Chapter 3: Discord
The next day at school, Ethan found himself struggling to stay awake in class, not because of any particular event, but simply because he was lazy and enjoyed his late nights playing video games and goofing off. His head rested on his folded arms on the desk, and he was already deep in slumber by the time the teacher began the lesson.
Mia and Jack, two of Ethan's friends, noticed him snoozing from across the room. They exchanged a knowing look, both amused and concerned. Ethan's lazy habits were well-known among their circle of friends.
Mia leaned over and gently poked Ethan's arm. "Ethan, wake up," she whispered, trying to rouse him without drawing the teacher's attention.
Ethan barely stirred, mumbling something incoherent as he remained slumped over his desk.
Jack decided to take a more direct approach. "Ethan, come on, man. Wake up," he said, giving Ethan's shoulder a gentle shake.
Mia grinned, knowing exactly what would get Ethan's attention. "Ethan, wake up! We're heading to the field to play soccer after class," she said with a bit more urgency in her voice.
Ethan stayed slumped over his desk, completely oblivious to his surroundings and the efforts of Mia and Jack to wake him. His soft snores were the only indication that he was thoroughly engrossed in his nap.
As Mia and Jack exchanged a look, they noticed Rowan walking up to the classroom door. Rowan peeked his head inside, scanning the room, perhaps looking for Ethan or just curious about what was happening.
Mia immediately nudged Jack, her eyes lighting up. "Look, it's Rowan," she whispered excitedly.
Jack nodded and smiled, deciding to give up on waking Ethan. "Hey, Rowan!" he called out, waving him over.
Rowan hesitated for a moment before stepping inside the classroom, his shy and quiet demeanor making him cautious. He had only heard about Mia and Jack through Ethan and hadn't really spoken to them before.
Mia gave him an encouraging smile. "Hey, Rowan. We were trying to wake up Ethan, but he's out cold. We were hoping he'd join us for a soccer game after class, but he's not budging."
Jack added, "Yeah, we need another player. Would you be interested in joining us? It'd be great to have you."
Rowan looked at them, feeling a bit out of place. "Um, I don't know... I'm not really good at soccer," he said softly, looking down at his feet.
Mia and Jack exchanged a look, understanding his hesitation. Mia gave Rowan a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. We're just playing for fun, and we really need another player. It'll be a good way to get to know each other better."
Jack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, come on. It'll be fun, and who knows, you might even enjoy it."
Rowan bit his lip, considering their request. He wasn't used to being in the spotlight and was naturally shy, but the idea of spending more time with people who were friends with Ethan was appealing.
After a moment of hesitation, Rowan finally nodded. "Okay, I'll give it a try."
Mia and Jack cheered when Rowan agreed to join them for soccer. They playfully grabbed him by the arms and began to drag him down the hallway, their laughter echoing off the walls. Rowan couldn't help but smile, feeling a bit more comfortable despite his initial shyness.
As they made their way to the soccer field, they chatted and laughed, making Rowan feel like part of the group. The bond between them started to form, and Rowan began to relax, looking forward to the game.
Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Ethan finally began to stir. He groggily lifted his head, blinking blearily as he realized he was alone. Rubbing his eyes, he looked around the empty room, feeling a bit disoriented.
"Guys, seriously?" Ethan muttered to himself, shaking his head with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "You couldn't even wake me up?"He stood up, stretching his stiff muscles before grabbing his bag and heading out of the classroom.
Ethan wandered through the school hallways, heading towards the gym's storage room stairwell. He had always found Rowan there during their breaks, and he hoped to catch up with him before heading to the soccer field. As he approached the familiar spot, he was surprised to find it empty.
The stairwell was quiet, with only the faint hum of the school's ventilation system breaking the silence. Ethan furrowed his brow, puzzled. Rowan was always there, sitting on the steps with his sketchbook or guitar, enjoying a moment of solitude.
Sliding his hands into his pockets, Ethan took a deep breath, feeling a mix of confusion and mild concern. "Where could he be?" he wondered. After a moment of contemplation, he decided not to dwell on it too much. If Rowan wasn't here, he was probably with Mia and Jack already.
With a small shrug, Ethan turned and headed towards the soccer field. He figured he'd catch up with everyone there and see what was going on. As he walked, he couldn't help but chuckle at his earlier nap in class. "I guess I deserved that," he thought, smiling to himself.
Ethan walked through the gym, pushing open the door to step out onto the field. The bright sunlight momentarily blinded him, causing him to squint as he adjusted to the light. When his vision cleared, he was greeted by a surprising sight.
Just as he stepped onto the field, he saw Rowan darting towards the goal with the soccer ball at his feet. With a determined look on his face, Rowan took a shot, and the ball sailed past the goalie, landing squarely in the back of the net.
Ethan stopped in his tracks, a wide smile spreading across his face as he watched the scene unfold. Mia and Jack immediately rushed towards Rowan, their cheers echoing across the field. They tackled him playfully, grabbing him in a celebratory hug.
