Memoirs of a Gay-Sha: Chapter 11

By: Ace

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CHAPTER 11

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"So inviting me here and not letting me say no?" I began. Arriving at the canteen still catching up to my because I had to rush down the stairs. Walk all the way across the quadrangle to get to the canteen

"I knew you'd come anyway." Dan's voice calm and reassuring.

"What made you so sure?" As I sat comfortably beside him on an elongated rectangular white flat surface, it served as a long chair it didn't have back support. I made it sure to sit closer, our shoulders touching. He leaned a bit towards me looked at my eyes intently and took something out of  his pocket. It looked like a little piece of rectangle wrapped in shiny gold paper. It was chocolate, Dan smiled and gave it to me.

The Amazonian trulls (the name I gave to the tribesmen) were watching. 

They were constantly looking in our general direction and covering their mouths and making snide laughs.

I didn't care what they were thinking. Whatever I was doing, was working. I just wanted to see the annoyed looks on their faces, as they sat pretending to read books. Which I'm sure they never read. Based on the stupid looks they had on their faces.

I took the little piece of chocolate from his hands which were already soft. I did not open it yet, he might see me looking too happy. I still wanted him to picture me as someone who was still annoyed for having the obligation to go to the canteen.

"I knew you'd like it." He spoke softly, almost like a whisper. Close to my ear that I could feel the warmth of his breath. I could even discern the faint smell of plants, must have been his diet. I didn't know if he was vegetarian or something. Yet it was mesmerizing for some reason. I had no idea why he whispered like that, so close and intimate. It made feel conscious of his presence so I moved a little bit further away from him.

"Like, what?" I asked, feigning ignorance. It wasn't effective at all, smiles were bursting from the corners of my mouth. I gave an awkward smile, the kind of smile you give someone who you think you've known but can't seem to remember and you suddenly meet him on a busy street. 

"Nothing..." He stood up, looked at me and smiled cryptically. I never knew if it was a smile that tells you he's happy or that he's thinking of mischief. Either way he left me without saying a word. I looked at him while he was heading towards the gym for his practice games.

 

All this time, I wondered how I started to become a little too curious about his personality. 

In my head, I thought of how mysterious he would act. His sudden walk-outs. He never talked that much, yet everything he did was with meaning. It would take a long time to understand someone as secretive as Dan. He wasn't expressive, he'll never tell you what he thinks. Keeping too many secrets. It made me want to know him more. His expressions and the looks on his face spoke more than the words that came out of his mouth. Actions do speak louder than words, especially from a man who barely talks.

I could still overhear the giggling and the whispers made by the Amazonian tribe nearby. I knew what they were carelessly chatting about me. 

I wanted to avoid them as much as I could. I knew getting involved with them would mean trouble for me. They were familiar with the school and the people in it. I was still on my second day.

I never knew how to keep grudges, because I would always get even. I do forgive my enemies from time to time, but not after I've had my revenge. It might sound mean, but to me that's how my world works. Its how I was brought up. 

I calmly stood up, slung my heavy bag over my shoulders and walked towards the gym.

They were standing in my way towards the gate. So my only other option was to retreat. I didn't mind going home a little later than usual. So I had an idea of watching how the basketball varsity practiced. 

Not that I had an interest, I didn't have any other place to run into. There were students as well who would watch their practice games. So I'm sure they wouldn't want to start something in front of so many people.

So I went to the gym's direction, yet there was no one practising. There were a few students playing around but I'm sure they weren't part of the varsity. So I just sat on the brown bleachers made of hard wood. The squeaks of shoes as people were playing around could be clearly heard on the shiny wood tiled floor. The sound of so many balls bouncing at the same time filled the air with a sort of hypnotic rhythm.

Students running around so full of life, as if school wasn't tiring enough that they have to exist all of their energies again. I continued to watch them playing around I noticed some guys coming out of a tall door.

I saw Dan and Rei along with other people I didn't know. It seemed like they were going to start their practice. They didn't notice me yet, I was on the other end of the gym which was a bit far from where they were at. I saw them both with their bags and still in their school uniforms. Dan didn't look as tall as some of them though you could still say he was quite tall for a first year student.

Rei looked at my general direction and stood there for a few seconds. He placed his hands over his brows as if trying to look like a pirate who just seen land. He suddenly waved his hands, I wasn't sure yet if he was waving to me. I tried to look like an idiot who had no Idea that I was being called. I'm sure it had no effect because both of the were heading in my direction as their other companions were going.

I didn't do anything at all. I didn't even react to his play full waving hands. I sat there still looking at the others students playing. I could see Dan in the corner of my vision looking at my direction as well. 

