*Troye's POV*

I found myself running late yet again today, eagerly stuffing a muffin into my face on my way into the school. I'd planned on skipping breakfast but halfway out the door my mother had flew into me with a speech about nutrition and healthy choices. So, of course I ended up taking her stupid muffin. I hadn't planned on eating it, but now that I was here my stomach actually was beginning to rumble, so I decided to chow down quickly on my way to first class. 

I think part of why I took it was because I still felt guilty about last night. As expected, her and Dad had bombarded me with questions about my day the second I walked through the door, but I had no tolerance for humans left at that point. At first I thought if I just said that nothing happened it'd work out fine, but apparently that wasn't going to work this year considering I was so late getting home. They just kept throwing questions at me and wouldn't let me speak for myself, so of course I ended up blowing up at them. I screamed at them to leave me alone and stomped off to my room. The muffin incident was the first time I'd spoken to her since, so of course there was no way I could say no to her about that. 

I reached the doors relatively unscathed, though I did have one awkward confrontation where someone made eye contact with me while eating a muffin whole. Needless to say, they gave me a pretty judgmental glare. I shied away from them, hurrying up my steps until I got to the school. I walked inside with my head held low, not wanting to attract attention. I did not want social interaction today. I just wanted it to be like last year, when I had about three conversations with students the entire year. I liked that much better than the dramatic events of yesterday. It was boring, but it was safe. 

I continued walking through the crowded halls and trying to be as close to invisible as I could. I was doing a pretty good job of it too, until I turned the corner and collided with someone. I guess I should have seen that coming when I was staring at the floor. I stumbled backward a bit, reluctantly looking up to see who I'd just violated. My heart stopped when I seen the furious Caspar flipping the hair out of his eyes, his hands balled into fists at his sides. I felt the sudden urge to run for dear life, but my legs just wouldn't cooperate. So instead I stayed glued to the spot, watching as he straightened back up and blinked a couple times, obviously a bit disoriented. As his eyes came into focus on my face I watched his emotions flicker across his features. At first there was slight confusion, but then there was anger that quickly grew to rage. I was breathing heavily, my eyes wide like a deer in headlights. He started to raise his fist, before his brow suddenly furrowed and he dropped it back to his side. I stared at him in disbelief for a moment, before realizing my jaw had dropped and I promptly snapped it back shut. 

"Ugh, if it wasn't for Tyler you would be so dead right now." He growled, narrowing his eyes at me accusingly. Now it was my turn to furrow my brow, my mind suddenly a puddle of mixed emotions. What did he mean if it wasn't for Tyler? Did Tyler make him promise not to hurt me or something? That was sweet, but at the same time I could handle my damn self. I couldn't decide if I was thankful or spiteful, but when a familiar face walked around the corner I knew I'd better decide fast.

"What about me, Cas?" Tyler asked, his eyes fixed on the phone in his hands. Oh yeah, he could walk around and not watch where he was going just fine. Perks of being the popular kid, I suppose. He looked up abruptly, his eyes going wide when he seen me. He looked good today, not that he didn't always, it was sort of a mandatory rule of a popular kid. But today it looked like he'd spent extra time on his appearance, his hair styled flawlessly and his outfit perfectly chosen right down to the accessories. I mentally slapped myself, realizing it probably looked like I was checking him out. I hardened my expression, meeting his eyes again. 

"Your friend here just ran into my in the hallway, do you want to take care of that?" Caspar asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively at the end of the sentence. I was even more confused now, looking back to Tyler while biting my lip. He looked guilty, his eyes refusing to meet mine.

"Yeah, you guys go on ahead. I'll deal with him." Caspar, and his goons standing behind him that I hadn't noticed before now, I'll laughed obnoxiously at this. They then wandered off, each giving Tyler slaps on the back. I watched them disappear into different rooms and hallways, for once missing their company. It was better than standing here along with Tyler when he wanted to 'deal with me'. Was he going to beat me up? Was I going to look like Shane? That'd be just great, I can just imagine my parents questions about that. 