"Great goal, Rowan!" Mia exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Jack laughed, clapping Rowan on the back. "We knew you had it in you!"
Rowan, though a bit flustered by the attention, couldn't help but smile. The thrill of scoring and the warmth of his friends' celebration made him feel more at ease.
Ethan felt a surge of pride and happiness seeing Rowan's success and the bond forming between his friends. He walked over to join them, his heart light with the joy of the moment.
"Nice one, Rowan!" Ethan called out as he approached. "Looks like I'm not the only one forced to play soccer with these two idiots around here."
Rowan's face lit up even more, and he nodded, still catching his breath from the goal. "Thanks, Ethan," he said, a hint of shyness still present but clearly feeling more confident.
Ethan walked over to the group, still smiling from Rowan's impressive goal. As he approached, he called out to Rowan “Can you come with me for a sec?"
Rowan, still basking in the excitement of his achievement, nodded and started to move towards Ethan. But before he could take more than a couple of steps, Mia and Jack quickly intervened, their expressions shifting from welcoming to surprisingly cold.
"Wait a minute, Ethan," Mia said firmly, stepping in front of Rowan. "He's playing with us now."
Jack crossed his arms, giving Ethan a determined look. "Yeah, Ethan. For once, play with us instead of just dragging Rowan away."
Ethan blinked in surprise, taken aback by their sudden change in demeanor. "Uh, okay, guys," he said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "I just wanted to talk to him for a moment."
Mia shook her head, her tone unwavering. "Nope, not this time. We're in the middle of a game, and Rowan's having fun. You can talk to him after."
Ethan glanced at Rowan, who seemed a bit uncertain but ultimately gave a small nod, silently agreeing with Mia and Jack. Ethan sighed, realizing that his friends were right. Rowan deserved to have fun and bond with the group.
"Alright, alright," Ethan said, relenting with a smile. "I'll join in, too. Let's keep the game going."
Mia and Jack's expressions softened, their smiles returning as they turned their attention back to the game. The camaraderie and playful competition resumed, with Ethan now fully engaged alongside his friends.
I want this to be more of an argument with Ethan brushing off his friends and mia and jack yell and then Ethan turns at Rowan and askes him what he wants to do? and Rowan freezes as he has a flashback
Ethan walked over to the group, still smiling from Rowan's impressive goal. As he approached, he called out to Rowan, "Hey, Rowan! Great goal! Can you come with me for a sec?"
Rowan started to move towards Ethan, but Mia and Jack quickly intervened, their expressions shifting from welcoming to frustrated.
"Wait a minute, Ethan," Mia said firmly, stepping in front of Rowan. "He's playing with us now."
Jack crossed his arms, giving Ethan a determined look. "Yeah, Ethan. For once, let him play with us instead of just dragging him away."
Ethan brushed off their concerns with a wave of his hand. "Come on, guys. I just need to talk to him for a moment."
Mia's eyes narrowed, her tone rising. "No, Ethan. We're in the middle of a game, and Rowan's having fun. You can't just take him away whenever you feel like it."
Jack added, his voice growing louder. "Yeah, it's not fair. You always do this!"
Ethan frowned, clearly taken aback by their intensity. "What's the big deal? I just need a minute."
Mia stepped closer, her frustration evident. "The big deal is that Rowan finally feels comfortable, and you're about to ruin it."
Ethan turned to Rowan, who looked caught in the middle of the escalating argument. "What do you want to do, Rowan?" Ethan asked, his tone softer but still insistent.
Rowan froze, his eyes widening as a flashback surged through his mind. He was transported back to his last year of middle school, standing with his bandmates Daniel, Jordan (his boyfriend at the time), and Zane in the rehearsal room. The memory was vivid, the emotions just as intense as they had been back then.
In the flashback, Rowan's bandmates were in the middle of a heated argument. Voices were raised, and tension crackled in the air. They were disagreeing over the direction of their music and who should take the lead on their latest song. Rowan stood on the sidelines, feeling the familiar pang of fear and indecision gripping him.
"Rowan, what do you think?" Jordan asked, turning to him with a pleading look. "Your opinion matters too."
Before Rowan could respond, Daniel interjected with a sharp tone. "Of course, he's going to side with you, Jordan. You two are dating, after all."
Rowan felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. He had always been the quiet one, the peacemaker, but now he was caught between his loyalty to his boyfriend and his desire to be fair to everyone. The pressure was overwhelming, and he struggled to find his voice.
Summoning his courage, Rowan finally spoke up. "I... I think Daniel has a point. We should consider his idea," he said softly, his heart racing.
Jordan froze, his eyes widening in surprise. The hesitation was clear on his face, the hurt and confusion mixing with the love he felt for Rowan. After a moment of silence, he reluctantly nodded. "Okay, if that's what you think," he said quietly, his voice tinged with disappointment.
As the argument continued, Jordan silently gathered his things and left the rehearsal room, unable to face the emotions swirling within him. Rowan watched him go, feeling a pang of guilt and sadness, but also a sense of relief for standing up for his own opinion.
