I Don't Have To

A Chase - part 2

"I just probably humiliated myself. I'm sorry." (The guy)

"Oh, you sure did." (Josh)

"Hey! We're comforting him, not bringing him down even more!" (Shaina)

"Hey, self humiliation is an evidence that you realized your mistake and decide to avoid it. Knowing it's humiliation makes you learn." (Josh)

"Sure, but this guy already tried killing someone! Bringing him down can cause him to extremely hate himself." (Shaina)

"Look. Let's just finish this off." I turned at the guy and added,

"You might've given us a really bad impression of you, but I think it doesn't really matter if you try to change for the better."

The guy nodded and smiled at the both of us.

"Allen. Allen Nicofuerto. Here's the cutter. I'm sorry." The guy introduced himself.

"Josh Soronio. Keep it. It's to remind you that you actually considered murder for once."

"Josh! What the hell?!" (Shaina)

I laughed and Allen chuckled as well.

Allen waved and left the school.

...

Well, that was a unique experience.

...

"Hmm.. Being friends with someone who tried to kill you is truly weird." (Josh)

"Of course it is! You could've died!" (Shaina)

"More importantly, why are you so worried and alarmed? This feels so out of character of you." (Josh)

"Someone almost died, of course I'd be worried. How are you that calm anyways?!" (Shaina)

"Oh, don't misunderstand. My legs were shaking until he left. I just tried to hide it." (Josh)

"Ah, impressive." (Shaina)

...

We settled down for a bit.

...

Wait, I haven't heard Paul speak the entire time.

...

I turned to see Paul.

He's still glued into his phone.

Shaina and I continued watching him to observe.

...

He placed his phone into his ear, and immediately stood up.

"WHERE ARE YOU?!" Paul shouted.

I couldn't hear the conversation.

"Alright, I'll head there!"

The call ends.

"Yo? What's wrong?" I asked.

"The manhole!" Paul shouted as he ran tow

...

The manhole?!

...

We arrived at the location, and heard someone shouting for help.

Paul immediately crouched down.

"Are you okay!?"

"It stinks here! And I can't climb up!"

Paul reached out his hand into the hole.

Shaina and I helped in pulling Aira out.

...

Huh. It was anti-climatic.

...

Aira stood up and tidied herself.

"Thanks guys! I almost died there." Aira smiled at us.

"For a sports-minded person, you're quite clumsy." I gave a remark.

"Oh you sure don't hold back huh?" Shaina hit me with her elbow.

"Are you okay?!" Paul held Aira's shoulders with a very worried look.

...

"Alright. Why were you here?" I immediately asked.

...

I guess I'm still kinda pissed at her.

...

"I.. I saw Paul run back here, and I had to follow. And I stepped on the cover." Aira explained.

"But I thought you were with your group as you left?" (Paul)

"I was curious because you looked really stressed when I passed by you." (Aira)

"No, don't worry about me! I do some shady things that I don't want you to get involved!" (Paul)

...

"Ah, yes. The drama line." I whispered under my breath.

"Ah, yes. The remarkable commentary from you." Shaina whispered back.

...

Wait. Aira cares about him that much?

She didn't do that to me but she did to someone she knew for a day!

Paul, I'm envious and proud.

...

"I kinda follow someone I just knew around to know things about them. Well, when they seem nice." Aira said.

"Creepy." (Shaina)

"Wait. Did you do that to me too?!" I couldn't stop myself. I had to ask.

"Uh.. Yeah! I know that you live alone too." Aira replied.

"Shouldn't you refrain from saying that? That makes you sound like a stalker!" (Shaina)

"She is." (Josh)

"That makes me a stalker? I just wanted to know some stuff about you!" (Aira)

"You could also ask people, right?" (Paul)

"Oh right!" Aira looked up as if she just understood something.

...

Oh right. I saw her as a very positive person.

...

I now realize she's just an airhead.

...

Shaina and Aira introduced themselves to each other.

Aira became a popular girl since I wasn't hanging out with her anymore, so there wasn't that much pressure.

We managed to reach the last bus ride, and got home safely.

...

That was fun.