"Come on." Tyler said suddenly, grabbing my shirt before I could protest. He pulled me toward the men's room, people watching with curious eyes as the door shut behind us. He didn't immediately move to sit on the counter today, instead staying standing beside me. 

"Are you going to beat me up? I swear I didn't mean to run into him! Why would I? That's basically social suicide in this school, possibly suicide in general because he-"

"Troye, shut-up." He groaned, sounding genuinely annoyed with the whole situation. He then drug me a bit further, toward the sink. I was even more confused now, my heart pounding in my chest. Is there some kind of new form of bullying involving a sink that I don't know about?

"Splash some water on your face, make it look like you've been crying." He ordered, watching me with an expressionless face. I laughed, before realizing he was serious. Was this a new form of bullying? Cry-shaming? 

"What?" I choked out, all of my confusion seeping into my voice. He gave a weak smile at this, though all his stress over the situation was still obvious. 

"Look, the only way I could get Caspar off your back yesterday was to tell him you were my problem. Reserved for me to bully only, sort of thing. I'm not actually going to hurt you, but if you want him to leave you alone you have to at least play the part." He said it gruffly, like it wasn't something to be questioned. I got the feeling he was only acting like that because he didn't want to talk about it anymore though, so I tried to think of a response that'd successfully steer the conversational topic in another direction.

"Oh." Not the best reply, but at least I tried. I knew a second later when he didn't reply that it definitely wasn't the best response, because the conversation had ended all-together. He didn't leave though, walking over to lean against a wall and watch me. I wasn't sure why he was staying, possibly to make sure I followed through and actually did splash water on my face. I didn't know how believable it'd look, but I also didn't feel like arguing with him so I bent over the sink and splashed cool water over my entire face. I straightened back up a moment later, surprised when a wad of paper towel was eagerly shoved into my hands.

"I'm sorry." Tyler mumbled quietly, looking up at me with sullen blue-green eyes. I patted my face down, surprised to find him still staring at me expectantly when I'd finished. Was he expecting me to say it was okay? Now that I wasn't in immediate fear of getting my face bashed in the familiar emotions from yesterday were sinking back in. Sorry? Where was Shane's apology? How could he keep acting like he was a good guy around me when he'd beat someone up for something they can't change about themselves less than twenty-four hours ago? I felt my blood heating up, rage rolling off of me in waves. I didn't say anything yesterday because I was scared of him beating me up, but he'd just told me he wouldn't hurt me. I had no reason not to fly into him now. 

"For what?" I demanded, shocked by how confident my own voice sounded. I never sounded this loud. I guess I wasn't usually this angry either though.

"Is there more than one thing I should be apologizing for?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. He didn't sound surprised, more curious. It was like he wanted to have this conversation with me. Was he actually proud of what he'd done or something? Was he trying to brag about it?

"I can think of quite a few actually." I spat, turning to leave. I made it a step before he charged between me and the door, leaning against it annoyingly. He flashed a smile, looking at me hopefully.

"Care to enlighten me?" He asked quietly, looking up at me shyly through his eyelashes. I still had no idea why he was so interested in the freaking topic, but if he wanted to talk about it then fine, we'd talk about it. I wasn't sure if he'd like the conversation after we'd had it though. 

"You really don't know? Tyler, I watched you beat up Shane yesterday. He can't change his fucking sexuality, you prick!" I yelled, taking a step closer to him and looming above him. This was the first time in forever I was actually happy about my height. He was still backed up against the door, looking surprisingly intimidated by me. 

"Sexuality?" He choked out. He really did sound genuinely confused, but maybe he was acting or something. How could he not know what he beat someone up over? No, he was probably playing with me right now. 

"Don't play dumb with me, you homophobic twat. Shane came out as gay over the summer and Caspar was publicly shaming him for it when you walked over. He whispered something to you, explaining the situation, and you didn't hesitate to start throwing punches." I growled, locking eyes with him challengingly. He opened his mouth immediately to reply, but no words came out. He snapped it back shut, obviously having re-thought his choice of words. 