Rei and Dan were approaching me walking casually. Amid the students all running around and balls getting in their way every now and then.

"Why are you here Hanz?" he asked like a child. His eyes were slightly wide, looking like a curious monkey

His expression looked charming.

I just stared back at him looking dazed, surprised that he just jumped to my side and sat there as if he owned the bleachers. I couldn't answer, I didn't want to tell them that their fans were stalking me and were ready to shoot me down with all their primitive weapons, which is their lame quips at me.  Just because these two idiots gave me more attention. I didn't consider them too close though, we were still at the level of acquaintances, though you might assume that would change later on. You will know as we go along.

Dan sat on the bleacher to my right he was on the lower part because the chairs had two floors, you know. The kind that looked like part of stairs. He leaned closer to my leg. We sat there for a bit looking at the other students playing their own games.

"I thought you had practice?" I asked the question meaning it for Dan, but he didn't reply.

"Coach had things to do and stuff." Rei interrupted the silence.

 

I didn't ask anything else, I wasn't interested. I was just there to escape those primitive monkeys. Which I failed to do, because they were also nearby still looking at my direction. They had those looks on their face which meant trouble for me. The sharp looks they threw at me had murderous intent mixed in it. I felt like a buffalo, being stalked by lions.

What added to their annoyance was when Rei put his arms on my shoulders, we talked about random things like what the lessons were and all the boring little details of this school. He was telling me or bragging rather about his talents and what not. I didn't pay attention to most of it. I'm sure he was just making up most of the things he said. 

Dan below me just sat looking forward, the last time he spoke was when we were at the canteen. His silence always puzzles me, he looked like a tree or maybe Rei was a right a mountain perhaps would fit him more. I wanted to ask him something, but I didn't have any kind of question that might interest him. I didn't even know what else he liked aside from basketball.

He wasn't the type of person who might have had a lot to say, but somehow I always felt that he was thinking about a lot of things. He looked just like me when we have a boring class. My mind escapes to a world of its own. I no longer pay attention to my surroundings and I just blank out getting lost in whatever I was focusing my mind on. It wasn't just occasional, It was a habit. Daydreaming, sometimes I would laugh to myself when I remember funny moments or I would imagine myself as one of the anime characters that I frequently watched. 

I was looking at Dan's direction thinking of all of this in my head and didn't pay attention when Rei kissed me again. 

"Hanz you should keep on spacing out." He joked.

It was easy for him to give me a kiss to the cheeks close to my ears, since his arms were already around my shoulder. I didn't even flinch this time, his kiss still felt awkward and he made it linger a few seconds more than last time. It wasn't something that I particularly wanted, neither did I find it quite irritating for me to punch him again. That didn't mean that I could not send my elbow crashing to his side ribs. 

"Awww, Hanz why do you keep on harassing me?." Rei gasped. I think I hit him a little too hard perhaps.

Serves him right. I still don't know whether he does that to annoy me or just because he wants to.

Dan turned his heads towards both of us, our noise must have distracted his attention.

He didn't see Rei kissing me, all he saw was Rei rubbing his ribs. He smiled at me, those cryptic smiles again. His eye were complimentary to his personality, deep and absorbing. Like a painting you never understood the meaning to, yet you'd be willing to pay million to possess it. I never quite understood the kind of effect his eyes had on me. Without adequate light it looked deep brown like the dessert sands after the first rain. The last prayers for the afternoon played again, this would mean that we were already allowed to go home. I just sat there in silence listening to the prayers in the background, the students were quite. 

The usual sound of basketballs and squeaky shoes paused. They looked like robots that ran out of battery, just standing there with heads down, Some even squatting on the wooden floor. Everything was silent, only the sound of prayers were heard from the speakers and the occasional gusts of wind.

I wasn't too intent on the prayers. I was thinking on how we ended up with this kind of religion. I thought back, if we weren't conquered by Spaniards. What kind of gods would we be worshipping? 

I didn't think too much about that, I just wanted to go home.

Rei, messed my short hair after wards and just jumped down from the bleachers heading towards the direction of the parking lot. I would later know, that he always had a driver to drop him off at school and pick him up. He must have lived a pampered life. He went ahead of me and Dan who was still seated.

"Dan, are you still staying here? I'm going to go ahead of you" I told him as I slung my bag over my right shoulder taking a step down the bleachers.

"I'm walking home, I live nearby." Dan took his bag and walked ahead of me.

"Wait Dan, I also live nearby, I'm walking home as well."  I had no idea where his house was. Though nearby could mean anything from in front of the school or towards the exit where the main road was, which is like a mile away from the school's entrance.

