Save Me

iii. hunger

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the sound of metal screeching. He whipped his head to where the sound came from, and his eyes widened when he saw Harley standing up before leaving the classroom wordlessly.

"Harley–" Eudora let out a sigh before pinching the bridge of her nose. "Can someone do me a favour and check on him?"

Harith raised his hand. "I'll do it."

Cyclops looked perplexed, but Eudora gave him a grateful nod. Harith left the classroom and went straight to the restroom. Since he kept finding Harley in there, he hoped that he would find him again.

When he entered the restroom, he was surprised to find Harley in there. He thought that the mage would change hiding spots by now, but it seemed that the restroom still remained as his favourite place to go. The mage was currently washing his face, and he quickly turned off the tap when he saw him entering.

"Why do you keep following me?" Harley asked, his voice tired. He picked up his gloves, and Harith caught the sight of the cuts on his hands. "If it's about yesterday, forget it."

Harley motioned to exit the restroom, but Harith placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. He could feel Harley tensing under his hold, and he tilted his head to look at the mage. "Who's doing this to you, Harley?"

Harley stared at him for a while before letting out a mirthless chuckle. "Don't try to look too deep, leonin. You're only going to get yourself into trouble."

Harley was about to leave the restroom again, but he suddenly stopped midway. His back was against him, and Harith was confused when the mage suddenly placed his hand on the wall. His body started shaking, and, the moment he dropped on his knees, Harith knew that something was wrong. He quickly moved over to assist the mage.

"Harley?" Harith could hear Harley's breathing suddenly became laboured. He helped shift the mage into a sitting position by leaning his back against the wall. "What–"

His eyes widened in fear when he noticed how pale Harley's lips had turned. He looked like he was on the brink of passing out.

With his enhanced hearing, he caught the sound of Harley's stomach growling. Could it be that the mage hadn't eaten? "Harley, are you hungry?"

Harley blinked a few times before looking down. His voice was barely above a whisper when he said, "No."

"Liar." Harith took out his wallet to check the amount of money he had. He had enough to buy Harley some food. "When was the last you've eaten?"

Harley averted his gaze. "You don't need to know."

"Harley," Harith said, his voice firm. He was staring at Harley straight in the eyes now, and he gave the mage's shoulders a slight squeeze. "When was the last time you've eaten?"

It took a while before Harley answered, "Yesterday morning."

"What?! That was like a day ago!"

"Well, I'm sorry I couldn't eat," Harley snapped, but then his eyes widened when he realised what he had just said. He shook his head before making an attempt to stand up. "Whatever. I'm going to–"

Before Harley could get up, Harith had stopped him by placing a hand over his shoulder. "You wait here. I'll buy you some food."

Harley sent him a glower. "I can buy my own food."

"Yeah? And let you pass out on your way there?" Harith asked, raising a brow. "No thanks."

Harley let out a scoff, but he didn't say anything else. Harith took it as a sign that he actually wanted the food. He left the restroom and headed to the cafeteria. The cafeteria lady was confused why he was buying food at this time, but Harith could only explain to her that he had to buy it for a friend who had been starving.