The flashback faded, and Rowan found himself back on the soccer field, with Ethan, Mia, and Jack watching him expectantly. The old feelings of fear and indecision washed over him, but this time, he knew he had to make a choice.
As the pressure mounted, Rowan felt his chest tighten and his breathing become rapid and shallow. The memories of his past and the intensity of the current situation overwhelmed him. His vision blurred, and his heart raced uncontrollably. Panic gripped him, and he struggled to catch his breath.
Suddenly, Rowan's legs gave out, and he fell to his knees on the grass, his hands trembling as he tried to steady himself. His breath came in short, ragged gasps, and he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
Ethan, Mia, and Jack were taken aback, not knowing what was happening. They exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to help their friend.
"Rowan?" Ethan said, his voice filled with concern. He stepped closer, trying to understand what was going on. "What's wrong?"
Rowan couldn't respond, his mind consumed by the overwhelming anxiety. He felt trapped, unable to escape the crushing weight of his emotions. His friends' voices seemed distant, and he struggled to focus on anything other than the panic coursing through him.
Mia knelt beside Rowan, her expression one of deep concern. "Rowan, can you hear me?" she asked gently, reaching out to touch his arm. "Just try to breathe."
Jack stood nearby, his hands clenched into fists as he watched helplessly. "We need to get him some help," he said, his voice tight with worry.
Ethan's eyes widened with panic as he realized Rowan was having an intense anxiety attack. "Coach! Coach, we need help over here!" Ethan shouted, his voice carrying across the field.
Mia and Jack, understanding the urgency, gently guided Rowan to lie down on his side, trying to make him more comfortable and prevent any further distress. Mia kept her hand on Rowan's arm, offering a reassuring presence, while Jack tried to keep Rowan calm.
"You're going to be okay, Rowan," Mia said softly, her voice steady and soothing. "Just try to focus on your breathing."
Rowan continued to struggle, his breath coming in gasps, but Mia's calming words and touch provided a lifeline. Jack nodded in agreement, his own worry evident but determined to help.
Within moments, the coach arrived, his expression serious as he assessed the situation. "What's going on?" he asked, quickly kneeling beside Rowan.
"He's having an anxiety attack," Ethan explained, his voice tight with concern. "We need to help him calm down."
The coach nodded, his experience guiding his actions. "Alright, let's keep him comfortable and focus on his breathing. Rowan, can you hear me? Just try to take slow, deep breaths."
As Rowan's anxiety attack continued, his body and mind were overwhelmed by the stress, and he suddenly felt everything go dark. His vision blurred, and he fainted, collapsing into the supportive arms of his friends and the coach.
Ethan, Mia, and Jack watched in horror as Rowan's body went limp. The coach immediately took charge, ensuring Rowan was safe and stable. "We need to get him to the nurse's office," he said, his voice calm and authoritative.
With the help of the coach, they carefully lifted Rowan and carried him off the field, making their way to the nurse's office. The journey seemed to take forever, each step filled with worry and concern for their friend.
When Rowan finally awoke, he found himself lying on a bed in the nurse's office. The room was quiet, and the gentle hum of the air conditioning filled the background. He blinked, trying to remember what had happened, and slowly the events of the soccer field came back to him.
The nurse noticed Rowan stirring and approached with a reassuring smile. "You're awake," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"
Rowan took a deep breath, still feeling a bit disoriented but relieved to be in a safe place. "I... I'm okay, I think," he replied, his voice weak.
Ethan was sitting by the bedside, having refused to leave. He had insisted on staying with Rowan, even when Mia and Jack had been forced to return to class.
Ethan's face was etched with concern and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Rowan," he said quietly, his voice filled with remorse. "I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that. I was a fucking Idiot!."
Rowan didn't speak, but he looked at Ethan, appreciating the sincerity in his friend's words. Ethan reached out and gently squeezed Rowan's hand, offering silent support.
She then turned to Ethan, her expression turning more serious. "Ethan, I'm going to step out for a minute to grab some supplies. Please make sure Rowan stays calm and doesn't overexert himself. Do you understand?"
Ethan nodded, feeling a bit chastised by her tone. "Yes, ma'am," he said, his voice subdued.
As the nurse left the room, Ethan hesitated, gripping his pants tightly. His hands trembled, and he seemed lost in thought. Rowan, still lying on the bed, noticed Ethan's distress. Concerned, he was about to ask if Ethan was alright.
"Ethan, are you—" Rowan began, but before he could finish his sentence, Ethan suddenly jumped up. In a swift, unexpected motion, he pinned Rowan down on the bed and sat on top of him.
Rowan's eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat. The suddenness of Ethan's actions left him speechless, and he struggled to understand what was happening. Ethan's face was a mix of emotions, and it was clear that something had triggered this intense reaction.
Ethan's sudden movement and the intensity of his actions left Rowan stunned. As Ethan pinned him down on the bed, sitting on top of him, Rowan's mind raced with confusion and fear.
"I'm so sorry, Rowan," Ethan said, his voice trembling with guilt. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. I had no idea it would be so overwhelming for you."