Our school was located at the end of a subdivision, it extended way back towards the slope of a nearby mountain. You could say it was somewhat hard to get into since the roads had only two lanes and a lot of the students there had cars. Which would cause traffic every single morning and every afternoon dismissal. 

I decided to walk with him anyway, it was kind of boring walking along the road. I didn't talk to him while we were slowly striding towards the gate, he didn't seem to have anything to say. I couldn't tell if he was annoyed at me for walking with him or not. He didn't exactly say yes to me going with him.

 

He casually moved forward and looked back at me as if asking whether I would go with him or not. I just moved along with him.

We already approached the gate and there were cars cramming in there as well. The gate of the school was already out of sight from the next bend on the road, there was still a long line of cars. I was surprised to hear someone calling my name.

"HAAANNNZZZZ !!" It was a familiar annoying voice.

 

"Why don't you hitch a ride? There's still a lot of space. Come on Hanz and you too Dan, I know your house is just along the way," It was Rei, the windows from the black ford escape he was riding were down. Peering outside shamelessly and calling us out. I thought I saw someone sitting beside him. I didn't mind.

I didn't want to hitch a ride on his car, his annoyance inside the school was enough. I didn't want it to extend outside. Dan didn't respond as well. He looked hesitant, the kind of look you have when you ride on a jeep with a friend you suddenly meet and both of you look at each other, waiting who will pay for the ride and then you would rebutt and offer as well. That kind of awkward situation. I think he was waiting for me to say something because he wasn't really looking at Rei.

"Thank you Rei but my house is just a few minutes walk away, there's no need to bother." I graciously responded. Yet I knew he wasn't the type that took no for an answer. He looked sodden and gloomy when I said it. I didn't mean to offend him. But walking is one the things that I like to do. It made me think and move at the same time, it doesn't require a lot of mental effort. I could walk and think about so many things at the same time. Rather than just sitting and thinking of the same things. 

"Don't worry Rei, I'll ride some other time. I'll make sure of it, perhaps when its raining or if I'm crippled. But right now I do appreciate the offer." It didn't make his face change a bit.

"It alright, bye Hanz, bye bro. See you tomorrow." The tinted windows slowly came up covering his face.

We continued moving forward well ahead of Rei's car which was still stuck in traffic.

"Dan, where do you live?" I asked, because I obviously didn't know then.

"Nearby." His curt answer, I expected something more specific. I didn't even know if we passed his house. Because up until the main road he was still walking with me. Just a few more minutes of walking and we'd already be at the entrance to the subdivision where I lived. He didn't say a word to me, I didn't bother to ask. I was already standing at the main entrance to the subdivision where the guard was sitting by. He was already familiar with all the people who lived inside. What surprised me was when he looked at Dan and gave a nod to him as well. Don't tell me?!

To be continued... 

Memoirs of a Gay-Sha: Chapter 10

By: Ace

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CHAPTER TEN

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It didn't feel like what I expected, It wasn't electrifying or anything. It felt kind of wet and awkward.

I don't know, its basically just skin touching skin, why does it have to feel anymore special than when someone touches your elbow or something. Maybe its just movies that put too much spotlight on it.

It was the first kiss from someone who wasn't related to me. He basically stole it. With all my dumb looking classmates as witnesses. Either someone saw and didn't give a shit or its normal and no one cares.

"I told you I'd steal something from you if you space out again Hanz..." Rei reminded... 

"EEEWWWW Rei." Was the only thing I could say. I looked at his face and he looked like he was proud of what he did. He was smiling, those dimples again. 

"You say eeww, but just like yesterday you looked like you enjoyed drinking that dr.pepper. Your cheeks look redder than an apple." I didn't know how I looked like godamit I don't have a mirror with me.

"At least that was sweet, your kiss was lame." Wait what? I think I said that wrong. He might interpret that I wanted a sweeter kiss. What would a sweeter be kiss anyway? Put sugar on your lips? 

Is he just fooling around? Is this how boys are supposed to act if they start to discover themselves?

I was confused, I mean how should I feel if someone kissed me. Should I jump for joy.

My head felt kind of hot and so were my cheeks. I think I have dengue.

"Remeber we'll have lunch later, be sure to buy a lot of food." He told me that before he returned to his seat and talked with a group of my classmates who were bringing magazines.

Why does he keep on annoying me on purpose. Why doesn't he go to the other extra characters. I'm sure someone will want his annoying antics. I'm not used to people being close to me. I'm allergic. 

I noticed Dan still lying on his shirt. With his fists clenched. He looked like he had some sort of nightmare. I dunno, never seen someone sleep and look angry at the same time. Well that's how he looked. Maybe he just sleeps like that. He looks like he's dreaming about fighting or something? 