"That's it? You don't have anything to say? Wow, Tyler." I snapped, moving toward the door. He got out of the way quickly, letting me open it. I cast him a final glare, slamming the door as best I could behind me. I stomped through the hallways, the idea of going invisible suddenly the least of my worries. The halls were relatively empty now though, so maybe that had something to do with it. I didn't even think twice about pushing open the door to my class today, despite being late yet again. I just didn't care right now. 

The entire classroom looked up at me but I ignored them, stomping over to my seat and falling into it.

Way to make a good first impression, Troye. 

The room was silent for a moment before the teacher cleared his throat, telling the class to continue where they'd left off. I glanced at the whiteboard, spotting the clearly written page number. It was Math class, but we were only doing simple review work today. Still, I couldn't get into it. I was too frustrated and distracted. I was certain by the time the hour rolled around I'd have gotten one question done, maybe two if I was lucky. 

I wasn't far off with my prediction. I kept my head down and acted like I was working the entire class, but when I handed my sheet in it had exactly four questions done. The teacher gave me an annoyed huff, but didn't bother to say anything, thankfully. I wasn't normally a bad student. Then again, my life normally wasn't this drama-filled either. Could I even call that my normal anymore? I hoped so, I hoped I could go back to my boring uneventful life sometime soon and forget all this. 

My other classes before lunch weren't much better and my teachers were all probably thinking I was a slacker already. Oh well, I'd worry about proving them wrong some other time. I hoisted my backpack up, marching toward the cafeteria. I'd realized second period that, not only had I forgot my breakfast, I'd also managed to forget my lunch. So now I was faced with the horribleness that was the cafeteria. 

I was definitely back to trying to be invisible as I wandered into the crowded room, praying there wouldn't be too long of a line. Of course my prayers weren't answered, considering I was faced with one of the longest lines I'd seen in my life. I felt queasy just thinking about standing surrounded by that many people. I was beginning to re-think food at all when a sudden shout interrupted my thoughts.

"Troye!" I spun around, cursing under my breath when I seen all the eyes on me. Just one classroom was bad enough, but this was a whole cafeteria. Sure, everyone hadn't looked up, but all the people near me had, and that was more than I wanted. I scanned the crowds, obviously noticing the dark brown-haired boy waving at me with his hand high above his head. Alfie. 

I trailed over, mostly because it meant getting to skip in line to stand beside him, which ultimately meant less time around this many people. He kept the familiar huge toothy smile on his face until I came to a halt beside him, and even then it only dimmed slightly so he could greet me. 

"Where were you yesterday? I watched out for you all  lunch but I never seen you." He asked, eyeing me as he reached for a tray. He grabbed two, handing the other to me as I tried to come up with some sort of excuse. I couldn't very well tell him I'd aten in my car to avoid humanity. Well, I could, but I wasn't sure how well that would play out in the long run. 

"I, uh, ended up eating lunch with some other friends. Sorry." I stuttered, my voice sounding even more quiet and shy than usual. He didn't seem to notice or care though, immediately flashing me a big smile.

"Oh, that's fine! Are you free today?" My eyes went wide as I realized his intention. He wanted me to eat with him. Here. In the cafeteria. Surrounded by people. 

"Well, I, uh-"

"You'll love Zoe, she's the sweetest person I've ever met. Oh, and Louise is hilarious!" He added the last name almost like it was an afterthought, making it clear he thought more of Zoe. Even without knowing him well the sparkle in his eyes when he mentioned Zoe made it very clear what she was to him. It was cute. Well, as cute as a doomed teenage relationship can get. Do you know the statistics of how many highschool relationships last? That's assuming they're even in a relationship and it isn't just some crush.

"Troye?" I came back to Earth upon hearing my name, blushing red when I seen the line had moved far ahead and I'd just stood there. Why did I have to be so painstakingly awkward? I shuffled forward, tensing when Alfie shoved me playfully. Not because it hurt, but because it sent an all-too familiar zing through me.

