‡† The Unseen †‡

27 † The Unmasking †

Apologies for any mistakes you might come across!

Also, gosh I'm so sorry for going MIA for the past few weeks, had things on my plate that I had to cover, but I'm back, so... Let's get back to understanding the huge blob of twisted threads that was Raven ^_^
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The next day ultimately made the white noise in his head worse.

Not that they did anything that day. All the students just went about sightseeing, buying and just horsing around and inevitably piling debts for their parents and all. The evening that followed was quiet, however, and it was at that moment that all the strains in Raven's muscles decided to come back with a vengeance.

He really needed a massager or a masseuse or whatever they called people that gave massages.

Their school should hire a physiotherapist.

Raven felt antsy, as was the norm recently, so he decided to go look for the only two people that could make him unwind.

Looking back, that was not a good idea.

He found Devon and Kaya sitting on the porch as yesterday, the glow from the interior lights casting gentle shadows to flicker around them. It was so calm and serene and cure Raven wanted to wreck the moment with a non-majestic entry. At least that would lighten his mood, calm him down somewhat. But Raven stopped when he heard Kaya speak, albeit hesitantly.

"By the way, Dev, can I tell you something? Something I've never told anyone? Like, you know.."

Devon arched a brow at her, awry, his expression dry as he regarded her. "Seriously? Why have you not told me that you haven't told anyone?"

Kaya looked away, a little embarrassed. "You've got a point."

"Of course I do."

Kaya took in a deep breath, then spoke, "Before... before you and I got.. you know, this, I had a crush.. on Raven. Like.. way before now."

Raven blinked.

Okay.. I feel like I shouldn't be here anymore. Like, I shouldn't know that, right? I'll start feeling weird.

Devon's voice showed more amusement than surprise. "Raven? Really?"

"Yeah," Kaya replied, "But that's not the point."

"What's the point, then?"

Raven wanted to know that too.

Kaya continued. "I mean, he's always been so confident, so... untouchable. But that same confidence made me.. resent him? I don't know. It just felt as if he walks around like.. he owns the place, like nothing can touch him. It was annoying, almost taunting, like he was on another level and no one could touch him, could do anything. Even though he was nice, and he was actually a good guy, it still pissed people off that he was like.. teachers literally sing his praises, you know? He gets everything, helps with everything, it was.. I'm not sure you get it-"

"No, no. I get that," Devon cut in, nodding slowly, "It'd always seemed that way. But it's his.. armor, you know? Like.. a way to keep people at a distance or something? I.. I don't know how to explain it in a way you'll understand."

Raven watched Kaya shrug like it wasn't a big deal. "It's okay.. at least now know he's not an actual snob. Because back then? God, my group and I hated him. Many people did. To be honest, they either admire him, want to be with him, or just can't stand him. I was in all three camps at different times."

Devon sighed. "Yeah, I get that. I just don't know how to help you, like, understand the guy. He's like, let's see.. a flowered pillar surrounded with colored, jagged glass."