The teachers were done with their meetings and we got to have boring discussions about what we need to cover how we'll be graded all the useless stuff that have no real life application.

Lunch.

"HAAAAAAANNNNNZZZZ!!"

Before I could say anything, he was opening my bag and rummaging through my things and looking for my lunch. 

I punched his head. Lightly of course, I don't want to give him amnesia.

"Rei, wth are you doing?" He doesn't seem to care that its my bag.

"Obviously looking for your lunch, I mean. MY lunch." He's fking annoying again.

"Oooooo. toblerone, can I have this?" I should let him have it, just in case its poisonous.

Dan stood up beside me, I mean towered beside me. Looking at what Rei was doing.

Rei didn't seem to mind him at all. Dan looks kind of threatening if you don't know him. 

"No Rei, its mine." I had to claim it back.

He pouted his lips like a kid.

Who cares if its poisonous. Its still chocolate, I'd still die happy.

"Hey Dan, want to eat lunch?" I asked him.

Well if he didn't have much friends, so did I. At least he's not annoying.

Maybe he's the perfect friend I'm looking for. Someone who doesn't talk much or gets exited about almost anything. Like some sort of imaginary friend you don't need to talk to. 

The exact opposite of annoying Rei.

Ok, so awkward silence is all I get for inviting him to lunch. Did he even hear me? Wait is he waiting for me to get out of his way to the door? I thought. 

Dan rummaged inside his bag got another extra shirt and stood there. Maybe I should move out.

"Dan treat us to lunch! You treated Hanz yesterday. You don't even do that to any of us in the team or even some of our classmates. You should be fair!" 

Rei doesn't seem know the meaning of the word shy at all.

Dan just nodded. 

"So does that mean he's treating us to lunch? or eating lunch together?" I was confused in my head.

Rei went outside first and I just followed him, Dan was behind me walking with our pace. We went down and got on to a cramped canteen. We found a few chairs that had all kinds of leftovers in it.

I didn't want to sit there. Our room is so damn far that when we get here, everything is already taken.

Rei spoke first "Lets just get some food first and sit on the bleachers or somewhere, we can eat anywhere we want anyway." 

Yeah, I did notice, students just sitting anywhere they want. At the side of the fields, under those creepy old trees even on the stairs. They just eat where the heck they want. Seemed like a good idea.

I didn't want Dan treating me to food again, it kinda seems like overdoing it. I don't like to owe anything to anyone. I just didn't like the feeling that someone was expecting something from me just because they gave me something for free. I think I'm borderline paranoid.

Rei already had his plate loaded with beef steak and extra rice. Also pestering me to get more food so he can eat my food later. Greedy and annoying, two words that can summarize Rei. 

Dan had an unusual menu. Salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, a boiled egg, some sort of gooey soup and a piece of bread. 

I got honey glazed bacon and fried rice. fk diets.

So Dan went ahead of us since he didn't need to go to the cashier. I brought my food and the guy just made an ok sign and told me there's no need to pay. 

I said, I didn't want to be treated to lunch. 

What will I do? Argue with the cashier that I want to pay for this? So I just stepped aside and waited for Rei, who was made to pay for his lunch. 

Funny, so that means... Never mind. I laughed at how he tried to look for his money. I'm sure he thought Dan was going to treat him to lunch. 

"Where's that huge gorilla, I though he was gonna treat US to lunch, he didn't say YOU only. Damn."

He sounded annoyed. Serves him right. Being so shameless.

Dan was in one of the bleachers putting down his lunch and If my eyes were right, smiling to himself. I'm sure he set up Rei. I thought that was odd of him to do that. I guess he works in mysterious ways. 

So we squatted on the bleachers which were wide enough. Dan was beside me and Rei was in front.

Before Rei started to eat his steak, he was already taking half of Dan's bread and dipping it on his soup as well. Ok so its already usual for him to take other people's lunches. 

Dan must be used to it already, he didn't seem to mind. He was slowly eating his salad.

"Hanz, you want some soup? Before Rei gets all of it?"  Dan was looking at me with those captivating eyes.

"Its ok Dan, It won't be enough for both of you. Especially your pet pig." Dan just smiled at my reply.

"Who are you talking about HANZ pork and beans?" Rei held his tongue out, he's being annoying again. I just ignored that. It wasn't funny, at least to me. Dan and Rei we're laughing. They looked so carefree.

"But let me just taste it instead." I got my spoon and tried it a bit. 

Cream of mushroom. Bleghhhh. It tasted like an old tree, not that I've tasted old trees before, but it kinda felt like an old tree, I don't like mushrooms to start with anyway. Its probably because I've never eaten sweet mushrooms before. 

I pretended to like it, I didn't want to offend him. 