Look at the poor kid, he's so awkward. What a shame, he seems like such a nice guy too. 

I shook my head, willing the stupid thought to go away. Alfie was watching me with a confused expression but I just shook my head slower, dismissing his concern. He just turned back to the counter, now near the place he had to order. I scuffed my feet along the floor distractedly, thinking about what I'd heard of his thoughts. From the sounds of it he felt bad for me and was only trying to help by becoming my friend. I guess that was sweet, but it still made me feel unwanted. I was a pity friend. He was befriending me simply because he thought no one else would. I mean, they wouldn't, but I was fine with that. I liked being alone. I definitely liked it more than hanging out with people and having to hear their thoughts.

"Sir?" I looked up, cursing myself mentally for getting lost inside my head again. Normally, I was free to get lost inside my head whenever I pleased, considering I never had to interact with people. It felt weird not having that privilege. 

"Uh, yeah, sorry... I'll just have the fries." I mumbled awkwardly, trying my best to ignore how annoyed she looked with me. She fetched them from behind her then, sliding them across the counter at me. I held the money out before she even had time to ask for it, already having the exact change counted. I turned on my heel, grimacing slightly when I seen Alfie had waited for me. I guess there was no getting out of this one. I drug my feet as I walked over to him, trying to return his smile for his sake. As soon as I reached his side he turned and began wading through the crowded tables. I tried to seem as small as possible, taking care not to make eye contact or bump into anyone. I didn't even look up from the floor until Alfie stopped abruptly in front of me. I looked up cautiously, surprised to find us stopped at the popular table. Was Alfie popular? I looked around his shoulder, surprised to see him talking to Caspar.

"So, after school works for you? It's just some crappy English assignment, but I don't want to mess up this early into the school year." My eyes widened at Caspar's words. It sounded like he was asking Alfie to help him with schoolwork. He cared about school? Wow, you learn something new everyday. I jumped, a sudden cackle interrupting my thought process. I looked over, narrowing my eyes when I seen Tyler sitting at the table on the opposite side of me. I mean, that wasn't actually that surprising, considering he was a popular kid, but I hadn't been thinking about him so it caught me off guard. 

"You're kidding. You have got to be kidding, she did not say that!" I rolled my eyes. Was he really gossiping about people? I mean, what else had I really expected? An actual intelligible conversation between these goons? I froze, realizing they were all staring at me now. Shit, had I groaned in annoyance out loud? I thought that was a mental groan!

"Do you have a problem or something, Troye?" I glared at Tyler, the familiar rage from earlier returning quickly with his snappy question. I knew he was only acting for Caspar's sake when I seen his face though. The ferocity that had been there whenever I seen him bully other people was absent and he looked almost... sad? 

"No, I'm fine, thank-you." I mumbled awkwardly, taking an instinctive step backward. I regretted that decision immediately, when I heard the unmistakable sound of plates clattering. I gasped, tensing when I felt something splatter all over my back. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for what was about to happen.

"Hey numb nut, watch where you're going!" A girl's voice yelled, likely the one who's food I'd just upset. I turned around with all intentions to apologize, but I was slapped across the face before I even got a word out.

Who does this kid think he is? And why's he so freaking skinny? It's gross.

I winced in both physical and emotional pain. I opened my eyes again slowly, not surprised to see Jenna Marbles. If Tyler was the king of the school, she would be the queen. Between her in-your-face attitude and good looks she was the object of many people's affection, and the object of many people's fear. 

"S-Sorry." I stuttered out, chewing on my bottom lip nervously. That was about the time everyone around me started laughing and I realized I probably had God knows what still all over my back. My eyes flickered around me, taking in just how many people were pointing or laughing. Like a pack of wolves, all ganging up on me. My heart was pounding in my chest and I suddenly felt very lightheaded. I shivered violently, realizing if I didn't get out of here soon I was going to pass out. I turned, stumbling toward the nearest exit as fast as I could manage right now. I was sort of relieved I didn't hear Alfie running after me and shouting my name. I knew he meant well, but I really just wanted to be alone right now. Come to think of it, I always wanted to be alone. 

