~Melancholy-Inducing Love~ [Janisha]

~Melancholy-Inducing Love~

"Hey Nisha, can you tutor me on this lesson? I wasn't really paying much attention to ma'am, so..."

"Sure, Damien!"

I felt slightly giddy when he asked me. That's the fourth time just this week! It's as if I've become his go-to whenever he has a problem. Kinda flattering in my part, I admit.

"So, if you divide 'x' on both sides, you'll get the correct answer."

"Ohh, you're really smart, Nisha!"

"N-Not really, the lesson is pretty easy once you understand the basic concepts. Ma'am also explained it well when she discussed this, and it becomes easier to understand if you try solving some problems as the lesson goes by. Th-Then again, Al already taught me this topic last week since she said that it can be kinda tricky, so really the real credit goes to her--Oh gosh, I'm beginning to ramble again, aren't I?"

"It's fine. Thanks for helping, later."

He stood up from the chair he was sitting on and left, heading to where his friends are most likely located. There were a few smacking noises in their direction, and the chatter produced intensified.

Not again...I should really learn to not do that when I'm nervous. Ugh, now he thinks I'm weird... That's gonna be another tick on the rejection board. How many ticks were there already?

I sighed yet again, placing back the reference book, paper, and pen I used back into my bag. There was a slight squeak from my side as I felt another presence slide in the chair beside me.

"So, how was it with Damien~"

"Badly, Jay. Very badly. He's probably there talking about it with friends... Probably dissing or laughing at me... Ughh, I want to die, Jay. I. want. to. die."

"Nisha..."

"My reputation is ruined... and that's saying something 'cause I didn't even have one anyway, to begin with. Maybe I can travel to Mexico and live a new life there..? Hmm, Zenia might be a good alias to use, but then again--"

"Nisha."

I snapped out of thoughts and turned to the person who called my name. There was noticeably a small amount of force or emphasis when it was said.

"Yeah...?"

"It'll be just fine, don't worry."

I felt something light perch on top of my head. It was Jay's hand. He started patting me on the head. There was a bit of nostalgia in that gesture.

He would always do that whenever I start to panic...

All too suddenly, the feeling stopped.

"You tend to overthink things when you panic, y'know?"

I could feel that he was holding back his usual teasing and laughter in this case.

"I hate that about me, honestly. Where did I even pick up that habit?"

Jay shrugs.

"It isn't that bad. If you ask me, that's one of your endearing and cute qualities, and if the person you're together with thinks otherwise... then they're not really the person meant for you."

He stared at me dead in the eyes when he said it. I could feel part of my face slightly heating up, and my heart started to beat louder. I won't even be surprised if he can hear it.

Since when was he this charming-? Ah right, always.

"I--"

The bell rang, signaling that recess had ended. A wave of students entered the room at once. The last person that entered was our teacher.

"We'll continue this later."

I almost didn't catch what he whispered at my ear, but luckily, I did. I simply nodded, not able to give a proper response.

As sir continued to discuss the lesson, my mind was currently not where it should be and was traveling around.

This wasn't working at all... I inwardly sighed.

I don't want to destroy the friendship we worked so hard to build, but you're not exactly making it easier on my part. No matter how hard to get rid of this melancholy-inducing love of mine, you somehow manage to find it then return it even stronger, so please stop before I do something I'll regret, Jay.