‡† The Unseen †‡

12 † Reciprocated †

“Raven. Sit, please.”

Raven did, crossing one ankle over the other, fingers interlaced on his lap.

“We’ve had… a few things brought to our attention,” the principal began carefully, eyeing Raven over the rims of his glasses. “Some of your teachers have expressed concern. Late assignments. Fatigue. One of the cafeteria staff noticed you looked dizzy last week.”

Raven gave a small, polite smile. “I’ve had a lot on my plate, sir. That’s all.”

“I understand that. And you’ve always been responsible—one of our best, actually. But I need to ask... Are you alright?”

There was a pause.

Then Raven leaned back a little, still smiling—this time, not just politely.

“Don’t worry, sir.” He tilted his head slightly, eyes glinting with quiet resolve. “I’ve got someone worrying about me already.”

The principal blinked, surprised by the answer, then slowly nodded. “Alright, then. But if anything changes… my door’s always open.”

Raven stood. “Thank you, sir.”

And as he walked out of the office, the sun from the window caught his face just enough to reveal the smallest of real smiles.

Not perfect.

But real.

——————

Second period was Math.

Math..

Normally, Raven would’ve been slumped in his chair, propping up his head, forcing his eyes to follow equations through the fog in his brain. But today, he raised his hand when the teacher asked for someone to solve the bonus problem on the board.

He didn’t explain his process like he usually did—no charming banter, no extra commentary to win a laugh. He just walked up, wrote cleanly, and sat down again. And for some reason, that gave him even more satisfaction; the fact that he didn't bother with the extra charms and grins and smiles.

So this is what peace feels like..

A few classmates exchanged glances. Tyler raised an eyebrow from across the room. Devon, slouched in the back, gave a subtle nod when Raven passed his desk, but didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to.

Raven stifled a laugh at the situation.

Look at me, the golden prince, finding affirmation and approval from the dark, dangerous emo bandages guy.

————

Lunch came, and Raven approached the cafeteria line without the dragging weight of indecision. He grabbed a protein bar, a bottle of juice, and then, without hesitating, sat down next to Devon—who was already nursing a drink, head low, sketchbook half-concealed.

Neither said much at first.

Raven unwrapped the bar and took a slow bite, watching the chaotic energy of the cafeteria swirl around them. Somewhere to the left, Tyler was whispering with Max. A girl from the chess team kept sneaking glances their way.

“So,” Devon finally muttered, “you sleep?”

Raven smirked. “A little. You?”

Devon shrugged. It was obvious none of them were having it easy.

But at least it was under control.

The silence settled back in—but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Not like it used to be.