Climax

Juan

Earlier, 1:19 A.M.
Boy's room, Lynx Cabin

I move around in my bed and glance at my lock screen. The numbers read one o'clock. I quickly turned off my device as the brightness that flooded the room was sure to wake my roommates. I have fallen asleep for only twenty minutes, which wasn't normal for someone like me. I had the sudden urge to use the washroom.

I sit up and climb down the ladder of the bunk bed. I flinch as my feet touch the cold wooden floor. I quietly walk around the backpacks and clothes strewn on the ground, holding onto bed frames and such to avoid my clumsy self to break other's peace and quiet. My foot hits someone's water bottle and I wince as it almost falls over. This place could use some decluttering.

I stop when I reach Ben's bunk. I look at him for a little and smile. My heart flutters as he tosses around a little. I wait for the movement to stop and keep going as I realise my staring was strange.

I reach the bathroom but realise the door is shut. Who can it be at this hour? I wait. It must be occupied by someone else.

I fiddle with my hoodie strings, pulling them back and forth. I started shivering and turn to the thermostat on the wall. I bump up the temperature and gingerly sway side to side to warm up. My movement halts to a stop as I hear the door unlocking itself and opening with a sonorous creak.

I see Nico walk out. He seems surprised I'm here and awkwardly waves. His arms are covered in scrapes and cuts. I worry. Has he practiced self harm?

"Are you okay?" I whisper as he passes by.

Nico must've been trying to hide his emotions as his face contorted to reveal a combination of sadness and stress. He nods.

I'm not surprised he doesn't give me a solid answer. I happen to be his brother's best friend and our interaction has always been a mixture of mutual acquaintance and uncomfortable greetings. We never seem to talk when I visit Ben and I don't blame him for not putting his trust in me. I sigh and close the washroom's door behind me.