Saval turned over in bed, still half asleep, and rubbed his eyes slowly.
He rubbed his face with both hands, as if trying to wipe the tiredness away. He had slept better than in previous days, though he still didn't feel fully rested. Maybe it was the tension of being in that shared space, or maybe because his mind kept thinking even while asleep.
Are you up already? he asked, raising his voice a little.
No one answered.
He sat up, feeling the morning chill on his back. He picked up his phone to check the time again, as if something might have changed since he last looked a minute ago, and that's when he noticed the missed call from David.
A call at 8:30 a.m. wasn't usual for him. David usually respected other people's sleep schedules, even during exam weeks. He only called like that when something was up.
The phone buzzed again in his hand. It was David calling back.
Saval swiped to answer.
David?
Finally, came the voice on the other end, sounding somewhere between worried and relieved. I thought you were dead or something.
I was asleep. What happened?
Nothing serious. I mean, depends. Are you okay?
I'm at Semiel's place.
There was a brief pause.
Seriously?
Yeah.
How's that going?
Saval sighed, resting his elbows on his knees.
Weird. It's not bad, but… there's still that strange thing between us. I don't know if you get me.
Yeah, I think I do. But… why are you there?
I don't know. It was spontaneous. I ended up staying. I guess I just needed somewhere that wasn't my house.
Your parents?
They're… the same as always. My dad's caught up in his stuff. Mom tries to help, but it's complicated. I left before the usual drama kicked in.
David made a small noise in his throat, like he wanted to say something but wasn't sure how.
Well, I actually called about something else too. Not just to check if you were alive.
Yeah?
Xavier.
Saval frowned.
What about that guy?
He messaged me early this morning. Said he wants to talk to you. Just you.
—With me? And why through you
—Because he knows we have classes together and thought it'd be quicker to reach you that way. Or so he said. Anyway, if you don't want to see him, no problem. I don't really trust him either
—I don't either
—Just letting you know. Don't want you saying later I didn't tell you
—Thanks… did he say what it was about
—Just that it's important. And that he doesn't want to tell anyone elseSaval stared at the floor, his bare feet against the cold Wood
—Do you think I should see him
—I don't know. But if you do, make sure it's somewhere with people around. Just in case—Yeah… I don't even know if I want to talk to him. That guy always shows up when something's wrong
—And right now, there are things going wrong
Saval nodded, even though David couldn't see him
—I'll let you know if I decide to talk to him
—Do that. And if you need anything, just text me
—Thanks
—And hey… David added just before hanging up. It's okay not to know what you're doing. No one expects you to have it all figured out. But take care, okay.
Saval swallowed
—Okay
He hung up and set the phone aside. Stayed sitting for a few more minutes, trying to decide if he had the energy to start the day
That's when he heard noises from the kitchen
He got up and walked barefoot into the hallway. Found Semiel making coffee, a mug in one hand and his hair still messy from sleep
—Did I wake you? Semiel asked, not quite looking at him
—No. David called
Semiel nodded. He poured some coffee into a second mug and set it on the table, in Saval's direction
—Everything okay
—Sort of. Xavier wants to talk to me
—What does that idiot want now
—No idea. But he told David it's important
Semiel let out a quiet huff
—That guy doesn't talk just to talk. It's always something bad. If you go see him, don't go alone—I know Saval replied, picking up the mug and taking a sip.
There was a silence. The coffee was hot and strong, just the way he liked it. For a moment, all that could be heard was the sound of the coffee maker and the wood creaking beneath their feet.
—Thanks for letting me stay last night Saval said suddenly.
Semiel looked up.
—You don't have to thank me.
—I do
—Well… Semiel gave a faint smile. Then you're welcome
Saval sat down next to her, still holding the cup. The kitchen smelled of coffee and toast, and for a moment, the scene felt almost normal.