Previously

"Are you guys alright?" I smile nervously, putting a hand on each of their shoulders.

"Would be better if my eyes stopped leaking," BP says, his speech a bit unclear as continues to dry his eyes, "We missed you..."

"A lot," Undyne finishes.

"H-How about we talk the r-rest of the way to school, huh? W-We don't want to be late."

We all agree as I lock the door behind me and start walking.

Now

Just that short walk was enough to tire me out. Normally, I would've been just fine, but right now, I'm not normal.

The moment I step on school grounds, I can already feel everyone's eyes on me. Staring and watching as I enter the school through the front, where everyone can see me in plain sight. A few students pull aside their friends and start whispering to each other, though not bothering to hide it from my sight.

If I were sitting down, I would be squirming in my chair. However, since I am here, I pick on the sleeve of my shirt, tugging and rubbing the fabric together in between my fingers. I keep my head low as to not draw attention to myself, but I don't know really how effective it is.

We split ways as we make our way to our lockers. I try several times to unlock my dial combination lock before I eventually get it. It seems like my brain is still jammed as ever. I hope I'll be able to get through the school day...

I grab my science textbook and close the door behind me, the hinges squeaking quietly.

As I walk down the halls to my first-period classroom, I'm still getting intense stares from other students. I hold the textbook close to my chest and watch the ground as I hobble to class.

I peek through the door window to see Dr. Gaster already in the room. He looks like he's putting grades in a grade book.

I slowly creak the door open and close it behind me. He looks up momentarily and does a double-take.

"(Y/N)!" He exclaims, shock written all over his face.

"G-Good morning, D-Dr. Gaster," I half-smile and give a small wave.

"Goodness, child! Are you feeling alright?"

"Y-Yes, I am completely f-fine," I assure him, approaching his desk.

I reach into my backpack and pull out a few sheets of paper, handing them to him, "I-I'm sorry that I'm t-turning these in l-late..."

"Child...you just survived death itself and a coma. Homework..." He pauses, "...should be the least of your worries!" He looks at me with concern before taking the papers and placing them on his desk.

"But—" I retort.

"No buts. You can start making up your assignments next week. But right now, I just want you to rest easy and get better. I am not cruel, I will not overload you with work the moment you step into class."

"I—" I stop myself. I guess I can't really back up my argument here, "T-Thank you, Dr. Gaster."

"Don't thank me. You need a break."

I take a seat at my usual desk and plop my book bag on the floor next to me. It doesn't look too different from the last time I saw it, but I did manage to find a small conversation written in pencil on the corner. It seems to be a three-way conversation based on the handwriting.

ᴅᴏᴇs ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ sɪᴛ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪs ᴅᴇsᴋ ɪɴ 𝟷sᴛ ᴘᴇʀɪᴏᴅ?
4тн ρєяισ∂ нєяє
𝒜𝓃𝒹 7𝓉𝒽
ᴏʜ ɪ'ᴍ 𝟸ɴᴅ ᴘᴇʀɪᴏᴅ
ℐ 𝓌𝑜𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝓈𝒾𝓉𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒
ιт ¢συℓ∂ נυѕт вє αи єχтяα ∂єѕк
ωнαт ιf ιт'ѕ (у/и)'ѕ ∂єѕк?
𝒲𝒽𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒶𝓎?
ᴜʜ ᴍᴇ? ɪᴛ's ɴᴏᴛ ʜᴇʀ ғᴀᴜʟᴛ?
ℐ 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒.
нυн?
ᴅɪᴅ ɪ sᴀʏ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴡʀᴏɴɢ?

It stops there. I rummage through my backpack for a pencil and add a comment below the conversation.

(Y/N) here. Thanks for the concern. Everything is fine now.

I'd like to see their faces when they see that I've found their gossip.

Slowly, my other classmates start pouring into the room. They may walk in and then scan the room for a second before spotting me. I embarrassingly locked eye contact with a few of them accidentally. They all seem to be taken aback before they quickly recover and get to their seat.

One particular experience that stood out to me was when Bunny walked in.

She had her cellphone in hand and was texting away. She didn't even bother to answer Dr. Gaster when he greeted her and just walked straight to her desk without looking up from her phone. She sat down on her chair and faced my direction, still busy with her phone.

Not a moment later, the bell rings. The classroom seems like a full house. Dr. Gaster stands up from his desk and picks up a whiteboard marker with his magic, his right eye glowing a very pretty hue of purple.

