‡† The Unseen †‡

06 † Expectancy †

At the counter, Devon took his tray—bare, just a sandwich and a bottle of water. He turned, and for a heartbeat, their eyes met across the cafeteria.

Devon didn’t flinch, didn’t scowl. He didn’t smile either.

But he looked. Really looked.

There was something unreadable in his expression. His brows weren’t furrowed, but there was a faint lift at the corner of his mouth—not a smirk, not warmth. Something softer..

Something puzzled. Like he was trying to decide if Raven’s words had just been a fluke… or a test.

Raven's frustration shifted to anger—not at Devon, but at the isolation and ridicule he endured. He felt a burning need to break through the walls Devon had built, to offer some semblance of connection, but every attempt had been met with silence or dismissal.

What do I have to do to get a peek behind all that armor, Devon?

Just as quickly, the moment passed. Devon turned away and headed toward the far edge of the room, settling into an empty table by the window, the sunlight casting a pale glow over the bruises on his knuckles and the messy line of gauze slipping from his wrist.

He didn’t eat right away. Just sat there, one hand loosely gripping the bottle, the other idly twisting the cap on and off. He didn’t look back.

But Raven did.

He finally sat down, slower than usual. His food had gone cold. Tyler shot him a sideways glance but didn’t say anything else. No one did.

Because Raven, who always laughed the loudest, who led every table he sat at—was quiet now. Still watching.

And Devon, even in silence, had said more than any of them could hear.

————

The hallway was crowded between classes, again. Raven leaned against his locker, enjoying the peace his body gave him while it lasted. He wouldn't trust it. Soon, he'd just feel the excruciating pain again, and he'd feel like just ripping his heart off again.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

But then he heard raised voices.

"Freak! Think you're better than us?"

He turned to see Tyler and Liam cornering Devon, who stood silently, eyes narrowed.

Of course.

Of course it was two of them. Stand up for someone outside the circle in the cafeteria, and they'd just lash at the unfortunate person like hurt, jealous puppies wanting their mother wolf's attention for themselves and them alone.

God, these people... How am I friends with them?

"Back off," Raven said, stifling a sigh and a groan at the same time, stepping between them.

Tyler scoffed, "Defending him now? Again?"

Raven looked around. Everyone was watching, even though some tried so very hard to act like they weren't. And it was obvious they didn't expect him to save the loser emo guy the second time.

You're all in for a shocker then.

"Yeah, I am. Now leave him alone."

The crowd hushed.

Tyler muttered something under his breath and walked away, Liam following.

Raven shook his head and went back to his locker, but not before looking back at Devon.