Rowan tried to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "Ethan, it's fine—"
But Ethan cut him off, his words pouring out in a rush. "No, it's not fine. I should have been more considerate. I should have known better. I never wanted to hurt you or make you feel like this."
Rowan's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see the anguish in Ethan's eyes, the regret and self-blame that consumed him. "Ethan, really, it's—"
Rowan's attempts to reassure Ethan were drowned out by the torrent of apologies. He felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for Ethan's concern, but also a sense of helplessness as he struggled to find the right words to calm his friend.
Ethan continued to apologize, his words pouring out in a rush. "I just wanted to help, but I ended up making things worse. I'm so sorry, Rowan. Please forgive me."
Rowan, feeling overwhelmed by Ethan's relentless apologies, finally found the strength to act. With a sudden burst of energy, he grabbed Ethan's arms and pushed him down onto the bed, reversing their positions. Now, Rowan was on top, pinning Ethan down.
"It's fine, Ethan!" Rowan yelled, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. "I said it's fine!"
Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, his breath catching in his throat. The intensity of Rowan's reaction left him speechless, and he could see the raw emotion in Rowan's eyes.
The room fell silent, the tension hanging in the air. Rowan's chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, his grip on Ethan's arms slowly loosening. The outburst had taken a lot out of him, but it had also allowed him to release some of the pent-up emotions he had been carrying.
Rowan took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he released Ethan and sat back. The weight of the moment settled between them, but the intensity began to ebb away.
Ethan chuckled softly, a small smile playing on his lips. He reached out and gently tucked a bit of Rowan's jet blue hair behind his ear. The gesture was tender and reassuring.
"Okay, Rowan," Ethan said softly, his voice steady. "I hear you. It's fine."
Rowan's heart calmed as he felt the sincerity in Ethan's words. The bond between them had been tested, but it remained unbroken, stronger than ever. They both knew that they could face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing they had each other's backs.
Ethan looked Rowan up and down, his smile turning playful. "So," he began teasingly, "are you planning on getting up, or do you enjoy pinning me down?"
Rowan blinked, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as he realized their position. With a soft laugh, he rolled off of Ethan, giving him some space. "Sorry about that," Rowan said, still feeling a bit embarrassed.
Ethan sat up, his smile widening. "No need to apologize," he said with a wink. "I guess I just have that effect on people."
Rowan rolled off Ethan, giving him some space, just as Mia and Jack burst into the nurse's office, their faces filled with worry. "Rowan! Are you okay?" Mia exclaimed, her eyes scanning the room.
But as they walked in, they couldn't help but notice the position Rowan and Ethan had been in. Jack's eyebrows shot up, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Whoa, what did we walk in on here?" he teased.
Mia crossed her arms and smirked. "Yeah, it looked pretty cozy in here. Should we give you two some privacy?"
Rowan's face turned a deep shade of red, and he quickly scrambled to his feet. "It’s not what it looks like!" he stammered, feeling flustered.
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Guys, come on. Rowan just had a bit of a rough time, and I was trying to help him feel better."
Jack raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Ethan."
Mia stepped closer and gave Rowan a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We're just messing with you, Rowan. We're really glad you're okay."
Rowan managed a small smile, his embarrassment slowly fading. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot."
Ethan rolled his eyes playfully. "Alright, enough with the teasing. Rowan needs to rest and recover."
As the mood lightened, the nurse returned to check on Rowan one last time. Satisfied that he was doing better, she turned to Ethan, Jack, and Mia.
"Alright, Rowan seems to be recovering well," the nurse said kindly. "But he needs to rest. You three should head back to class now."
Mia and Jack exchanged a glance, their concern for Rowan still evident. "Okay, we'll go," Mia said reluctantly. She leaned down and gave Rowan a gentle hug. "Take care of yourself, Rowan. We'll see you later."
Jack nodded, giving Rowan a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Hang in there, buddy. We'll catch up with you after school."
Ethan hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on Rowan. He wanted to stay, but he knew that Rowan needed some quiet time to rest and recover. "Alright, Rowan," Ethan said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "We'll be back later. Just focus on getting better, okay?"
Rowan managed a small smile and nodded.
An hour later, the nurse returned to check on Rowan. He had spent the time resting, trying to process everything that had happened. The quiet room and the nurse's occasional check-ins helped him regain a sense of calm.
The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. The nurse approached Rowan with a kind smile. "Rowan, you've done well. You can leave now," she said gently. "Just take it easy and make sure to rest at home."
Rowan nodded, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Thank you," he said softly, appreciating the nurse's care.
Gathering his things, Rowan slowly made his way out of the nurse's office and into the hallway. The school was bustling with students eager to leave for the day, but Rowan took his time, allowing himself to move at his own pace.
As he walked, he spotted Ethan, Mia, and Jack waiting for him near the entrance. Their faces lit up when they saw him, and they rushed over to greet him.
"Hey, Rowan! How are you feeling?" Mia asked, her concern evident.