"Alright, students. Put away your phones and take out your papers. We're going to start a new lesson about ways humans can gain magical properties after being around monsters again."

Everyone does as he instructs and puts away their phones. I can hear the others around me flip their binders and notebooks, the sound of crinkling and rustling of the turning pages fill my ears.

Bunny takes a full minute to stop her texting before looking up from her phone and seeing me. I lift my head up from my notebook and shift my eyes around the room, feeling someone's eyes on me. I finally turn my head slightly to the right to see Bunny, eyes as wide as saucers and jaw dropped to the ground (okay, maybe not to the ground, but you know what I mean).

Even when I look at her, she doesn't hide her shock.

"Can I help you?" I mouth silently, quizzically raising an eyebrow.

Dr. Gaster seems to have noticed the weird tension going on between us two.

"Miss (L/N) and Miss Ivory, is there a problem?"

My nerves kick back in at the sound of my name being called. Am I in trouble?

"N-No, Dr. Gaster. W-W-We're okay," my stutter getting objectively worse.

"Hm. If that is correct, then Miss Ivory, please take out your notes so I can begin my lesson."

She doesn't say another word and scrambles to put away her phone. She rummages through her bag for some loose leaf and something to write with.

"Now, as I was saying..."

* * * * * *

I walk down the hallways to lunch as I try not to stay out of other monsters' ways. I don't think it would be easy to stay upright if I get shoved aside.

I find my way to the cafeteria and push open the door. My eyes dart around for the table that we usually sit at, but my mind goes completely blank. I mentally kick myself for forgetting the usual table.

As luck would have it, my eyes go to a table where a group of familiar-looking figures is sitting. An orange-colored silhouette gestures in my direction to come over. I hurriedly pace over to them and start recognizing them. Wow, my brain really is mess up, huh?

"S-Sorry, my brain i-is not w-working," I smile sheepishly, swinging my bag off my shoulders and sitting myself down.

"Don't worry about it. You're only one day out of the hospital. No one expects you to be up and running perfectly the moment you step out," Skate reassures me.

"Hey, how was class by the way?" BP starts off. It catches me off guard for a bit. Even before the "incident", he was still rather cold towards me or at least didn't talk much. But now, he's conversing like it's no big deal. Guess I'm finally part of the team.

"T-They were fine. Monsters w-were definitely surprised when I s-showed up."

"Surprised is an understatement. Monsters were asking me questions in the hallway when I was getting from class to class!" PJ interjects.

"R-Really? The only p-particularly weird incident I-I had was when B-Bunny stared at me i-in first period."

"Monsters are talking about you, y'know? There's no doubt about that, punk," Undyne turns her head and scans the cafeteria, "And speaking of the devil, (Y/N), ten o'clock."

I lean back a bit and look to my left to see the Devil Divas gossiping. How fitting. From their glares and whispering, they're talking about me, no doubt. I catch Bunny's icy blue eyes and if looks could kill, I'd be dead. We maintain eye contact for a few seconds or so before she flips me off and continues babbling off to Ebony and Shadow about me.

"Rude..." I mutter under my breath before turning back to the rest of the group.

* * * * * *

With PJ's assistance during drama and Skate's help with cooking, I've managed to survive most of the school day. All that's left now is music and then I can go home.

I steer clear of other monsters' ways and head to class. After school, I'm going to speed through my homework and then take a nap. School is both physically and mentally draining.

I take a deep breath in as I approach the classroom door and turn the handle. Some students are already settled in their chairs and are conversing with their groupmate or working on an assignment from another class.

Ms. Shyren lifts up her head from her desk and widens her eyes. She gestures for me to come towards her and I obey.

"(Y/N), are you feeling okay?" She speaks in a low voice.

"Y-Yes, I feel fine."

"If you say so. You don't have to start making up the few assignments we had until next week unless you want to."

"I think I-I can start tomorrow i-if that's okay."

'I want to take my nap sooner than later.'

"A-are there any projects I-I have to make up?"

"No, there aren't. So you don't worry about that."

I thank her and take a seat on my chair in the middle of the room.

I take in a deep breath, 'Last class of the day. You can get through this. Ignore the stares and just focus in cla— NO! NEVERMIND, TIME TO PANIC!'

I can feel the presence of someone taking the seat next to me. I know it's him.

I turn my head to look at him only to be met with the back of his head. He's hunched over and staring in the other direction, refusing to look at me.

Is it too painful for him? Or is he still mad...?

