A testament to our pain. (Tbhk x reader)

𝕊𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕡 ~𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖~

I checked my bag one last time before putting my shoes on to walk out the door heading for class. I had been dreaming of this scenic school trip for weeks with the upcoming photography contest coming up. I made sure I had everything I could ever possibly need in my bag, "Water, check. Money, check. Allergy meds, check. Camera, check. Phone, check. Charger, check. Emergency pad, check." I kept checking things off of my mental list that I had made up, as I zipped my bag back up I waved goodbye to my mom once more who was still helping my siblings get dressed for school.

I open the door softly and grab my bag that I had sat down to wave at mom once more and walk out the door shutting it carefully making sure that it closed well. I dusted off my uniform as I walked down the apartment hallway trying to make my way to the elevator, not wanting to get tired from taking the stairs. I looked at the huge skirt on the school uniform, actually it was a dress, which had always confused me. It was pretty but not very traditional, which bothered me a bit. I would have preferred going to a school with a normal jacket and white undershirt and a regular skirt that didn't swallow me whole. In the summer it was worse because of all the heat. It's like they designed them for torture, if so they did an amazing job at it.

I rolled my eyes slightly waiting on the elevator to arrive at my floor on the apartment building. I yawned quietly from the lack of sleep. I had been worried about this trip for weeks, well worried and excited. I have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures for the photography contest I signed up for a month ago, but... I'm too worried that I won't be able to get any good shots. I clenched my skirt at the horrible thought and sighed as the elevator dinged. "Well," I walked inside the elevator and pushed the lobby floor button. "Maybe I'll be able to hang out with Kou a bit. I haven't seen him much since I moved up to the highschool building." I sighed again in the sad defeat of not being able to see Kou.

I ran my fingers through my hair making sure it was orderly while I waited for the elevator to travel down to the first floor. Once the elevator hit the first floor and the doors opened I walked out to see our landlady cleaning some of the wooden furniture. "Need any help with that Mrs. Tsurugi?" I offered holding out my hand. She had been on her knees dusting, I assume, with a cloth under a table. It didn't make much sense to me but Mrs. Tsurugi didn't make much sense to me in the first place.

She grabbed my hand standing up as her frail knees shook. "No dear, I appreciate the thought but you've got college classes right?" She questioned.

"Nope. Still in high school Mrs. Tsurugi." I rubbed the back of my neck laughing nervously. "Oh I see." She said, "Well, you better get on with it then. When you get back though will you help me take out the trash in here?" She asked calmly. "Of course." I smiled, giving her a thumbs up and a wave goodbye as I walked out of the front door. I could see her wave back from the other side of the clear door. Her warm smile made me smile as well. Despite her being a bit odd she was still a nice lady.

I ran trying to make up for lost time, I was a bit behind and if I didn't rush then I wouldn't make it on time for the bus. I ran as if I was in the track club rather than photography. I felt the sweat dripping and the adrenaline pumping. It was a rather odd feeling. I liked it but at the same time it hurt. I avoided crowds of people and took back alley shortcuts. Living here for a long time had its benefits. I know all the scenic routes and every shortcut on the way to school. I knew secret places that had views that were unimaginable. I knew of places that you could hide if you were feeling sad. I knew places to hang out with your friends. All of which took time to find but were, and still are so incredible.