"MMmmmmm." I sounded so fake, hurhur.

I was already finished with my lunch, Rei was still on his second extra rice. Dan still looked like a goat munching random grass. I eat really fast. I'm not really picky when it comes to food, as long as it has hints of sweetness in it. Its fine. It can pass.

I remembered my cute toblerone.

I took it out and started opening it.

But Rei was already holding out his hand.

I didn't want to share. 

So I slowly opened it, then it had three cute triangle thingys. I broke one off, I was about to hand it to Rei.

Kidding, he can go die. I'm not giving up my chocolate. 

I ate all of it.

"Haaanzzz!! Nooooo! You greedy bastard!" Rei then put one of his hands on his eyes as if wiping his imaginary tears. He looked like a cute little rascal.

I opened my mouth and showed him the bits and pieces of toblerone being munched down inside my merciless mouth. 

"This is so not me, his craziness is being contagious." Inside my head I'm not acting like myself. Maybe I should make a separate crazy personality that I could use in school... 

Not likely for me to have bipolar tendencies.

I didn't notice Dan trying to surpress his laughter. 

He splat out some of his salad, which I think was becuase he was trying to stop laughing and he had some sort of cough at the same time.

None of the bits went to me because I was beside him.

Rei had green pieces of chewed salad on his pants. 

Because he was still keeping his head low. Most of it went to Rei's plate.

Dan looked so red.

I just burst out laughing. I couldn't help it.

"FFFFFUUUUUUkkkk, Dan, you ruined my meal! Pay for it godamit!" Rei is so touchy when it comes to his food. Even though he already finished ninety percent of his meal. Not much he can do, but cry over it.

We ended our meal with that. We still had forty minutes left for lunch. I had no idea what to do.

Even though they just finished eating they were already heading to the p.e. room. Dan had already exchanged his ID for a ball. Some of my classmates were around and they decided to play. There we're so many hoops around the gym. 

They couldn't have Dan and Rei on the same team since it would be unfair. They were supposed to be some sort of superstars. I didn't care. Basketball was one of the sports that I could not understand. There was no point in shooting those balls through the hoops. 

To prove what? Well not that I hate sports but... Ughh.. I was about to start a discussion again.

"Do you want to play basketball Hanz?" Dan was asking me to join.

"Be in my team Hanz, I'm sure we'll win. You don't even need to do anything. Just pass me the ball." Rei was already claiming me. Air head.

So what reason am I gonna come up with. I don't like the sport. I don't want to offend them. 

"I don't play with balls." I wanted to say that, but it would sound weird.

"Sorry guys, I'm not really into ball games. I prefer marathons, movie marathons to be precise."

What a lame excuse, coupled with a bland joke. I'm bad at this. Who cares as long as I have some reason not to join them. 

"Awww, too bad Hanz we could have won against Dan, don't worry I'll still win though." Rei there's a limit to 

everything, including your pride. Though you still have no clue.

Dan was just his usual, sad self. 

I don't like competing with anyone. Its never been in me to excel at anything. I like to watch how people tirelessly improve themselves. The dedication to their passions is something amazing to me.

I've never felt anything like that. I've never found something that I want to do for a while. 

I'd see something new and afterwards I get bored. My attention span being short might be one of the reasons. I've never been devoted to anything, except chocolates maybe. But that's an exception.

They were playing three on three.

At the start the game was casual, passing balls here and there. I thought it was a serious game, they didn't even keep tabs on the score, or their violations. They just played, its a game. They're supposed to enjoy it. 

Rei is right, Dan transforms when he's playing. 

No longer the guy who had silent admiration for the floor.

His head was straight, he was focused. I could see it in his eyes, the constant flicker and his shirt blotched with sweat. Though he still didn't talk much, his eyes were fast. His head would turn towards Rei and while keeping tabs on his teammates, but he was more intent at keeping a close watch on Rei. 

Dan was taller than Rei by around three inches. 

That didn't stop Rei from doing what he could inside the court.

He was skilled, he made up for the few extra inches by knowing how to take advantage of the players.

He knew who to pass on to. He was very strategic. He knew that he can't make it past Dan. Rei was a team player but wasn't the type that enjoyed being in the side lines too much, he wanted to shoot as well but Dan was keeping him from doing that. I could see the tension building between Rei and Dan.

They were focused in their game.

No longer the annoying Rei that I usually see. He was serious as well..

They were both dripping in sweat. They didn't take their eyes of each other. I couldn't help but imagine how these two would play together as a team. they were wary of each other's movements. I could see them eyeing each other carefully. They both held the ball when they could. The other players were now starting to matter less and less. They didn't keep tabs on who was winning or not. They were just there to play.

