need to prove it. With who, though?

Snow is downstairs, and I have no energy to get her. Kairo is off limits, at least not now. My eyes fixate on the reflection in the mirror, and an idea pops up.

Might as well give it a try on myself. It's my first time trying; I don't know how it will turn out, but I will never know until I try.

I walk close enough to the mirror that my breath causes it to fog up. I close my eyes and concentrate on my breathing. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly. I give it a few seconds before opening my eyes.

Even with a clear view of my eyes, I am still out. No dizziness, no nothing. It is not going to work. Again, I close my eyes. Resetting everything with a deep breath.

I have my doubts about whether I can do it on myself. I will give it one last go before calling it quits. Come on, come on. I slowly open my eyes.

{*Multiple gunshots*

“Don’t play with me.”

“Watch where you’re going, dude.”

“You’re crazy for hiding these, Leithe.”

“Leithe check. Griffin’s next, then my bucket list is completed.”}

Images from the past events kept playing without end. It feels like I am stuck on an endless roller coaster.

{*Multiple gunshots*

“Don’t play with me.”

“Watch where you’re going, dude.”

“You’re crazy for hiding these, Leithe.”

“Leithe check. Griffin’s next, then my bucket list is completed.”

“There you are.”}

Repetition upon repetition. It continues even after I tightly clamp my eyes shut, seemingly in vain. I’m powerless over it, and it is terrifying.

{“I’ll complete my bucket list.”

*Multiple Gunshots*

“Don’t play wi-”}

Then everything turned pitch black.