I found my way to my car, just now realizing there were tears coating my face. Lovely, now I really would be known as crybaby throughout the school. I slumped down against the side of my car, my breathing short and raspy as I gasp for air. Was this a panic attack? I didn't know, but I couldn't really be bothered to care right now either. All I knew was that it fucking sucked. I closed my eyes to relax and nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt a hand on my arm.

Fuck, he looks horrible. What do I say?

I slapped the hand away, looking up angrily. I was only slightly surprised to see Tyler standing there, his eyes wide with concern. 

"Troye, look, I-"

"Go away, Tyler! Can't you tell I don't want to talk to you? Not right now, not ever! Just leave me alone!" I roared, ignoring his heartbroken expression as I turned and got into the driver's seat of my car. I awkwardly peeled my ruined shirt off, tossing it in the backseat. Luckily I had a hoodie in my bag to wear, but I was too lazy to bother with getting it out of the backseat right now. So instead I sat shirtless in my car with my head slumped down against the steering wheel, still trying desperately to even out my breathing. I wasn't doing a very good job, to be honest. I kept playing the situation over in my mind, which only made it worse. I was in the middle of my tenth run-through,when I heard the passenger's side door open. I furrowed my brow, freezing instead of lifting my head to see who it was.

"Teenagers are cruel, but they're also stupid. They'll forget the whole thing happened in a week, tops." I immediately recognized Tyler's voice, though this time I was a little surprised to hear it. He hadn't chased after me yesterday at the store, I didn't expect him to today. 

He was working, Troye. He does have a life outside from you.

Great, now I'm having arguments with myself inside my head. I sat up slowly, subconsciously rubbing the salt water off my cheeks with the back of my hand. After I was certain my face was dry I turned to look at him. He was leaning back in the seat like he belonged there, his head turned toward me with a curious light in his eyes. After a few seconds I realized he was waiting for me to speak.

"Did I not just finish telling you to leave me alone?" I growled. Even as I said it I regretted the words coming out of my mouth. I didn't want him to leave. I wanted to be alone, but at the same time I didn't want him to leave. For a fleeting moment I was scared my words had discouraged him and he was about to get out of the car, as he reached for the door. Except he stopped short, just rolling down his window and turning back to me with a smirk.

"Did you really expect me to listen?" He asked, his smirk growing into a full-on smile. I rolled my eyes, laying back in my own seat. My own smile began to fade though, my mind doing what it did best; over-thinking everything.

"Why? Why didn't you leave?" I asked pointedly, sitting up to stare at him curiously. He looked at me like I'd just asked me the most stupid question in the world.

"Because I have way too much pride to believe you don't want to talk to me." I snorted, turning to look out the window. But only a second later I heard him clear his throat. "That, and you looked like you could use a friend."

"A friend?" I asked, staring at him incredulously. I know I'm supposed to hate him still over the whole homophobic thing, and I did, but that didn't stop the prideful swelling in my chest at his words. Whether he was an asshole or not, Tyler Oakley had more or less just asked me to be friends. The most popular guy in school found me interesting enough to talk to, on a regular basis. 

"Yeah? Don't you know what a friend is? Those people that are there for you through thick and thin, the ones that you actually enjoy spending time with, the-"

"Tyler, I know what a friend is." I laughed, my annoying giggle fading off into a wide smile. He seemed pleased with this, like he'd accomplished something huge just by making me smile. We stared at each other smiling for awhile, until his dimmed slightly.

"Are you sure?"

 A/n: OUUUU, AND THIS IS WHERE THE FUN BEGINS. TRYOELER TRTOYLLETRG. UGH, I'M A MESS. OKAY, COMMENT AND VOTE. I DONT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY ~(•ε • ~)