A few minutes later, they arrived at the park. Just as Luc said, nothing seemed to have happened. People came and went cheerfully, just as they had before Noah visited the restroom. The blood was no longer on the floor, and the food stalls that had been destroyed in the chaos were back to how they were at the beginning of the night. Noah was the only one covered in blood and bruises. Seeing everyone acting normally made him feel even more ridiculous walking around, being carried by that guy.
"Put me down here, I need to call someone," he said, trying to hide how embarrassed he felt in Luc's arms.
"Okay, snack." Luc lowered him as if he were something very delicate. Noah noticed his whole body ached and that he'd probably have to sit down immediately. "Here, make the call while I get some water."
"Thanks, I don't need wat—" Before he could finish speaking, Luc had already gone to get the water. He stood out among the people; he was tall, more muscular than most, and his face could leave you mesmerized. Noah had never seen anything like it.
"Too bad he's a complete psychopath," he said to himself.
What am I thinking about? Those blows must have finally driven me crazy, he thought, resigned.
After calling Kai for a few minutes, he finally answered.
"He... Hello?" Noah couldn't hide his nerves.
"[Noah! What the hell? Where did you go? We thought you'd been kidnapped!]"
"Uhm, I went to the bathroom and lost my phone. When I came out of the bathroom..." Noah hesitated for a second before speaking. Did Kai remember everything that had happened, right?
"[Why didn't you come back to where we were?]" Kai sounded annoyed.
"I did, but..."
"[Hey, are you okay?]" Kai was starting to get suspicious.
"[Where are you? We're coming to get you right now!]"
"No... umm, don't worry, I'm going home. I'm tired."
"[Whose phone are you calling from?]" Kai asked skeptically.
"Uhm, someone's, someone I know. I found him by chance."
"[ someone you know? Who?]"
"You don't know him..."
"[We can come get you, Noah. I don't know what you're up to, but just stop it.]"
"It's nothing, nothing's wrong. I'm just going home. We'll talk tomorrow."
"[Okay, let me know when you're home. Don't leave again without saying anything.]"
"Sorry, goodbye."
"[Goodbye.]" Kai sounded worried, but Noah couldn't tell him anything else.
Noah remained lost in his thoughts for a second. On one hand, he felt relieved that Kai was safe. He didn't like the idea of worrying him, but at least he knew he was okay. On the other hand, he didn't understand anything that had happened. He felt strange being the only one scared and nervous, while everyone else seemed to have genuinely forgotten what happened.
"Who's Kai? Why are you talking to him?" Luc spoke, now sitting next to Noah.
"Are you a ghost? How long have you been there?"
"Who's Kai?" His voice was sharp.
"None of your business," Noah said, handing back his phone. "Thanks for the call."
"Is he your boyfriend? Are you dating that guy?"
"Am I dating who? It's none of your business, you damn psychopath!" Noah added, to which Luc said nothing in response.
"Thanks for today. I can go home by myself..."
"I told you I'd take you home."
"Why are you so stubborn? Just leave me alone, what do you care?"
"Just let me take you home, okay?"
Noah simply couldn't understand why Luc wouldn't just leave him alone. What did he care, anyway? What happened or didn't happen to him. Resigned, he decided to rest a little before returning to his apartment. His body felt relaxed, though sore. Kai was fine; that was all that mattered to him, although deep down in his heart, he feared something like tonight would happen again.
"Drink some water," Luc said in a caring voice. "It'll help you recover."
"Give it to me," Noah added gruffly. He didn't want to argue with him and knew Luc wouldn't take no for an answer.
"We need to treat your wounds. Does it hurt a lot?" His blue eyes reflected genuine concern.
"They don't hurt," Noah lied.
A few minutes passed in silence as Noah sipped the bottle of water. Even swallowing was difficult. He felt stupid for saying it didn't hurt, but there was no point in talking about it. As he took the last sip from the water bottle, a loud bang was heard. Noah's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively covered his ears in fear.
"It's the festival fireworks, snack," Luc said, gently taking his hand.
"Oh," was all he could say as he lowered his hands, still genuinely rattled.
The most beautiful fireworks lit up the sky. People gathered to watch them around the park; it was the closing of the festival. Noah couldn't help but feel depressed. So many things had happened in just one night, and now everyone was celebrating while watching the fireworks that adorned the darkness. The smell of gunpowder and smoke caught in his throat where a knot had formed. He wanted to cry... he didn't want to remember what had happened. He was scared; he felt alone... His loose brown hair swayed in the cold night wind. The fireworks reflected in his clear brown eyes, which strained not to shed tears. His pale skin was stained with bruises and blood.
"Pretty," was all Luc could say as he turned to watch the last fireworks explode in the sky.