I could see the four classmates who joined them getting tired of the play.

They still were serious with each other. I assumed both of them didn't want to show off or compete directly with each other. So this must have been a venue for them to do that without making the tension too obvious. The tension between the two rookies rose with every successful shot they made. 

I could read it in the heavy atmosphere. the way they looked at each other's movements as if assessing the next move one will make, wary and observant of the other.

They continued to play even though some of my classmates were already sitting down.

they were one on one by now. The tension between the two was getting more and more obvious.

They kept on playing, Dan who I thought was scoring more than Rei. But rei could block some of dans attempts as well. He could still level the playing field by knowing when to act.

Dan was the kind who would rush forward despite the obstacles. He would push on and on, tirelessly

maybe that's why he sleeps alto in class because he plays too much he must have little time between practice his homework and school.

The bell rang the tension between the two dropped, they stopped. Dan returned the ball.

They both grabbed their  uniforms on the bench where I was seated at.

Dan was smiling at me, his dimples showing. He was proud of what he had done, I don't know whats going on behind that head of his. He is very hard to fathom his hazel eyes could drown you with the stare. If you look once, you'll be spell bound to keep on looking, As if your soul was drawn to its very depths. Trapped.

His smile had the air of a sweet little boy who had just done something good to make his mom happy.

He had played the best he could and he was damn proud of it,.

He must play like this on all his games, he gives it his all.

If only he could apply that to school and his personal life.

Rei is a different story.

He wasn't smiling he was sitting down.,

Still trying to catch his breath. His head down, sweat dripping from his nose and short cut black hair, his shirt now completely damp.  

I punched his shoulders lightly.

"You did well Rei, never thought you could play good as well.."

He smiled back at me. He then breathed a bit heavily a small fog withdrew from his mouth. He was still too tired to talk or reply to me. Which is good in a sense that he isn't too annoying.

Rei sat beside me without saying  a word, still resting. He looks  better when he's tired. He stays still.

Dan was on my left, not wearing a shirt. Finely built body with clearly defined muscles. Lean and light.

The right body type for basketball.

He didn't look as tired as Rei, just sitting there. 

Resuming his head down position. He was breathing evenly.

"We should go up, her royal majesty is gonna be paying us a visit. We don't want to be late for that."

I grabbed my bag slung it over my shoulders and jumped from the bleachers. I was trying to go ahead of them, I didn't care if they followed or not. I don't want to give dragon lady any reason to breath fire on me. 

They both jumped and followed me as well, Rei was still wearing his jersey wet with sweat. Dan still shirtless, I could notice other students looking at him. It might be natural for them to admire or be envious at this walking Greek sculpture. 

Rei was beside me and Dan was following from behind. He might have noticed that people were already staring at him since he wiped himself with his extra shirt, then rummaged inside his bag for the uniform and started changing while still walking now slowly catching up beside me.

I looked like I had two body guards, I wanted to walk faster. I didn't want their tribal fans club, stalking me or shooting me with arrows from afar. 

Rei must have noticed since he would always try to keep my pace.

Dan just casually put his hand on my shoulders. Not the all over my shoulders type, just his left hand on my right shoulder as if telling me to stop or maybe slow down. My tactic didn't seem to serve its purpose.

Instead of losing the two gorillas, one was now holding me down. The other one was sticking closely.

Dangerously close that he stepped on my left foot.

"AWWWWW, Rei! Tread carefully?" I complained.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to do that... You walk too fast, slow down a bit will you its not like we're going to be late." He apologized. 

Because I had to grope my foot just to make sure it was alright. Dan wasn't holding my shoulder anymore he was standing there looking at me. Waiting for me to stand up, I was taking my damn sweet time trying to massage my foot. It didn't feel accidental. It hurt. ANNNOOYINNNGG REI.

When I stood up, Rei casually placed his right arm around my left shoulder and left it dangling a bit on my 

right chest. He felt kind of warm, his body was so close, I could smell the salty sweet smell emanating from him. I couldn't describe what sort of perfume or deo he uses, but it smelled something like Mossimo.

It didn't smell bad even though he was a bit sweaty. He was a bit heavy, but it felt comfortable. 

"This is better so that you don't walk to fast and I'll make sure I wont step on you." He smiled at me.

Dan went up, ahead of us. Whats wrong with him. I wanted to catch up to Dan but we were already close to the stairs and everyone was congregating and it was somewhat cramped. I lost sight of him we were still on the first flight of stairs and he was already on the second. 

Plus Rei was heavy on my shoulders. I didn't mind though or I didn't care. I just wanted to go up, sit down and listen to my teacher talk about how boring the world is. 