Rowan managed a small smile. "I'm okay. Just tired."
Jack nodded, offering a supportive pat on the back. "We're here for you, man. Let's get you home."
Ethan, standing by his side, gave him an encouraging smile. "We'll walk you home, make sure you get there safe."
As they walked out of the school, Mia brought up the idea of taking the train to get home faster. "Hey, why don't we all take the train? It'll be quicker," she suggested.
Rowan's reaction was immediate. "No!" he said quickly, his voice filled with urgency. The thought of taking the train brought back a wave of anxiety, and he couldn't hide his discomfort.
Ethan noticed Rowan's distress and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Rowan," he said softly, trying to calm him down. "We don't have to take the train."
Turning to Mia and Jack, Ethan apologized. "Sorry, guys. Rowan doesn't like taking the train. I should have mentioned it earlier."
Mia and Jack exchanged understanding glances. "No worries, Ethan," Mia said kindly. "We get it."
Jack nodded in agreement. "We have to take the train home, but it's fine. We'll see you tomorrow, Rowan. Take care."
Rowan gave them a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for understanding," he said quietly.
With that, Mia and Jack headed towards the train station, while Ethan stayed by Rowan's side.
As Ethan and Rowan continued their walk home, the conversation drifted to lighter topics. Eventually, Ethan's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to ask Rowan about his aversion to trains.
"Hey, Rowan," Ethan began, his tone gentle and non-judgmental, "can I ask you something? Why don't you like taking the train?"
Rowan tensed slightly at the question, his mind flashing back to memories he'd rather not revisit. He hesitated, searching for a way to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"Um, it's just... not my thing," Rowan said, trying to sound casual. "But hey, speaking of things, did you hear that our band rehearsals might start up again soon?"
Ethan noticed the change in topic but decided not to push further. He could tell that Rowan wasn't ready to talk about it, and he respected that. Instead, he smiled and went along with the new subject. "Oh, really? That sounds awesome! It's been a while since we all played together."
Rowan visibly relaxed, grateful for Ethan's understanding. "Yeah, I've missed it. It'll be great to get back into the groove and play some music again."
As Ethan and Rowan continued their walk home, chatting about their band's possible rehearsal sessions, they turned a corner and almost walked straight into someone, causing them to jostle into each other. A soda splashed to the ground.
"What the hell!" the person cursed, looking down at the spilled soda. When he looked up, his eyes met Rowan's, and recognition flickered across his face. It was Daniel, one of Rowan's old bandmates from middle school.
"Rowan? Ethan?" Daniel said, his tone shifting from frustration to surprise.
Rowan's heart tightened, the unresolved emotions from their last encounter still fresh in his mind. "Daniel," he replied, his voice tense.
Ethan, remembering how upset Rowan had been the last time they met Daniel, stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Hey, Daniel. Sorry about the soda," Ethan said, attempting to keep things calm.
Daniel's eyes narrowed, and he shoved Ethan back, causing him to stumble slightly. "Stay out of this," Daniel snapped, before quickly realizing his mistake. "Sorry, Ethan. I didn't mean to push you. I... I shouldn't have brought up Jordan last time."
Rowan's expression shifted from anger to confusion, the intensity of the moment causing a whirlwind of emotions. "You still don't get it, do you?" he muttered, his voice trembling.
Daniel took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I really am sorry, Rowan. I just didn't know how to handle it."
Ethan, regaining his balance, put a hand on Rowan's shoulder, offering silent support. The tension between the three of them was palpable, but there was a glimmer of understanding and the possibility of reconciliation.
Rowan looked at Daniel, his anger slowly giving way to exhaustion. "Just... give me some space, okay?" he said quietly.
Daniel nodded, taking a step back. "Okay, Rowan. Take care," he said, his voice filled with regret.
Daniel stood there, picking up his spilled soda and leaning back on a nearby railing, letting out a heavy sigh. As he stood there, a male with short, neatly styled blonde hair and well-fitted clothing approached him. Daniel recognized him immediately—it was Zane.
“Daniel?" Zane asked, chuckling . "What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Daniel sighed and shook his head. "It's a long story. I just ran into Rowan and this guy Ethan, and things got... intense."
Zane's expression shifted to one of concern. "Rowan? Is he okay?"
Daniel glanced down at the ground, guilt washing over him. "I don't know. I brought up Jordan again, and it set Rowan off. He just ran off again."
Zane took a sip of his soda, processing the information. "Man, you know how hard it was for Rowan after Jordan's... you know. We all struggled with it, but Rowan took it the hardest."
Daniel's frustration boiled over, and he started sobbing. "None of us handled it well!" he cried, his voice breaking. "It wasn't just Rowan who had a hard time. We all went through it. But he just vanished, leaving us to deal with it on our own."
Zane immediately stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Daniel's shoulders and pulling him into a comforting embrace. "Hey, It's okay, It's fine. We're all trying to heal in our own way."
Daniel buried his face in Zane's shoulder, his sobs wracking his body. Zane held him tightly, rubbing his back in soothing circles. "You're not alone, Daniel. We'll get through this together."