I'm tempted to reach for his shoulder to grab his attention but stop myself midway, deciding against it. It seems too...intruding.

'What am I even thinking? I'm acting like I haven't known him for forever.'

"H-Hey..." I speak in a soft voice, fidgeting with my fingers and tugging on the hem of my shirt.

Even after a full minute later, he doesn't respond. Is he waiting for an apology? I sigh, disappointed in my useless attempt to pick up a conversation. I face his opposite direction and stare off.

I can hear him exhale audibly but nothing else. I look at my trembling hands and clench them tight into a fist. I inhale sharply through my mouth and blurt out two words.

"I'm sorry..." "I-I'm sorry."

I tilt my head up in surprise at his words. I turn myself to face him and thankfully, meet his face.

"What are you...what are you sorry for...?"

I bite my lip nervously, 'Gosh...he's crying...you know it's been a while when you're nervous to talk to your best friend...'

"F-For hurting you...i-it's my fault..." I avert eye contact and frown, "Please don't be mad..."

"I'm not mad," he says calmly but unstably.

I bring my fingers closer to his cheek to wipe away a few of his tears. He flinches for a second but lets me.

"I-I'm sorry I hurt y-you so bad..."

"You've got nothing to be sorry for, (Y/N)."

Hearing my name come out of his mouth feels like a weight has been lifted off my back. The ice has been broken and the barrier between us shattered. Sweet relief.

"I overreacted...a lot. I just completely cut you out of my life. That wasn't right of me."

"Y-You couldn't have k-known."

"But I could have at least had better communication, right?"

Just as I'm about to open my mouth to respond, the bell rings, signifying the start of class.

"L-Let's not overthink t-this right now and settle this a-after class."

He nods and wipes the rest of his tears with his sleeve.

'I really wish we were at the back of the classroom instead of in the center...'

* * * * * *

As the bell rings, signifying the end of class, I grab my notebook and stuff it into my bookbag. I swing one of the straps over my shoulder. Just as I'm about to stand up and talk, Frisk makes the first move and grabs my wrist.

"Meet me outside the school in five?" He asks.

"Y-Yeah, sure."

I get out of the classroom, feeling the air around me get noticeably less dense. I momentarily close my eyes and take in a deep breath, feeling the oxygen fill up my lungs, and then open my eyes and exhale.

'It's not a big deal, (Y/N). You'll be fine.'

I turn a corner to a hallway and find my locker. I open it and place a few of the heavier and unneeded books on the shelf. After sorting through my belongings, I zip up my backpack and close the locker door, leaving for the exit.

When I get outside, I wait, leaning against the wall and watching the clouds inch across the sky. I can vaguely make out the shapes of an elephant, a horse, and a dinosaur in the fluffy, cotton candy clouds.

"(Y/N)."

I tilt my head down and meet his eye level.

"F-Frisk."

He comes next to me and leans on the wall to my left. I look back up at the sky and from my peripheral vision, I see him do the same. We stay silent for a small moment.

"I'm really sorry...it was stupid to think that my friend of what? Four, five years would give up on me so easily."

"I-I wouldn't put the blame o-on you. It would've b-been really upsetting if I-I got that letter from you."

"I wouldn't blame you either. Your intention wasn't to hurt me and you didn't even write the note."

"B-But I still feel b-bad for dragging you into my p-problems..."

"That's the price I pay for friendship, isn't it? I'm willing to endure it if it means that you're still my friend."

I turn my head to face him. He looks back at me.

"Do...do you really mean t-that...?"

"Why wouldn't I?" He smiles, "You're my best friend."

"You're my best friend too."

Taking me by surprise, my rather fragile body was trapped in his arms. He pulls me close and I can hear his heartbeat from as far as I am. His head is past mine and slightly turned in my direction. I glance at him (or more like the back of his head), before cracking a smile and raising my arms, which were pinned to my sides, to return the embrace.

His hold is so much more powerful compared to mine, but I'd like to think that we both have the same amount of comfort and feeling in it.

After 30 seconds or so, he lets his arms drop by his side, but I keep my arms on him.

"A little clingy there, (Y/N)," he chuckles in good nature.

"Mmph, don't blame a girl who wants a long hug," I pout jokingly and rest my head on his shoulder.

He chortles and pats my back. I stay in that position for a few more seconds before pulling away and giving him a big grin.

He cracks up at his and ruffles my hair, causing me to groan quietly as I try to rearrange my hair back to its normal state.