I forgot, bitchirella is gonna be teaching (read torturing) us. Her royal hugeness handled filipino, which I had a hard time paying attention to. I'd already read the classics of Filipino literature. From my sister's books. I knew what we were gonna talk about so paying attention will be hard for me. I have the attention span of a humming bird, two minutes max. Exaggerating again. I just get bored too easily. 

I didn't want to bother Dan, he was too busy staring at the floor again. The only thing different from when he stares at the floor normaly and when he stares at the floor when he's thinking about something is his eyes are somewhat off. It looked kind of dead he didn't blink too much nor did he notice that I was looking at him...

He looked sad. 

I stopped staring at him, because if I see his puppy eyes I might begin to feel sorry for him again. Or maybe give him a treat or scratch his ears. Hahaha.

I didn't want to talk to him either, Sauron was keeping watch. Even if she has her eyes on a book. She has a third eye somewhere surveying anyone who might be talking while we were supposed to read a chapter in our books.She asked mundane questions, which anyone could easily answer if we just read the damn chapter. She never called me, maybe one of her tactics so that she would have no reason to give me a score in participation. I didn't care.

She ended her lessons without anyone fainting or dying. 

I was too busy thinking about what Dan had in mind. I'm not psychic but you can tell a lot of things by the way that people act or the choice of words they make. 

If you applied that to me, you'd probably have an idea that I have some sort of mental disorder.

I didn't want to disturb him or ask him why he was acting strange. I'm not very intrusive, I don't ask if you don't want to tell. There's no need to. If you want to share I will listen, if you don't I won't mind. 

I wasn't good at keeping secrets, because I easily forget things I do not have any use for...

He suddenly stood up and spoke softly "Can you go to the canteen later?" He then walked outside. 

Okay, so no need to respond then? He should have just forcefully dragged me. 

So calling me to the canteen and not going with me there...

Seems like a good idea of a way of inviting someone.

I didn't want to, I wasn't that hungry and I didn't want to see that tribe which seemed to use the canteen as their hunting spots. Maybe they lived there too.

What am I supposed to do now...

So walking towards the canteen was the total opposite of my plan. Which was head straight home.

I wasn't sure what intrigued me, Dan's invitation or seeing tribal aborigines in their natural habitat.

Who knows, I might learn a thing or two about primitive communities or why Dan invited me.

He was seated farther to the right. On a table that was thin and rectangular, so you had to sit beside each other. I'm sure he was expecting me to come because he was already staring at me approach.

It made me feel conscious. I didn't want to return his stares, I didn't want to look at his eyes. 

The tribe chief was there as well. With his tribesmen, there were five of them now. Staring at me.

All of them had raised eyebrows. One of them, whispered "here comes the whore" when I passed in front of them. Keeping my stride slow just to annoy them. I pretended that I didn't hear them, because it wasn't creative enough for me to keep in mind. They could have said I had "accommodating morals" it would have made me think more. But sadly they cause dullness in themselves and others just by existing.

I'm thinking all high and mighty again. I promised myself I wouldn't look down on other people. Mehh.

Thats not like me. So I decided to look down more on them.

I was planning to annoy them later, I'm sure they're gonna watch me...

To be continued...

Memoirs of a Gay-Sha: Chapter 9

By: Ace

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CHAPTER NINE

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"AHAHAHHA, now we're even" He continued laughing.

"Fuck you Rei!" I suddenly blurted out because he punched really hard and I was surprised. 

"Is that a threat? Or an invitation? I'm open to your suggestion." He laughed his annoying laugh again.

Dan suddenly stood up, left his seat and went outside without saying a word. Why does he keep on doing that, the walking away thing.

"Hanz, I told you to stop spacing out. The next time you space out again, I'll steal something from you."

He told me with a devilish grin showing his cute dimple.

"You could have told me nicely Rei, not punch me." I harshly said

"What were you thinking of this time?" He asked.

"Why is Dan always like that?" I interrupted. He seemed so mysterious. I didn't know any details.

"What do you mean?" Rei asked, his eyebrows were raised, as if curious and annoyed at the same time.

"He doesn't talk, he keeps his head down, he's so slow and lazy. Does he have a lot of friends?"

I wanted to ask a lot about this enigmatic guy beside me.

"Whoah slow down, are you trying to make a scrap book?" He teased.

"I asked you seriously Rei, for once will you stop being annoying. I'm just curious."

"He just transferred here last year. He was like that when he arrived. You should see him play basketball, I'm sure you'll rethink the slow and lazy part. He transforms when he's in the game."

"Does he have a lot of friends here?" I had more questions in my mind.