As Daniel's sobs began to subside, he lifted his head slightly, meeting Zane's eyes. The vulnerability and care in Zane's expression were unmistakable. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them.
Slowly, Zane leaned in, and their lips met in a tender, reassuring kiss. It was a moment of connection, a promise that they would support each other through the pain and uncertainty.
As they pulled back, Zane gave Daniel a small, encouraging smile. "We've got this. One step at a time." Daniel nodded
Rowan and Ethan walked in silence, the tension between them palpable. The recent encounter with Daniel had left Rowan visibly shaken, and Ethan could sense the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
Unable to hold back any longer, Ethan bit his tongue, his frustration boiling over. He suddenly grabbed Rowan and pinned him to a nearby wall, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and anger.
"What the hell is going on, Rowan?" Ethan demanded, his voice trembling with intensity. "You've been acting strange ever since we ran into Daniel. I need to know what's happening."
Rowan's eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat. Anger flared up as he tried to push Ethan away. "It's none of your business, Ethan!" he snapped, his voice sharp and defensive.
Ethan's grip on Rowan's shoulders tightened, his expression fierce. "It became my business when I joined the band, Rowan. We're supposed to look out for each other!"
Rowan froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He stared at Ethan, a mixture of confusion and hurt in his eyes. "So, what? You only care about me because I'm in the band?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Ethan's anger softened, replaced by a deep sense of empathy and determination. "No, Rowan, it's not like that. I care about you because you're my friend, but we have to stick together for the band too," he tried to explain, but his words only made it worse.
Rowan's expression twisted with betrayal and pain. "So, it's about the band after all," he spat, pushing Ethan away with all his strength. "You're just using me!"
"Rowan, wait, that's not what I meant—" Ethan started, but Rowan wasn't listening.
"Go to hell, Ethan!" Rowan shouted, grabbing his satchel and yanking it off his shoulder. He threw it at Ethan's feet, his face contorted with rage and sorrow. "I don't need this, and I don't need you!"
Before Ethan could respond, Rowan turned and ran off, his footsteps echoing in the night. Ethan stood there, stunned and heartbroken, watching his friend disappear into the darkness.
Ethan, feeling a surge of panic and determination, immediately took off after Rowan. "Rowan, wait!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the night. He pushed himself to run faster, desperate to catch up with his friend and make things right.
Rowan, fueled by anger and grief, sprinted down the street, not looking back. He spotted a bus at the corner, its doors open and waiting for passengers. Without hesitation, he made a beeline for it, his heart pounding in his chest.
Ethan's footsteps echoed behind him, but Rowan didn't slow down. He reached the bus and quickly jumped on, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The doors began to close just as Ethan reached the stop, his hand outstretched in a futile attempt to catch him.
"Rowan, please!" Ethan called out, but it was too late. The bus pulled away from the curb, leaving Ethan standing there, breathless and defeated.
He watched helplessly as the bus disappeared down the street, taking Rowan with it. Ethan's shoulders slumped, and he felt a profound sense of loss. He had tried to help, but it seemed like everything he did only made things worse.
He clutched Rowan’s satchel, feeling a profound sense of loss and helplessness. "I'm sorry…," he whispered to the empty street.
The next day, Ethan sat at his desk, his mind a million miles away. Unlike his usual self, he wasn't working, but he wasn't asleep either. He stared blankly at his notebook, the events of the previous night replaying in his mind over and over.
Mia and Jack, who were standing in the back of the classroom, noticed Ethan's strange behavior. They exchanged concerned glances, both wondering what could have happened to make him so unlike himself.
"Have you seen Ethan today? He's been like that since the beginning of class," Mia whispered to Jack.
Jack nodded, his brow furrowed with worry. "Yeah, it's not like him to be this out of it. Do you think something happened?"
Before Mia could respond, a girl named Lila approached them. She was known for her curiosity and always seemed to be in the middle of everything. "Hey, guys," Lila said, her voice filled with concern. "What's going on with Ethan? He looks really out of it."
Mia sighed, glancing over at Ethan again. "We don't know. He's been like that all morning, and he won't talk to anyone."
Jack nodded in agreement. "Something must have happened, but we have no idea what. It's worrying, though."
Lila looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking up. "You know, Ethan and Rowan have been getting pretty close lately. Do you think it has something to do with Rowan?"
Mia and Jack exchanged puzzled glances. "What do you mean?" Mia asked.
Lila hesitated, lowering her voice. "You don't think Rowan did 'it' again, do you?"
Mia and Jack looked even more confused. "What do you mean by 'it'?" Jack asked, his concern growing.
Lila bit her lip, realizing she might have said too much. "Never mind, it's just... I've heard things about Rowan, and I hope it's not true." She turned to walk away, but Mia and Jack quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Wait, Lila," Mia said, her voice firm but gentle. "What do you mean by 'it'? We need to know if it's something important."
Jack nodded, his grip on Lila's arm tightening slightly. "Yeah, please tell us. We're worried about Ethan and Rowan. If you know something, we need to hear it."
