The 4.5th Step: Going Places

As our paths split up, we each went our own ways.
Connie and Richard have biology class coming up next.
Bell attends history class, waiting for Ray to eventually show up.
And I went on alone.

I was the only one really interested in English Literature, enough to actually take an extra course, so I wouldn't be too bored all the time.
It is also the only extra-curricular activity I participate in.

Ray is on the football team, because his parents wanted him to receive a scholarship.
He half heartedly boasts about his games from time to time to seem natural, although, I can tell he doesn't like it.
I assume it's due to the intense physical contact and risks it takes on the body.
That, and he really despises hurting someone, be it intentionally or not.
Intentionally makes things worse of course.
Despite all of his outer appearance, he is a big softie.
I like that part of him a lot.
It's something I also aspire, but being a gentle soul is not something you can just decide in a moment.
I wonder how he does it, maybe I should ask him.

Bell is in a physics club. They do many student experiments and stuff.
I once visited it out of curiousity and because I was tasked to pick him up to 'Four Boys' that day.
I was really shocked at how cool it looked, despite me not knowing a knick about anything they utilized.
He smiled and waved at me the moment I entered and cheerfully exclaimed he was a genius for solving a problem they had at that time.
I forced a light smile to express anything, but the confusion I truthfully felt.
As I looked at the experiment his face peaked into a bright smile, it was too pure for this world.
On our way to meet the others he couldn't help, but explain every single detail about the experiment, although I struggle to remember anything from it.
I am kind of sorry for it...but then again, I'm really not.

The other two brawns are just kind of there, having fun times as many as possible, trying new things and remaining the same at their core.
They support us how they feel they need to.
I remember two years ago, it was them who brought Bell with them.
He looked rather uncomfortable, but eased into our small, frequent gatherings pretty smoothly.
Although they are pretty impulsive and tend to have a narrow view on things.
I like their very honest pursue of happiness and support for others.
It inspires me.
Ray and Bell would not admit it that easily, but they are happy that they are always there for us when desperately we need them.
Which is, most of the times.

So even if all of us are not quite similar, in interests or upbringings, it's a lot of fun with those guys.
And I feel like they would support me through everything I go through.

Maybe...just maybe I could tell them about the girl I saw. "Anastasia", huh? A pretty and unconventional name, sounds elegant, but kind of a hassle to say everytime.
I wonder if can somehow shorten it.
'Ana'? No, that would confuse a lot of people.
'Stasia'? Doesn't have quite the ring to it.

Oh, right. I could find out how others call her, they wouldn't always say "Anastasia", right?
Or maybe I could give her a nickname mysel-
AHH! What am I even thinking, she has been stuck on my mind ever since I first saw her.
I need to figure out a way to see and talk to her again.
Eventually, I will spot her on the campus again.

While everyone else was getting ready and going to classes, I went out on the campus to get some fresh air and clear my head.
As I left the school building and went down the stairs, I stretched my arms to the sky, closing my eyes and ready to refresh my view.
I went on for about 2 meters until I felt a slight bump to my chest.
And when I finally opened my eyes.

"Princess Anastasia...?"

Side Chapter 4.5: End