Iridescent

37| Nosebleed

There was something I realised when I was attending Professor Dunbar's class. My last class with him before I head off to study period and exams for the semester. 

Robin asked Jaxton not to look for him after he left. Marty said something like that too. It was not quite similar, but it brought my attention to it. Marty asked me not to investigate further about Willow's matter. 

Does Marty's incident have anything to do with Robin's incident? Jaxton also seemed to know Marty but none of them really mentioned anything. I could only assume that it's because they commonly knew that person. 

I was sitting by a willow tree, planning to open a pack of chips when I saw Spark. He was talking with someone I didn't know. One of his mates. After he patted them goodbye he turned and immediately caught his eyes on mine. He wanted to avoid his gaze, at first, looking away, but he froze on his feet. He pursed his lips, spinning on his feet and walked towards me with a determined look. He slowed when he neared, putting on a nice smile. That smile I saw on him when I first met him on the trees, us two being "spies" and exchanging our "secret codes". 

I smiled politely at him. He might've had a few trip-ups but I respect his bravery for coming to talk to me. Even with that simple gesture, it's hard for people to do nowadays.

"How's life?" I asked with a slanted, playful grin. 

Seeing my cheekiness he relaxed, putting on a grin himself. "Not bad, you?"

I shrugged. "Exams are coming up."

Spark sat down next to me. His shoulders were at ease, his hands snuggly tucked into his pockets.

"I know," he eyed the willow leaves curiously, then flicked one with his hand, "tough."

"Spark," I started. "There's something I want to ask you about."

"Lemme guess, it's either about James or Alsa."

"Well, how about both? Since you were so generous to mention."

He stifled an inward chuckle, eyes still on the leaves. "I admit the Alsa thing wasn't that cool. I just... felt like if I rejected her full-on she'd be hurt."

"She doesn't look like the type of girl who will go ballistic over a 'no'. Besides, if you were really scared about hurting her, letting her wait and giving her false hope will only hurt her more."

He thought about this. "You're right."

"And James?"

Spark's shoulder sagged, "He was a friend. Keyword — Was. Those weren't my proudest moments in life."

"At least you know. I won't force you to tell me more if you don't want to."

He paused, "I was trying to impress the wrong people. That's all I want to say."

"Fair."

I eyed a group of people walking past and then started speaking again. 

"Spark."

"Everytime you say my name in that tone I know it's going to be a tough question."

I laughed. "Or, you can say, important."

"Fire away."

"Do you know Marty well?"

"Marty... Marty..." he shook his head. "I know him by name. He's quite notable. I often hear my troop leader talk about him. Why?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about Willow."

"Is Willow okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine now," I quickly changed the subject back. "So, you said, Marty's notable? How come?"