Lila hesitated, glancing around the classroom before lowering her voice. "It's really not my place to say. I don't want to spread rumors or hurt anyone."
Mia and Jack exchanged determined glances. "We understand, Lila, but if it's something that could help us understand what's going on with Ethan and Rowan, we need to know," Mia insisted.
Jack added, "We're their friends, and we just want to help. Please, Lila."
Lila sighed, feeling the weight of their pleading eyes. She took a deep breath before finally speaking. "Alright, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else. It's just... I've heard that Rowan has a history of self-harm. I don't know if it's true, but I heard it from someone who knew him well."
Mia and Jack exchanged worried glances before Mia spoke up, her voice gentle but insistent. "Can you tell us more, Lila? We need to understand so we can help."
Lila hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll tell you what I know. Back in middle school, Rowan was dating a boy named Jordan. They were really close, but then something happened."
Mia and Jack leaned in, their expressions filled with concern. "What happened?" Jack asked quietly.
Lila sighed again, the memory clearly weighing on her. "Jordan... Jordan killed himself. He jumped in front of a train. It was really hard on Rowan. After that, he started distancing himself from everyone, and that's when I heard about the self-harm. I think it was his way of coping with the pain."
Mia's eyes filled with tears as she listened to Lila's story. "Oh my god. I had no idea Rowan went through something like that."
Jack's expression turned serious. "We need to talk to Ethan. If this is true, he needs to know so we can all help Rowan."
Lila nodded, relieved that she had shared the information but still worried about the impact it might have. "Just... be careful with how you bring it up. Rowan might not want to talk about it."
Mia and Jack walked up to Ethan, their hearts heavy with concern for their friend. They knew they needed to bring up what Lila had told them, but the weight of the conversation felt daunting.
"Ethan," Mia began softly, sitting down next to him. "We need to talk to you about something important."
Jack nodded, taking a seat on the other side of Ethan. "Yeah, it's about Rowan. We heard something from Lila, and we think you should know."
Ethan looked up from his desk, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. "What is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Before Mia or Jack could respond, the bell rang, signaling the start of lunch. Ethan jumped up from his seat, a look of panic flashing across his face. "I... I have to go," he stammered, grabbing his bag and bolting out of the classroom.
"Ethan, wait!" Mia called out, her voice filled with concern. Jack echoed her, "Ethan, please, we just want to help!"
Mia and Jack called after Ethan, but he was already out of the classroom and down the hallway before they could react. They exchanged worried glances, realizing that chasing after him wouldn't help.
"Ethan, please!" Mia's voice echoed in the hallway, but it was too late. Ethan was already gone, his footsteps fading into the distance.
Ethan sprinted through the school, his heart pounding with a mixture of panic and determination. He headed straight for the gym's stairwell, hoping against hope that Rowan might have found refuge there.
When he reached the stairwell, he paused for a moment, scanning the area. His eyes searched every corner, but there was no sign of Rowan.
Ethan's shoulders slumped, and he leaned against the wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The weight of everything that had happened crashed down on him, and he couldn't hold back the tears any longer. He slid down to the floor, burying his face in his hands as he cried.
The stairwell was empty, the sound of his sobs echoing off the walls. In that moment, Ethan felt utterly alone, overwhelmed by the fear that he had lost Rowan for good. He desperately wanted to make things right, but he didn't know how.
Ethan cried for about twenty minutes in the empty stairwell, his sobs gradually subsiding into quiet sniffles. The emotional release left him feeling drained, but a glimmer of determination remained.
He glanced at his watch and realized there were only ten minutes left of lunch. Wiping his tear-streaked face with the sleeve of his shirt, Ethan took a deep breath. He knew he couldn't give up on Rowan. He had to find him and try to make things right.
Ethan stood up, his legs feeling shaky but his resolve firm. He grabbed his bag and quickly made his way out of the stairwell. He thought about the places where Rowan might be hiding, seeking solace away from everyone else.
He decided to start with the music room, a place Rowan often went to when he needed to be alone. With each step, Ethan's heart pounded with the hope that he could find his friend and offer the support he so desperately needed.
Ethan hurried to the music room, his heart pounding with a mix of hope and anxiety. As he entered the room, he saw the music teacher, Mr. Lawrence, sorting through some sheet music.
"Mr. Lawrence," Ethan called out, trying to keep his voice steady. "Have you seen Rowan today?"
Mr. Lawrence looked up, a puzzled expression on his face. "Rowan? No, I haven't seen him. In fact, he didn't come to school today. Is everything okay?"
Ethan's heart sank at the teacher's words. "He didn't come to school?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Lawrence shook his head. "No, I checked the attendance sheet earlier, and he was marked absent. Is something wrong, Ethan?"
Ethan struggled to keep his composure, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "It's just... Rowan's been going through a lot lately. I was hoping to find him and make sure he's okay."
Mr. Lawrence's expression softened with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Ethan nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and helplessness. "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I'll keep looking for him."
