Capítulo 3: 2.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
2.
Katlego:" That's a beautiful name for smart ass like you," he said with a smile.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Katlego, the guy who was supposed to be my academic rival, was giving me a compliment. And not just any compliment, but one that made my heart skip a beat.
I felt my face heat up, and I couldn't help but look away. No one had ever talked to me like that before. I mean, I was used to people noticing my grades, but not my name.
I pinched my leg secretly, just to make sure I was still alive. I felt overwhelmed, like I was dreaming or something. I didn't know how to react.
Katlego seemed to notice my reaction, and he chuckled.
Katlego:''Most people would have said thank you, but I guess compliments don't move you anymore. You know you're smart, and you've got a beautiful name to go with it.''
I couldn't hold eye contact as he talked. I felt like I was melting under his gaze. No one had ever looked at me like that before.
Katlego:"Nice meeting you once again,'' he said, his voice low and smooth. ''I'd like to befriend my rival in academics. Maybe I'd learn more from you.''
I nodded, still looking away. I didn't know what to say. I was still trying to process what was happening. Katlego, the guy who was supposed to be my competition, was being nice to me. And it felt weird, but also kind of... nice.
As he walked away, I let out a sigh. What just happened? I thought to myself.
.
.
I quickly grabbed my bag and rushed out of the classroom as soon as our last teacher left. I wasn't going to stick around and risk running into the bullies. I walked fast, my feet pounding the pavement as I made my way to the school exit.
As I trekked home, I heard someone call my name from behind. ''Precious, wait!'' The voice was loud and getting closer. I turned to see Katlego running towards me, his long legs covering a lot of ground. I stopped walking and waited for him to catch up.
When he finally reached me, he was slightly out of breath.
Katlego:''You walk so fast, like it's some kind of walk-a-ton or something,'' he said with a chuckle. ''Why's that so?''
I couldn't tell him the truth - that I was trying to avoid the bullies who loved to taunt me. So I just nodded, trying to play it cool.
Katlego looked at me curiously.
Katlego:''Are you always this quiet, or do you just not like me?'' he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I felt my face heat up. Who wouldn't like him? I thought to myself. I definitely liked him, but I was too nervous to say anything. And I knew I wasn't quiet - I talked to myself all the time, especially when I was alone in my room. But around Katlego, I seemed to lose my voice.
I shrugged, trying to play it off. Katlego smiled and fell into step beside me.
Katlego :''I'm walking you home, Precious,'' he said, like it was a done deal. And I didn't argue. I couldn't argue.
Yes, Katlego walked me home, his pace matching mine as we strolled through the quiet streets. We didn't talk much, but I enjoyed the comfortable silence between us. As we approached my father's black gate, I felt a pang of disappointment that our time together was ending.
I bade him goodbye, trying to hide my smiling face as I pushed open the gate. Katlego watched me enter the house, his eyes lingering on me like a scene from a romance movie. I felt my heart flutter as I closed the door behind me.
That night, I was in my best mood. I headed straight to my art corner and picked up my paintbrushes. I finished my sunset painting, the colors blending together in perfect harmony. And then, I painted him - Katlego - with vibrant, happy colors. I lost track of time, painting until midnight, the hours flying by like minutes.
I didn't even notice that I didn't eat dinner and no one felt to call me for dinner not like I was expecting anyone to, and I didn't feel like cooking either. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Katlego, replaying our conversations and the way he made me feel. As I put down my paintbrushes, I stepped back to admire my work. The painting of Katlego was my best work yet, capturing the essence of his bright smile and sparkling eyes.
I went to bed with a smile on my face, my heart still racing from the excitement of the day.
.
.
.
I strolled into school late for the first time in forever, not that anyone noticed. The classes flew by, and before I knew it, recess was in full swing. I settled into my usual spot, trying to blend into the background.
Katlego appeared out of nowhere, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Katlego:''Aren't you going out for recess?'' he asked, his voice low and smooth. I shook my head, unable to reveal my true reasons - the bullies, the anxiety, the fear of being condemned.
"Why's that so?'' Katlego pressed on, his gaze piercing through me.
"I've got work to do!'' I blurted out, trying to sound convincing.
"School stuff?'' he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes,'' I replied, trying to sound confident.
"Impressive!'' Katlego exclaimed.
Katlego:''Which school work, cause I know we've only just resumed yesterday. There's no school work for now. Unless you're reading ahead?'' He smiled knowingly, and I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Then, he dropped the bombshell.
Katlego:''Not to be a bad friend, stopping you from your good grades thing, I need a guide to the school canteen. I didn't do breakfast, so I'm hoping for some here. Can you please be my guide?''
Guide? Why me? There were plenty of other people he could ask. Maybe it was because he walked me home yesterday and thought I owed him a favor.
I hesitated for a moment, but something about his charming smile put me at ease.
''Okay, fine,'' I said, standing up and leading him to the canteen. ''This is it,'' I said quickly, eager to return to my safe haven.
But Katlego wasn't having it.
Katlego:''Where are you going? Don't tell me you're leaving me here to get lost on my way back.''
I rolled my eyes, thinking, Is that even possible? He could just ask any student where the Form 5 homeroom was, and they'd show him. Oh we have English next, and it's a different classroom. For different subjects like English, mathematics, history and science, form 5 students usually move to specialized classrooms assigned to those subjects. He can't get lost in the school tho.
Still, I couldn't help but feel a thrill at being needed by Katlego, even if it was just as a guide.
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