Monochrome Stories

Black's POV

A few days have passed since I first talked to Crimson. I started to visit the music department more often since then. We don't really do anything important. We just talk, relax, and do random stuff, but there's something I've noticed ever since that day. The rumours about me started to change. 

It was dismissal time, and I was fixing my things to go up to the music room again, but then I was stopped by White, who took a seat on my desk. 

"Can we talk?" He asked. 

I stared at him, and noticed his look of concern. "Sure." I replied. "What is it?" 

"Well, I've heard that you've been hanging out with someone suspicious after school." 

"Suspicious? What are you trying to say?" I said, my voice sounding a bit angry. 

"I don't mean to say anything bad. It's just, I've heard that you're hanging out with the delinquent from the music department."

"I am, and can you not call him a delinquent? He's a really nice guy."

"But he is!" He exclaimed, his voice getting a bit louder. "He's been involved in a lot of fights ever since the start of the school year." 

"And you believe that shit?"

"Because that's what people are saying!"

I slammed my hands on my desk, then stood up. "I haven't been hanging out with him for the longest time, but from the time that I have, I can confidently say that he's not as bad as the other people say. You're just one of those people that listen to the majority instead of finding out the real story." I grabbed my bag. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going." I said as I walked away. 

How could he even say that? Crimson's not a bad person. He just doesn't know anything. God, it's pissing me off. 

"Is it true?" I heard the people around me talk again. 

"Do you think he's being threatened?" 

Doesn't this piss him off? How can he just take what people are saying about him? It's so goddamn annoying.

I finally get to the music room and saw Crimson playing the guitar by the window like always. He stopped strumming as soon as he saw me. "Oh, hey." He greeted me with a smile.

I walked towards him and took a seat next to him. "Hey." I replied as I took my sketchbook out and started sketching some random stuff. 

"Uh, are you okay?" He asked. "You look horrible." 

I sighed loudly. "It's fine. There's nothing to worry about." I replied. 

He started strumming again. "Suit yourself." The melodic tones radiate throughout the room. "I'm still here if you need to talk." He started to sing. 

~Promise I'm not playing tricks on you~ 

~You're always welcome to come in~ 

How does his voice do this every single time?

~You can stay here for an hour or two if you ever need a friend~ 

It's like a trigger. It makes me feel weak...

~We can talk about the noise when you're ready, but 'til then~ 

Vulnerable... 

~I'll say it must have been the wind, must have been the wind~ 

"Actually..." I said. "There's something bothering me." 

He looked at me and smiled. "What is it?" He asked as he continued strumming. 

"Aren't you bothered?" 

"By what?" 

"The rumours. Isn't it uncomfortable that people think so horribly of you when you're such a nice guy." 

He continued to strum, but the melody became sadder and lighter. "I'm not as nice as you think." 

"What?" He smiled at me, but this time, his smile wasn't the dorky one he always does. It was sadder, like the melody of the guitar. It looked lonely, and doubtful... It almost looked like he was guilty of something... 

He stopped strumming. "I'm gonna head home. What about you?" He asked. 

"I'm gonna stay here for a bit." I replied. "Take care." 

Did I say something wrong? Was it too much of a personal question? 

No. Stop overthinking Black. It's fine. It's gonna be fine, right? 

After a few minutes, I finally decided to go home. The sun was already setting and there weren't too many people at school. It was only just students doing club activities. I didn't join any clubs because of my condition. I don't wanna be in a clubroom with only grey people there. It'll just be uncomfortable for me and for them. 

"Oh." A voice behind me said. I turned around to see Lilac carrying a bag full of art supplies. "Hey there." She said. 

"That looks heavy. Want me to carry it for you?" I offered. 

"No, thank you. I can probably handle this." She replied as she struggled to carry the bag. 

I take the bag from her. "Really, it's no bother. Let me walk you home. You look like you're about to fall."

She stared at me with a shocked expression on her face, but then smiled. "Thank you. I live just a few blocks from here." 

"Come on, then." I said as I walked ahead of her. She caught up and walked beside me. "What are you doing here?" I asked. 

"I just had some club activities." She replied. 

"What club are you in?" 

"The arts club." 

"Well, that makes sense." 

"What about you?" 

"I don't have a club." 

"What? Then what are you doing here?" 

"I-" Should I tell her I was with Crimson? "I was just sketching." 

"Where? I don't think I saw you at the classroom." 

"I was at the music room. On the fifth floor." 

"Oh." She stopped for a bit. "Then the rumors must be true. You're hanging out with that Crimson guy, right?" 

How the hell did the rumors even get to her? "Uh, well..." I stuttered. 

She walked in front of me and faced me. "You don't have to hide anything." She ȧssured me. "I'm sure he's a nice guy. Why else would you be hanging out with him?" She took the bag from my hand. "This is my house. Thanks for walking me home. See you tomorrow." She said as she entered her house. 

Her mom opened the door and saw me. I waved a little and tried to smile. She waved back and gestured for Lilac to come in. I proceeded walking home right after. 

Why can't everbody just be as understanding as her... But now that I think about it, Crimson mentioned something earlier...

What did he mean by he's not as nice as I think? Did something happen to him? But I guess I shouldn't pry into it too much. I'll just wait until he's ready to talk... No matter how long it will take.

Oh, and I should probably apologize to White too. He must be upset with what I did earlier. I feel a bit sorry too. I didn't mean to shout at him. I really don't want any bad blood between the two of us. Guess I'll have some stuff to do tomorrow then.