Ethan, feeling defeated and emotionally drained, made his way back to class. His mind was still racing with thoughts of Rowan and the overwhelming events of the past day. As he entered the classroom, he saw Mia and Jack waiting for him, their expressions filled with concern.
Without saying a word, Ethan walked over to his desk and slumped down, resting his head on his folded arms. Mia and Jack exchanged worried glances before approaching him.
"Ethan, are you okay?" Mia asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Ethan didn't lift his head. "Just leave me alone," he muttered, his voice muffled by his arms.
Jack tried to reach out, his tone gentle but insistent. "Ethan, we just want to help. Please talk to us."
Ethan's frustration boiled over, and he snapped, "I said leave me alone!" He didn't mean to lash out, but the weight of everything was too much to bear.
Mia and Jack stepped back, respecting his need for space but feeling helpless. They exchanged a look, silently agreeing to give Ethan some time to process everything.
Ethan remained slumped at his desk, his head resting on his folded arms. The classroom buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, but to Ethan, it felt overwhelming. The conversations, laughter, and shuffling of papers seemed unbearably loud, each sound amplifying the turmoil in his mind.
Every noise grated on his nerves, making it harder for him to think clearly. The weight of his emotions pressed down on him, and the normal classroom sounds only intensified his sense of isolation and despair. He felt like he was trapped in a bubble, unable to escape the noise and the chaos inside his own head.
Mia and Jack watched him from a distance, their concern growing. They wanted to help but knew that pushing him too hard could make things worse. They decided to wait and give Ethan the space he needed, hoping that he would come to them when he was ready.
Ethan, feeling suffocated by the noise and his own thoughts, closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the world around him. He wished for a moment of silence, a brief respite from the overwhelming sensory overload and emotional pain.
As the bell signaled the end of lunch, the classroom slowly filled with students returning to their seats. The usual hum of conversations gradually quieted down as the teacher, Ms. Taylor, began to start the lesson. Ethan remained slumped at his desk, still grappling with the emotional storm inside him.
Ms. Taylor's voice cut through the haze of his thoughts as she began to explain the day's topic. But for Ethan, the words felt distant and hollow, blending into the background noise that still seemed unbearably loud.
After a few minutes, the chatter from the students who hadn't fully settled down grew louder again, mingling with the teacher's attempts to regain control of the class. Ethan's frustration reached its boiling point, and he could no longer hold back his emotions.
Without warning, Ethan stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Shut the hell up!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the classroom. The room fell silent, stunned by the outburst.
Everyone turned to stare at him, including Ms. Taylor, who was momentarily speechless. Ethan's face was flushed with anger and pain, and tears welled up in his eyes. He reached down, grabbing his backpack and Rowan's satchel, which he had been holding onto since the previous night.
Before anyone could react or say anything, Ethan stormed out of the classroom, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. The heavy silence that followed his departure was thick with tension and concern, as the other students and the teacher tried to process what had just happened.
The classroom was left in stunned silence for a few moments after Ethan's abrupt departure. Slowly, a low murmur began to spread through the room as students exchanged confused and concerned glances.
"What the hell just happened?" one student whispered to their neighbor.
"Did you see the look on his face?" another added, their voice hushed.
"Do you think it has something to do with Rowan?" someone speculated, their tone curious and apprehensive.
As the murmurs grew, so did the rumors. Some students speculated that Ethan and Rowan had a falling out, while others whispered about possible personal issues. The atmosphere in the classroom became charged with gossip and conjecture.
One student, Nico, smirked and chuckled. "Maybe he's planning to kill himself because of Rowan, just like Jordan did," he said, his tone dripping with cruel amusement.
Mia, who had been listening to the whispers, felt a surge of anger and concern. She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "That's not true!" she shouted, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have no idea what you're talking about. Stop spreading rumors!"
Nico's smirk widened, and he chuckled again. "What is true?" he taunted, his words cutting deep.
Jack stood up, trying to calm Mia down. "Mia, it's not worth it. Just ignore him," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
But Mia was too angry to be calmed. She glared at Nico, her eyes blazing with fury. "How dare you say something like that! You don't know anything about Rowan or Ethan!" she yelled, her voice filled with righteous indignation.
Nico shrugged, still wearing that infuriating smirk. "Whatever. I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking," he replied casually.
Ms. Taylor, the teacher, stepped in, her voice firm and authoritative. "Alright, everyone, that's enough. We don't spread rumors or make assumptions about our classmates. Let's focus on the lesson."
Just as Mia was about to retort, Jack and Lila quickly got up and pulled her back to her seat. But in her anger, Mia managed to spit on Nico, her eyes blazing with fury.
Nico wiped his face, looking both shocked and angry. "What the hell, Mia?" he snapped, but Ms. Taylor's stern gaze silenced him.
"Mia, Jack, Lila, sit down," Ms. Taylor said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my classroom."
Mia, still fuming, reluctantly sat down, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and worry. Jack and Lila exchanged concerned glances, knowing that the situation had escalated far beyond what they had anticipated12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLx6HDBdTg
