The morning sun hasn't risen yet from the horizon, but a man clad in a grey running jacket paired with black running joggers and runner shoes halted his tracks with his hands on his knees, catching his breath.
A soft breeze stirred his damp, messy locks; sweat trickled from his forehead.
He raised one of his arms to check his wrist.
Time: 4:42 AM
Steps: 5 KM
Great. It took him about 30 minutes to finish a five-kilometer run, which is considered a good milestone for him.
Waking up early to do exercises made the start of the day so much better. His mind is cleared of yesterday's events, but it also reminds him once more of the lingering thoughts at the back of his mind.
Elena.
Where could she be?
Is she even here in the first place?
Those thoughts began to cloud his mind like a rumbling storm. It has been two days since he have been here, and no sign of her.
Does she still recognize him?
Or is she avoiding him?
A cold wind blew past him, sending shivers down his spine. His breath still huffing, and his throat and mouth dried up like a desert.
"Water," he mumbled under his breath.
Eventually, his steps took him back to the dorm housing to find something that could quench his thirst.
The vending machine in front of him hummed lightly with a buzz as the lights illuminated Raphael's features, eyeing the water bottle from one of its rows.
He watched it closely as soon as the light indicator dispensed his selected drink.
Thud!
The water bottle flew down and landed on the hatch as it created a sound. Immediately, his hands reached and grabbed the drink.
The coldness tingled his skin while he held the drink in his hand and touched the cap on the other.
His fingers tightened the grip.
A quiet snap cracked as he twisted the bottle open.
Without further hesitation, he quickly gulped down the bottle and indulged the sweet sensation of water enveloping his lips, mouth, and down to his throat. The feeling was wonderful, like a burst of rehydration. It was enough to quench his thirst.
Some of it trickled down his lips, chin, and towards his neck, slightly soaking his jacket.
It didn't bother him.
The satisfaction of drinking was definitely more important.
As soon as he finished the water bottle, he heaved as his arm wiped off the excess water from his face.
I should head back upstairs. He thought to himself.
He lightly tossed the bottle into the open recycled bin right beside the machine.
Clunk!
The plastic bottle bounced a bit onto the edge before it slipped right inside.
He casually turned around towards the stairs, but he was caught by surprise.
Bump!
"Oh. Ah!" Raphael gasped and apologized. "I'm sorry."
He accidentally brushed himself against another person who silently passed just behind him.
The other guy was dressed in a thick, big jacket with a hood up, completely covering his features. He appeared to be shorter in stature, about the height of his shoulders.
However, he didn't even react or seem startled at all, not even a flinch nor apology in return.
"...."
Just silence.
He stood there perfectly still for a second, unbothered. His face remained looking down at the ground with his hands stuffed inside his pockets.
Without a word of recognition for his apology, he resumed his steps, heading upstairs, not even looking back.
That's the same guy he saw from next door.
Was he really that sneaky?
Or did he not notice him coming by?
Raphael just remained there as he watched the figure retreat into the dim hallways, disappearing.