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iv.
hate
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Harith couldn't help but feel worried when there were no signs of Harley. He had thought that the mage would come to school early like yesterday, but it seemed he hadn't arrived yet. Could it be that something happened to him? Harith shook his head at the thought. He was aware of what Harley was facing at the moment, but he could only hope that what he thought wasn't true. Maybe Harley didn't want to come early today? Hopefully, he had decided to come late because he wasn't in the mood.
He could see Nana looking at him in the distance, and he could tell that she was as worried as he was. Her brows were furrowed, and her lips were pulled into a frown. But, as much as he wanted to reassure her that everything would be alright, Harith could only give her a small shake of his head.
Sir Gord entered, and Harley still hadn't make an appearance. Harith grew agitated by the mage's absence. Harley had never skipped school before. He may be late or skip some classes, but there had never been a day where he hadn't make an appearance at all. Harith knew that it was too early to conclude that Harley won't be coming to school, but if this continues until the end of the day, he was going to–
There was a faint knock coming from the door, and Harith perked his head up to see who it was. Everyone looked surprised when they spotted Harley, but Harith just felt relieved. Though, the feeling was shortlived when he noticed that Harley doesn't look okay. His face was pale, and his body seemed to be shaking a little.
"Harley," Gord said, placing his book onto the teacher's desk. He approached the Mage Genius and examined his face. "Are you alright? You look–"
"I'm fine," Harley mumbled, moving past the older mage. When Gord tried to check on him again, he sent the mage a glare. "Leave me alone, you old geezer."
Harith could see Gord's lips twitching in annoyance, and he inwardly prayed that the teacher doesn't decide to punish Harley. No one seems to know about the mage's situation, and it would only make it worse if Harley has to face more than he already is.
Thankfully, Gord decided to let Harley's attitude slide, and he moved to the front of the classroom to resume his lesson. Harith glanced at Harley's direction, and he found the Mage Genius laying his head onto the table. He then turned his head to look at what Sir Gord had written, and his eyes widened at the board.
Mother's Day.
"As you all know, tomorrow is a special day," Gord said, spinning around. He used his index finger to tap on the board. "I'm sure all of you would like to show your appreciation towards your mother."
Harith watched as Harley quickly lifted his head up, and he noticed how he mage had tensed when he saw what was written on the board. Now, Harith knew who was involved in hurting Harley. Harith wasn't sure whether it was his mother, his father, or both, but, judging by Harley's reaction, he could tell that his mother was definitely the one hurting him.
"But, before that, I would like each of you to come up here and tell what you love about your mother," Gord continued, pointing towards a student who was sitting in front. He was completely oblivious with Harley's disturbed expression. "Come, there must be something your mother did that you love."
Harith wasn't the one getting abused, but he could somewhat feel Harley's pain when he heard what his classmates said. Someone explained that her mother loves brushing her hair, another one told them that his mother reads a story before he goes to sleep. From afar, he could see Harley lowering his head, and he could only guess how much longer the Mage Genius could bear before all of this becomes too much for him.
