Chapter 13 : A different kind of voice

The light through the library windows had shifted, casting golden stripes across the floor and across Evan's lunchbox. He was halfway through picking at his food when Mikael spoke again.. his tone softer, more deliberate.

"Can I say something?" Mikael asked, eyes focused.

Evan glanced up, cautious. "Sure."

"You don't need to change how you look just because people are shitty to you," Mikael said, voice calm but firm. "I mean it."

Evan blinked, stunned by the words.

Mikael leaned forward slightly, elbows on the table. "You said you're thinking of losing weight. And if that's something you really want, for your health, for your confidence, then I'm all for it. I'll even help you if you want."

He paused.

"But if it's because of them, the bullies, the gossip, Lucas, whoever.. then forget it. You don't owe anyone a version of yourself that fits their messed-up idea of what's acceptable."

Evan was quiet. Speechless.

Mikael smiled lightly. "Besides, you're already kinda cute, you know."

Evan's head snapped up. "W-what?"

"Yeah," Mikael said with a chuckle. "You've got this babyface thing going on. Your cheeks get pink when you're embarrassed, it's kind of adorable."

Evan felt his ears burn.

"I mean, you're not even that big," Mikael added, more casually now. "You're just a little round. That's not a crime. Honestly, it kinda suits you."

Evan didn't know what to say.

No one, no one- had ever said things like that to him. Compliments were foreign. He only ever heard them from his mother, and even then, he assumed she said them out of love, not truth.

He wasn't used to someone looking at him and not finding a flaw.

And yet here was Mikael, talking like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"You don't have to be perfect to be respected," Mikael said, his tone softer now. "Just focus on what matters, your classes, your peace, your health. Let the rest go."

Evan opened his mouth, then shut it again.

There was a small tremble in his chest, not fear, not pain. Something gentler. Warmer.

He smiled, but it was small and unsure. "Thanks," he whispered.

Mikael nodded. "Anytime."

But even as that warmth lingered, Evan's mind whispered caution.

Don't get carried away.

People can pretend to care.

You've been fooled before.

So, even as Mikael stood and invited him to walk to the study hall together, Evan kept his guard up. Smiling slightly. Grateful… but distant.

He didn't want to be hurt again.

---

Across campus, on the tennis courts, Lucas, Kelv, Robin, and Chuin were sitting under the shaded bleachers, wiping off sweat and sipping water.

The practice had been decent. Nothing intense. Spirits were high, and jokes were flying.

Kelv tossed his water bottle aside and leaned back, stretching.

Then, suddenly, he narrowed his eyes, looking past the fence, toward the corridor just outside the library.

A slow grin crept onto his face.

"Well, well," Kelv said, elbowing Lucas. "Look what we have here."

Lucas turned lazily, his expression unbothered, until Kelv pointed with his chin.

There, across the walkway, was Evan, walking side by side with Mikael, the captain of the soccer team, heading toward the study hall.

Kelv whistled low. "Damn. Didn't expect him to bounce back that fast. Looks like someone's hunting for a new Prince Charming."

Robin snorted. "Guess he upgraded."

Chuin laughed. "Soccer boys now? Guy's got ambition."

Lucas didn't say anything at first.

But he stared.

A little longer than he should have.

And though he tried to laugh along, something tight twisted behind his ribs.

He looked away.