When he walked into the room, I noticed his limp. I noticed the way he carried himself, carefully, like his leg was in pain. I noticed, and I hope no one else did. He took his usual seat next to me, dropping his book bag on the floor like he was glad to get rid of the burden. He always sat next to me, in the empty seat that was forever in need of an occupier. No one ever sat there. No one ever sat next to me. So he made a point to choose that one.

I was watching him again, trying to figure out why he was in pain. Did he trip? I wonder if he twisted his ankle. I didn't know. I still wondered though. I wondered all through class, eyes glued to him and his expression. I was being careful though. I looked away when ever his gaze wandered toward me. I didn't want him to know I was staring.

I said before that he sat next to me because no one else did. But I didn't mention that that was as far as our relationship extended. We didn't hang out and we weren't friends. I barely knew his name and I was sure he didn't know mine. No ever bothered to call it, or at least they've never called my given name, so he's probably never even heard it spoken.

Would he get mad if he knew I was watching him? I wasn't sure. Maybe he would just treat me with the same indifference like he always did.

Well, he didn't always treat me like that. One day, when my classmates were picking on me again he stepped in to help me. He didn't even say a word. It was pretty cool. He just walked in and slammed his hand on my desk, thoroughly mellowing out all of us. I was a bit frightened too, actually.

But I was grateful to him. I didn't really understand why he did it though. He's seen people bully me before and hasn't stepped in. Maybe it was because he noticed there was a difference from all the other times? I usually ignore the taunts thrown at me, but this time they were saying things that just struck a nerve with me. I didn't want to lash out though. That would just make it worse for me.

But he must have noticed and intervened to help me, right? Otherwise he would just have stayed at his desk, reclining in his chair like he always did; not a care in the world.

He worried about me at that time and interfered with my business because he wanted to help, and now I'm worried about him and want to do the same.

Normally I would make my way out of the class as soon as the bell rang, but I decided to lag behind a bit this time to see if I could talk to him. I know he likes to take his time heading to his next class.

When he finally picked up his books after stretching and letting out a yawn, he meandered over to the door. He raised an eyebrow slightly when I followed after him. He didn't say anything though. He never says things to me, or anyone else for that matter.

We walked in silence for a while as we walked to his next class. It was in the opposite direction as mine, but I didn't care. I wouldn't mind being late for this. It was more important to me.

I didn't know what to say to you, something to use as an icebreaker, so I decided to launch into the main thing I wanted to talk about. I swallowed nervously. I'd never had a proper conversation with you before.

I opened my mouth and asked if you were feeling okay. I hated how my voice trembled.

You glanced down at me, regarding me with your cool gaze.

Why? You ask. Why do I want to know?

Why do I want to know? Because I care, I want to say.

I was just wondering. That was true too. That wasn't really what I wanted to say though. But I'm too embarrassed to say it, so I guess 'I was wondering' would have to do.

You made a small humming noise, one of contemplation. A skateboarding accident, you say.

I nodded and we lapsed into another silence. I wonder if that counted as a conversation. Or would it just be small-talk?

There were so many things I wasn't sure of regarding you. I wonder if you would mind if I thought of you as my little enigma? There I went again, wondering about you. I laughed a bit in my head and felt a small smile cross my face. You certainly weren't a small enigma.

I glanced back up at you and felt my breath stop momentarily. You were watching me.

I blushed as I realized I still had that smile on my face. Did you think that was weird? I was smiling for seemingly no reason, after all.

You just turned your head away from me when our eyes met.

We walked in silence the rest of the way to your class.

Strangely I couldn't get rid of the light pink that dusted my cheeks.

I hope you couldn't see that.

And I hope…I hope no one else did.