Even after he’d shoved the ointment out of sight, Henry couldn’t concentrate on class at all. Once again, it was because of Declan Russell.
Just thinking about it made his face burn hot. Henry thought that from others’ perspective, steam might be rising from the top of his head. That’s how embarrassed he was.
In Henry’s mind, the incident where he’d nearly been hurt by the broken basketball hoop was ultimately mostly his fault.
He hadn’t known that being told not to come meant that. At the time, Declan’s dry and indifferent voice had felt exactly like contempt to Henry’s ears.
Whether it was truly the disgust he’d perceived, or merely a warning about danger—there was no way for Henry now to see into Declan’s true feelings.
But.
In the end, hadn’t Declan Russell chosen to run under the hoop without hesitation to help Henry? Even though he could have gotten hurt too if things had gone wrong.
This fact alone made Henry feel ashamed.
If our positions had been reversed that time, would I have been able to do that? The hypothetical wouldn’t leave his mind.
Despite receiving such help, Henry Lowell still disliked Declan Russell.
“Henry.”
The clatter of a tray being set down. And then his name being called.
Henry, who’d been sitting blankly in the cafeteria recalling that incident, jerked his head up. He saw David pulling out the chair next to him.
“David? Why…?”
“Why? Joseph was worried. He said you might’ve gotten weird after getting hit in the head by the basketball hoop. He said you almost fell on the stairs just a bit ago too. Are you okay?”
He asked in a gentle voice at Henry’s bewildered expression.
It was the same voice as always, yet somehow it felt like it had been a long time. Even though he saw David every day, even though it had been only recently that he’d been captivated by him each time he saw him.
It’s because there’s someone who makes my head spin even more than David, Henry thought.
Henry’s heart would always race toward David on its own if he let his guard down even a little. To prevent that from happening this time, Henry tried not to make eye contact with David.
He didn’t forget to answer in a grumbling tone to hide his feelings.
“It didn’t hit my head. And on the stairs, I almost fell but didn’t actually fall.”
“That’s what I mean. Why would you almost fall on the stairs? Your body is your asset. Take care of it, you’re gonna wear it out.”
David burst into a soft laugh and ruffled Henry’s hair.
Henry’s lips jutted out in a pout.
“I was thinking about something else.”
“Want me to guess?”
“What?”
“What you were thinking about.”
David grinned at Henry. It was a smile filled with confidence, as if to say I know exactly what you’re thinking.
Even in that brief moment, Henry thought:
I hate how David makes that face when he doesn’t know anything.
Completely unaware of Henry’s thoughts, David spoke casually.
“You were thinking about Declan helping you, weren’t you?”
“…Why would I think about that guy?”
Henry answered in a sullen voice.
“You can’t fool my eyes. I’ve been watching you for years. The basketball backboard fell toward your head and Declan caught it and saved you. The rumor’s already spread everywhere. With your personality, you would’ve been bothered even if it was someone you got along with, but it was Declan of all people, so you must be even more bothered.”
“Ah, it’s not like that.”
“It’s not? Did you thank him?”
“I did.”
Henry waved his hands dismissively, feeling like his true feelings had been exposed.
He wasn’t feeling particularly pleasant. At times like this, he felt somewhat wronged, thinking David was quite perceptive.
David didn’t care about Henry’s reaction and said what he wanted to say.
“Wow, you’ve really grown up. Our Henry.”
“Am I a child?”
As David nodded with satisfaction, a slightly sulky voice popped out. It was because he suddenly felt hurt.
Unable to gauge Henry’s true feelings, David still wore a cheerfully smiling face.
“Can’t help it. You were so young when we first met. Every time I see you, I think of that time.”
“That was so long ago. David and I are only a year apart.”
“I know.”
David leaned back in his chair and let out a laugh. It was the face of someone recalling the past.
The problem was that Henry found that quite unpleasant.
“I actually like Declan quite a bit, you know? He’s my junior after all. But I’ve been watching you for so long. That’s a whole 13 years, and no matter how precious Declan might be after only a few months, could he compare to you? Maybe that’s why. I keep coming to you and saying things you don’t want to hear.”
“…I don’t hate it.”
“Right, you don’t particularly hate my nagging. I know that too. But even someone like you would hate nagging about getting along with someone you dislike, wouldn’t you?”
“……”
“I’m not saying become close friends. You’re the pastor’s son, so love everyone like your father does—it’s not some trite story like that. Just, get along moderately. Just moderately. You know it too, don’t you? Declan can be helpful to you.”
Henry and David first met 13 years ago. It was when David’s family came to the church where Henry’s father served as pastor.
David’s parents had been looking for a new church after the small church they attended disappeared. They liked Henry’s father’s sermons and soon became regular attendees.
David, an only son. Henry, who had one older brother and two older sisters, but they all had large age gaps so he needed a friend his own age. The two quickly became friends, and from elementary school through high school, they stayed together.
When did he start liking him? Henry tried to recall but couldn’t remember. It had become a feeling that had accumulated for such a long time now, aged and settled.
What was certain was this: after Henry became aware that he liked David, he regretted having become close with him.
If they hadn’t met, he wouldn’t have come to like him. Perhaps he could have lived an ordinary life meeting women his own age throughout his lifetime.
That’s why Henry thought while listening to David’s words: It’s because of you that I started disliking that bastard.
Just then, as if summoned, Declan Russell, who had just finished eating, passed by. David called out to him in a cheerful voice.
“Declan! Did you eat well?”
His gaze landed on David, then moved to Henry. Henry, whose eyes met Declan’s, turned his head away.
He was scared of what Declan might be thinking, seeing him with David. The urge to run away rose up to his chin.
“I’ll go first, David. See you later.”
“Huh? Henry! Wait…!”
Henry grabbed his tray and stood up abruptly. He didn’t want to show Declan Russell the sight of him having a conversation with David.
He heard David’s puzzled voice since less than half the food he’d bought from the cafeteria was gone, but he didn’t look back.
The familiar voice gradually got buried in the noise and disappeared.
***
Henry ran into Declan again not long after.
The first afternoon class right after lunch period.
“Okay, then. Based on what I’ve explained, we’re going to do a practical exercise. In pairs, you’ll first measure your heart rate in a relaxed state like now. Then once after doing enough exercise to make you breathless. Then once more after resting for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll measure three times total, write it down, and submit it. Anyone have questions?”
Once again, Henry found himself unconsciously following Declan with his eyes. After wasting about half the class like that, he finally snapped to attention when the teacher started talking about the practical exercise.
When no one raised their hand, the teacher spoke again.
“I’ve already made the pairs, so do it as is. Don’t change them on your own. Come out and check, then go in and start.”
Following the students taking the class with him, Henry also went out to check the pairs. He stood behind the crowd gathered in front, trying to find his name written somewhere on the paper attached to the whiteboard.
Among those who were happy seeing their partner’s name and those who were annoyed, Henry found his name. And just then, the male student in front of him also checked Henry’s partner and looked back with a shocked face, saying:
“Whoa… Henry. Your partner is Declan?”
Damn it.
A curse that didn’t become a sound scattered inside Henry’s mouth. When he turned his head, right next to him—he saw Declan leaning against the teacher’s desk, waiting for the kids to disperse.
