Haa.... Haa.
Jean lays flat on the wooden floor, staring up at the ceiling, his mind replaying the fight that had just occurred with vivid clarity. The smooth, cool texture of the wood contrasts with the fiery emotions swirling inside him, amplifying his distress.
Images of the clash flashed before his eyes—each jab and parry, each moment of hesitation gnawing at his self-worth like a relentless predator.
He couldn't shake the stark reminder of his limitations, that sickening awareness that he was not the master of his own body and actions during the encounter.
With every impact, he felt his control slip away, like grains of sand escaping through fingers clenched in desperation. He hated that feeling—the suffocating realization that when push came to shove, he was not the master of his own fate.
Memories of his past life flickered like a cruel film reel, reminding him of how chaos could easily take over when one is not in charge; it haunted him, echoing through his thoughts like taunts.
The thought of experiencing that helplessness again twisted his stomach with dread, a visceral response that threatened to overwhelm him.
In this world, where only the strong were respected and where the system afforded him so many advantages, failing to harness that strength felt like the cruelest joke ever concocted—one he refused to be the punchline of.
Defiance ignited within him; he would not allow fear to paralyze him. Clearing his throat, he called for reinforcements in the form of his friend.
"Hey." Jean called out, breaking the silence that enveloped him, desperately seeking some semblance of encouragement.
{What?}
{I hope you ain't gonna tell me to say good job to you or anything like that.} Adrian replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. Adding fuel to the fire.
"Can't you be supportive for once in your life?" Jean retorted, his tone a mix of frustration and sincerity, hoping for some semblance of encouragement that he so desperately craved. Each word felt like a plea, a silent call for understanding beyond the humor they typically shared.
{Nope! Where's the fun in that? Hahahahaha.} Adrian laughed, the sound echoing in the room.
*B****.* Jean barked playfully, his irritation fading as he recognized the humor in his mockery.
Rising from the surprisingly warm floor, he made his way to the bathroom, taking a shower in attempt to wash away the remnants of the fight and the lingering feeling of inadequacy.
As the icy droplets cascaded over his skin, he focused on the sensation, using it as a grounding technique to pull himself back from the edge of spiraling thoughts.
After cleaning himself up and ready for school, feeling more composed.
"As always, I look damn good." Jean said. Becoming a narcissistic.
He ventured to the dining hall, where the atmosphere was alive with chatter, laughter, and the mouth-watering aroma of breakfast filling the air like the gentle embrace of a warm hug.
As before, two imposing bodyguards stood at the entrance; one swung open the door for him with a silent nod of acknowledgment.
Inside, he spotted his parents engrossed in conversation, their faces lighting up as they caught sight of him. Jean smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his chest—a stark contrast to the turmoil earlier.
"Good morning! Sorry for the wait." he said, feeling an instant wave of comfort wash over him, as if the love radiating from his family could dispel the shadows lingering in his mind.
"Oh! My baby is here. Come give mother a hug." Sara beamed, her voice dripping with affection as she opened her arms wide, a refuge from the chaos.
Jean chuckled, the infectious joy of his mother's playful antics cutting through his earlier thoughts like sunlight piercing through clouds on a dreary day.
"It's not like that." he responded, shaking his head and grinning, grateful for the normalcy of their routine—a sanctuary that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil he faced outside their home.
{You sure are luck to be blessed with a good family.} Adrian said thoughtfully, adding weight to Jean's reflection on his life.
*Yeah, I really am.* He nodded to himself, feeling profoundly grateful as he tucked those moments into the back of his mind to pull out during trying times, a reminder of the unwavering support waiting for him.
...........
RING....
"Okay, that will be all for now. Everyone should be back here after break. Do I make myself clear." Clara said to the class sternly, her presence commanding the attention of even the most rambunctious of students.
*How is this a class for six-year-old children? This is screaming strange.* Jean thought, standing up, the absurdity of the situation making him shake his head.
*Well, no need thinking about it.* He shrugged, deciding that over-analyzing the situation would only waste his precious energy. Refocusing his thoughts, he turned to another matter at hand.
*Okay, let's meet James and have a nice chat.* He walked out of the class. Walking down the hallway, he scanned the crowds for James and his crew, each passing face a momentary distraction until he finally spotted him coming out of the bathroom, a flush of confidence radiating from him.
"Hey, James." Jean called out, his voice steady and composed despite the underlying tension.
James turned to see who called, shocked to see the guy he challenged.
"What do you want?" He spat, an edge creeping into his tone.
"I want to talk about the time of our meeting on Saturday." Jean said calmly, his eyes locking onto James' with a piercing intensity that dared him to dismiss him. James had a look of understanding, the gears in his mind visibly turning as he contemplated their rendezvous.
"How about 3pm?" he replied, the nonchalance laced with a hint of anticipation, as if he secretly relished the encounter. Jean nodded, accepting the proposal.
"Alright. See you then." He turned to walk away, his shoulders squared and exuding a sense of liberation.
"Hey!" James bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall, effectively halting Jean in his tracks.
"Did I say you can go?" he said mockingly, the bravado now a barrier trying to conceal his vulnerability.
"You think you can come and go as you like? No chance. Come here." Jean didn't offer him another glance; he wasn't about to engage in his games.
"Your mouth is way bigger than your body. You know that." he shot back, walking away with an air of indifference. The crowd erupted, leaving James trembled in shame and rage.
"You...." He couldn't form his words, humiliation twisting his features, making him a target for all around. His act cranked up the crowd.
"Look at him... He looks like an ape." someone shouted.
"Here, want a banana?" another chimed in, the laughter contagious as it cascaded through the hallway.
"Hahahahaha." The laughter lingered in the air as Jean kept walking, the weight of his earlier doubts slowly lifting with each mocking laugh at James' expense.
In that moment, Jean experienced something like never before.