🌸You🌸

The following day, I was preparing myself for school. I brushed my teeth, bundled up in warm clothes, and ate my breakfast in time before heading out. It was a shame that Dee was staying home for a whole week for suspension. Unless I'm visiting his home, I won't get to see much of him like normal, but at least I've still got my bestie, Heavy.

I made my way over to the bus station and met with Heavy there. We said our usual greetings before getting on the bus. Although, when we got on, the air seemed to be vacuumed out. There was unpleasant tension from everyone and thanks to my boys, I knew exactly why. I'll be honest, this is getting old.. I grumbled internally. Heavy and I sat in our usual spots, doing our best to ignore the staring eyes, and my friend brought up a question that made a great distraction.

"Hey, can I shoot you for something?"

"I'm at gunpoint, dude," I turned to him, "fire away."

"Dee told me a little bit of your backstory about why you wear- that," he pointed at me soft aesthetic clothes, "but with your family gone, why continue to wearing it if you hate it so much?"

"Uhh, well~.. I guess it's kinda a habit when I leave the house?" I answered, "but, I don't hate these clothes. I like them, they're cute but... I'm just nervous to wear my true colors in public," I whispered the last part into his ear.

"Why?"

"..I don't know."

That answer kept me thinking once we got to school and then on. Why was I still scared to express myself? Dee, Heavy, and more kids like us dress however they like, so why should I stay in my bubble? Heck, I chose to hide my face when I'm performing. It wasn't just because I wanted privacy, I just couldn't live with myself if people, worse; if the entire school, saw me dressed up like a glittery mortician rebel. What would they say? Do? How would they see me after that? I don't want that kind of attention. I just wanted to stay hidden and feel safe with only the people I can trust. But it doesn't help that I could still hear the voice that haunted me for months. His voice.

*Still thinking about me?~*

I'd be able to forget you, if you stayed quiet..

*Oh, please! You could never forget me~ I was the best thing to happen to you. You said so yourself~*

Until I saw how toxic and how hurtful you were to me and my brother, I finally saw you for the monster you really are. Now, if you would be so kind to- "..fuck. Off."

"Wow, is that any way to talk to a fellow classmate?"

I snapped out of my thoughts seeing Diane and her possie beside me, and realized that I might've said that last bit out loud.

"Oh, sorry, that wasn't meant for you," I apologized, before mumbling, "though it should be."

"What was that?"

"Wolverine." I answered sarcastically. "But, for real though, what do you want?" I asked while rummaging through my locker.

I heard Diane laugh a little and she leaned on the lockers next to me. She had this cheeky grin on her face. Should I be worried? With crossed arms, she speaks.

"Just gathering some intel, that you might have."

"On what, exactly?"

Then, her face turned dark. "You really don't know, or should I spell it out?"

"Hmm, oh!" I shut my locker, hard, and turned to face the bleach-headed bitch, "you mean those stupid rumors you instigated about me and Dee? Over a dumb party my brothers invited him and his family too?"

Since we were on our morning break, there were plenty of students witnessing the conversation. Diane's face grew more darker and sour with jealousy. What was her gripe with me? I haven't gone anything wrong. I couldn't believe I had to deal with this not long after my birthday disaster.

I continued on, "I had nothing to do with them coming to my party. And, for the record, nothing happened but it's none of your business. I don't know why you feel the need to intimidate me. You're pretty, you have amazing fashion taste, you could literally have anybody else in this school. But you chose to be a bitch to me, all of you hoes," I pointed at everyone, "over one boy that will never like you back. All that jealousy has made you ugly, even the boys. Ya'll make me sick. Piss off."

I left the hallway of students dumbfounded with those final words. Until I was able to find an empty classroom, I sat on my desk and deflated. I was holding my breath as I was walking away, trying to seem cool and collected, but I was honestly expecting Diane to pull my hair and start another fight. Thankfully, that didn't happen. But I couldn't help but worry. I may have won this battle, but it wasn't the end of the war. I know there will still be a few bastards wanting Dee or I, or just someone wanting to get some kicks off of us, especially Diane.

There was something about her glares that looked like her gears were turning. I don't know for what. I'll have to be more careful around her than usual. With Dee not here, and Heavy being in a different grade, I'm on my own.

*RIIIIIINNGG*

I sighed, let's just deal with this for as long as we can..

⏳Small Time Skip⏳
(Friday)

The past few days have been fine. I still heard the rumors I was warned about, some were even new: about my speech in the hallway. Diane has also been acting up. It was so suspicious because, she hasn't done anything but stare at me. And she's still staring!

I did my best to ignore her this past week, and practically everyone else, except Heavy. I just knew she wasn't worth my time, but I suppose she thought otherwise. Heavy was sent home early after eating something he probably shouldn't have, so I had no choice but to go home alone. I decided to walk instead of riding the bus. After grabbing a few things, I made my out.

No one was around, because I wanted to be the very last person to leave school. I thought it would be more peaceful that way. But the moment I got off the front stairs, I felt a hand grab a chunk full of my hair and I got dragged to the side of the school, where no one could see. I wasn't surprised when I saw the pink fading hair and who it belonged to.

"What the HELL is your problem, Diane?!" I yelled before being thrown to the ice melting ground. I grunted, lifting my head to glare at the damn bitch.

She didn't say a word but kick me in the face, on the nose too. Thankfully it wasn't broken, but I sincerely thought it was. I felt the warmth of blood as it started oozing from my nostrils. I shut my eyes as I wailed in pain, backing up until I felt the wall against my back. So many things were running through my head, but overall, I had one burning question.

"WHY!?" I screamed at the girl in front of me. Tears were falling and my heart was beating faster than ever imagined. "I've done nothing to you! Dee and I still aren't dating! I let you have him! He's YOURS to have! So why are you doing this!-"

Then, Diane walked up to me and grabbed my hair again. Her face leaned in, inches from mine as she said, "because I hate you."