"(Y/N)? Frisk?" A voice coming from my right calls out to me.

I look up and see PJ standing at the front of the entrance, coming our way. As I was about to take a step forward to greet him, Frisk puts a hand in front of me as if he were guarding me.

"Fri—"

"What do you want with her?" Frisk asks in an accusatory tone.

"Umm, to walk my girlfriend home?" PJ answers, clearly as confused as I am. He tilts his head aside a bit and gives me a perplexed look.

"You ha—" Frisk retorts before I have to step in.

"Frisk, what's wrong?" I grab his hand and lower it back down, stepping forward.

"(Y/N), listen to me," he grabs my shoulders, "He dares to claim you back as if he didn't hurt you!"

"I'm right here—"

I put a hand on his and gently take them off my shoulders, "He didn't hurt me. He was stuck in the exact situation as you."

"What...? What do you mean?"

"You weren't the only one I received a fake note from."

"You received a fake note?"

"Yes. Oh gosh, this is complicated... But what I'm trying to say is that everything was a setup," I step in between them, "I would NEVER hurt you guys like that!"

They stay quiet. Frisk hangs his head and PJ squeezes my hand.

"On that note..." PJ starts, "Frisk, I want to apologize for my friends. I spoke with Undyne and BP and made them promise never to do that again. I am so sorry you got hurt..."

Frisk looks up to face him and put an arm around his shoulders, pulling him aside. Out of their conversation, I can only hear certain words, "If...hurt her...make...turn...daylight...—stand?"

"...and clear."

He walks towards me now and looks down at me. We lock eye contact for a few seconds before he hugs me tightly. He leans into my ear.

"If he ever hurts you, don't hesitate to come to me. You know I'll protect those I love at all costs."

"Will do," I grin and return the embrace, patting his back simultaneously.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Of course!"

He releases me and waves goodbye as I stand beside PJ. I wave back and we begin walking.

"W-What exactly did he tell you?" I ask PJ, interlacing his fingers with mine.

He doesn't say anything for a second as if he were afraid, "He said he'd dust me if I ever dare hurt you."

"And you wouldn't, would you?"

Without stopping, I can feel his lips press against my cheek for a brief moment, "No."

I feel my face go pink and a chuckle escaping my throat, "You i-idiot."

"I'm your idiot~" He smiles charismatically and winks. My heart leaps.

I playfully nudge him away and continue to laugh.

* * * * * *

"I'll see you t-tomorrow then?"

"Of course," he puts an arm around me and gives me one last kiss on the forehead before letting go.

I skip up onto my porch and unlock the door. I give him one final wave as he mirrors me, and close the door behind me.

I kick off my shoes, drop my bag on the floor, and fling myself onto the couch. I bury my face in one of the pouch cushions and sigh in relief.

I forgot just how tiring school is.

I reach for my phone in my pocket and set a timer for half an hour before ultimately, passing out due to exhaustion.

After what felt like a few hours of dreamless sleep, I wake up to my phone ringing loudly. Groggily, I roll over to see that I most probably dropped my phone when I fell asleep. I reach for it, quickly check for any cracks, and answer the phone.

"H-Hello...?"

"(Y/N)!" A male voice shouts at me. I physically wince at the loud sound and hold the phone away from my ear.

"Y-Yes?" I put it back.

"Oh my God, (Y/N)! Are you okay!?"

"Um...yes, I-I'm fine..." I take the phone away from my ear and glance at the caller ID, "Fresh."

"You sound tired," he points out.

"Y-Yeah, I just woke up from a..." I check the time, "Ten-minute nap?"

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, no, d-don't worry about it."

"Go back to sleep," he demands.

"What? I-It's okay!"

"If you were sleeping, go back to sleep. We can talk more tonight if you want," he urges but then softens his tone, "Okay?"

"I-I guess so."

"Good. Go back to sleep now."

"Mmm, b-bye then."

"Goodbye."

I hang up and set my phone on the coffee table. I smirk and close my eyes.

'He's just like PJ and Frisk.'

~A/N~
Oh my goodness...
My sincerest apologies for being the world's slowest author!!
I'm just having a battle with my mental health and stressing over school is not helping me in the slightest
But, of course, that shouldn't be a valid excuse
I'm just really sorry I haven't been updating frequently
No, I am not putting this book on hiatus
I can make it through this final stretch and I'll pull through for you guys!
Give me some (a lot of) time to gather myself and I'll get working

Word count: 3680 words (including A/N)

*nopes out*