"He's actually not very friendly, even in our team he doesn't talk much. He says something when its necessary other than that, you won't hear him talk too much. Most of the time he just nods or smiles. But he doesn't have any enemies. Either they are afraid of how big he is or they just can't seem to find any reason to hate the guy. I mean if you look at him. He's like some sort of... I can't put my finger on it, but maybe like a mountain. I mean he's just there. Very visible and silent but deep. Or maybe like an inactive volcano waiting to erupt. I don't know him that much, he could be a cyborg, robot or alien"

Rei looked annoyed, like he didn't want me to ask so many questions about Dan, it was obvious in the way he acted. 

"Aren't you gonna ask anything about me Hanz? I'm sure I can answer you." 

That was unexpected. Why would I be interested in you. I'm sure you'll be the first to tell me unnecessary things about yourself, like the time you defeated a dragon and random bullshit you make up. But anyway, I didn't have much to do so. I thought of something that he would answer seriously.

"How would you define love Rei?" I did answer that question for him and it reminded me that he had some questions in mind before I could finish. Out of curiosity maybe I should pursue the topic.

Love is intriguing, everyone supposedly experiences it yet no one has ever completely explained how it works. There are very thin lines separating infatuations, crushes, likes, adoration, admiration so many words yet they all refer to one thing. Attraction.

He looked somewhat surprised from the looks in his eyes.

"I honestly don't know. I haven't experienced love yet. Or maybe I have I just can't make sure of it. I mean, its unexpected. You'll never know when it comes and when it does you become confused. You have no idea what to do with it. I mean falling in love is like making yourself vulnerable, you give your heart to someone else and hope with all you got, that they don't break it."

He looked liked he was in a daze and that he wanted to say a few more things but he didn't say anything else.

He asked me, just to break the silence...

"Hmmm... Well I was thinking of that we should get lunch together. I didn't see you take your lunch yesterday." 

Was he following me yesterday then? What an odd guy, but the thought of eating lunch with him... Yesterday's snack was a disaster. Maybe I should say no. I might end up not eating anything if he decides to take all my food.

"Hanz, you don't have to say yes. All you have to do is eat with me later." He went back to his seat and I couldn't even say anything to avoid his invitation. I couldn't make up any excuses.

Dan returned and went back to sleeping on his shirt, he looked so peaceful.

I wanted to sleep as well, so I crossed my hands on top of my table and started sleeping. I could still hear my classmates talking and running about. The background noise started fading away, I was a bit tired from thinking too much last night and I ended up sleeping less.

I was barely conscious but I could feel someone caressing the hair on my head. Petting me like a puppy. Repeatedly.

I didn't care, I thought I was dreaming or half asleep. I didn't pay too much attention to it. It felt kind of nice actually someone touching your hair while you're half-asleep or half-awake. 

Whatever.

I realized that I had fallen asleep I don't know if the person touching my hair continued or not. I had a hazy memory of that event. 

I was jolted awake by the bell ringing signaling our first recess, we still had no teacher. It was announced earlier that all the faculty would have a meeting so it was expected. There were only student council members roaming around checking which classrooms were too noisy. Which seemed like another one of the useless things that schools do. If they wanted students to be silent when there were no teachers. They should have carpeted the school and made walls out of egg cartons. To minimize noise.

Some of my classmates were leaving and some just stayed inside and continued their banter.

I noticed Dan was still sleeping beside me. The bell didn't even wake him up. Slowpoke. 

I couldn't see Rei inside the room, he must have taken his snacks. Why am I even looking for him.

I decided to open my bag, to take a book and read something. I was curious when I saw a piece of yellow plastic. When I tried to take it, thinking it was some sort of trash. To my surprise it was a mini toblerone. 

That's odd. "Who could have put it here, its not like yaya would put something like that in my bag. I don't remember bringing any chocolates with me. Could it be? No way, why would he?" 

I put it back in my bag, it could be some sort of magical thingy. I don't know. Maybe if I eat it, I'll never be able to return to the real world and get stuck in some fairy dimension or I could fall into eternal sleep and wait for the kiss to wake me up.I laughed at myself. I'm being crazy again. Too much anime.

I took my english book and randomly opened it.

I started reading excerpts from Don Quixote of La Mancha. I could somewhat relate. He had all sorts of delusions in his head, the only difference is that he followed those delusions and strove to make it as real as possible. I found it quite admirable, but crazy. To live your dreams. Not many have the courage to do that these days. They bend to social standards and they regret it. Why do we even have to live by standards that other people set. 

I continued to ponder Don Quixote, while looking outside the window. The trees were visible and the day was clear. I could still hear my classmates continuing their laughs and discussions..

*smack*

I was brought back to earth, from the adventures inside my head. By a sudden kiss to my cheeks.

To be continued...