Chapter 2 The Forgotten Classmate

The awkward silence between her and Yeseus finally ended when she spotted the red bricks of her house.

What a surprise. Yeseus knew where her house was because he stopped exactly in front of their gate. He handed her the bag.

“Um, thanks.”

She racked her brain for any possible events or moments that would make her remember him but to no avail. She just sighed and unlocked the gate with her card.

She saw Yeseus turn to walk. Klishei finally gave in to her thoughts. She reached towards him and tugged at the sleeves of his uniform.

“Wait,” she said, her heart suddenly feeling nervous. “Would you like to have some coffee? It’s my way of saying thanks for walking me home instead of that creepy transferee.”

What the heck are you thinking?

To her surprise, Yeseus turned around and walked towards their gate.

“I don’t drink coffee. But tea will do.”

When they were inside, Yeseus was respectful enough to leave his shoes outside.

Finally, an Asian who shared the same household rules. Mom would be proud.

“Your family is not here?” he asked as he sat on the couch while Klishei proceeded to the kitchen.

Klishei did not answer. But Yeseus did not ask the second time. From the kitchen, she heard the opening sounds of Maharlika Colosseum, a really popular mobile game here in the country of Efarlise.

After almost fifteen minutes, the fragrant mint scent filled the kitchen. She carried the kettle in one hand and the mugs on the other to the living room.

“Sorry to interrupt but it’s ready. It’s best served while it is super hot,” Klishei called. Even if he was still in the middle of the game, he closed it and pocketed his phone.

“Hm, what tea is this?” He asked after he sniffed it and took a sip. He knew tea etiquette.

“It’s a mix of mint and wild berries,” Klishei answered as she took her own cup.

“There is another ingredient here,” Yeseus pressed.

“You were able to discern it? I put in an edible weed from my motherland. Amazing. Not many would actually know there is a third spice.”

They took turns in pouring the rest of the kettle.

When Klishei finished hers, she put down her cup gently on the table with a soft thump sound.

“Now to my questions, please,” she started.

“Oh? I am to be interrogated? I thought I just came here for tea,” he said and drank the remaining of his tea in one gulp.

“I deserve an explanation.”

“Of what?”

“Of what has been happening since morning. Luka said you have been with us since seventh grade. I just deduced that maybe it's possible that I haven't just been paying attention to the people around me. And my suspicions were a little bit cleared since you knew where my house was. Every classmate of mine has already entered here because of frequent sleepovers.”

She paused to catch her breath. Meanwhile, Yeseus was just staring at her.

“But my doubts resurfaced when you asked me where my parents are. Yeseus, everyone in Spasio City knows that my parents were killed in the massacre between the guerillas and the Atcha Tribe.”

There. Yeseus’ eyes twitched.

“So, tell me, Yeseus,” she pressed. “Who are you and what are you doing here? How come Luka and the others know you, except for me?”

Outside, nighttime was setting.

“Klishei,” Yeseus started. “Looks like your headaches got the better of you. Just rest for tonight.”

Klishei could not believe what she just heard.

”So there is really something going on? What are you, a spy who was able to pay Luka and the others just for you to have your facade? Why am I not included?”

Yeseus chuckled. “You have a great imagination, Klishei, I’ll give you that. But I’m even better than what you assumed.” He stood and slung over his bag.

“You’re going already?”

“Thank you for the tea but I can’t give you back the favor of answering your questions just yet.” Yeseus walked towards the door and put on his shoes.

He did not even glance back. Klishei abruptly stood and she felt her body sway. Her vision turned to yellow and tried to blink away the dark spots. She stretched her arm towards Yeseus, attempting to reach him, who had his back turned and still tying his shoes.

I’m going to fall, she thought.

“Yeseus,” she whispered before she lost her balance.

“Hey, hey.”

Klishei opened her eyes. Upon seeing Yeseus’ face looming over her, her body rewinded what just happened.

“What the…” She was on her bed. She used her trembling hands to put herself in a sitting position. Yeseus supported her back and let her lean on the bedrest.

“I… I was out…?”

“Just for a few minutes.”

Her face went red with the thought that he had carried her all the way from the kitchen to her bed.

Klishei opened and closed her fists. “What’s wrong with me? This day has been really…weird.”

“It will only get worse,” Yeseus said.

Klishei’s brows creased. “Huh?”

Instead of replying, Yeseus touched her forehead as if checking for a fever. As soon as their skin made contact, the burning sensation calmed down.

His hand was surprisingly cool. Not warm but not also cold. It was just the right temperature that made the heavy feeling on her head go away.

“Wow. I feel so much better,” Klishei said as she closed her eyes.

“That should do it,” Yeseus abruptly said and withdrew his hand.

When she opened her eyes, the slight dizziness that she was feeling was already gone.

“How did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Your hand. It felt like you just healed me or something.”

Yeseus gave her a weird look.

“What?” Klishei asked. “You’re looking at me like I’m a creep for saying that.”

“Just sleep, Klishei.” He grabbed his bag. “You will find out the answers on your own eventually without me explaining.”

Klishei wanted to laugh. “So what do you want me to do? Act like I have known you since seventh grade and not ask Luka?”

“It’s useless even if you ask Luka, I assure you that. Just please, refrain from questioning me for now. And don’t go out alone. That will greatly make my job easier.”

“Your job, huh. Is it not part of your secret job to always be around me no matter where I go?” she joked, trying to shake the seriousness in his tone.

“You might not like it if I am like a stalker so I’m doing you a favor. Just turn on your location and include me in your emergency contacts. That’s all I’m asking.” As Yeseus was speaking, she could feel her eyes getting heavy. She saw him approach her.

“Whoa. But you’re not even my boyfriend.” Klishei tried to fight her sleepiness but she felt so groggy that she did not object when Yeseus put his hand over her back and made her lie on the bed.

Klishei felt like she was already half-asleep, her consciousness drifting away.

“You’re right about that. Because I’m your…”