Gravity

Four

-Akaashi’s pov-

To say he was nervous was the understatement of the century, Akaashi was waiting for his heart to explode.

It felt like everyone was staring at him, and their eyes were burning him. His mind was racing, he was thinking of everything that could go wrong today. But the thought of his neighbor, Bokuto, made him calm down. For two reasons: one, if Akaashi messed up in class, Bokuto wouldn't know, since he's a third year. Two, Bokuto will probably be forced to be around him either way because of their mothers.

Akaashi hated the idea that someone as kind as Bokuto was just being nice because he felt bad, but he didn't have room to say no to even a pity friend.

Walking through the halls was bad enough, but the second that Akaashi walked into his new classroom, he felt his fear spike to an ugly level.

His skin was crawling.

He was glad to see the teacher in the room already. He went up to her and bowed, "Excuse me, I'm Akaashi Keiji."

"Ah yes, you're the new student that will be joining us from now on, correct?" The teacher, Ms. Tsubaki, asked him. She was a taller woman, with kind features. Akaashi could tell she wasn't one of those teachers who didn't care for their students.

"Yes, um, where is my seat?" He knew that she could hear how much his voice was shaking. But he was too nervous to try and correct it.

"Your seat is right over there. I hope you enjoy being here, we're glad to have you." She smiled, and pointed to the back left of the room.

"Thank you." He gave a bow and headed to his seat. He tried not to look at the handful of students that were already in class. It was still quite early, so many students were still talking with friends and arriving to the school.

Akaashi sat down and tried to take deep breaths. Oh God they're all looking at me. They think I'm some weirdo. They-

His raging thoughts were interrupted by his phone vibrating.

Message from Bokuto-san

hey akaashi! i know ur in class by now but just had to say... u got this!!!

Akaashi smiled at the screen and responded.

Thank you Bokuto-san.

He turned his phone off and looked around the room. He was sat on the opposite side from where the windows were.

This was going to be a long day...

---

Akaashi had managed to sit through the first half of his day without passing out. But that doesn't mean he wasn't anxious the whole time.

But his small salvation came when lunchtime hit. He wasn't excited that it was time for him to eat in front of people. But he was excited to have a break from his cramped classroom.

Hey Bokuto-san, how has your day been so far?
Akaashi sent the text soon after he left the room, he stood next to a stairwell as he waited for a reply. 

it was good, i bet your day was good too. we should meet up for lunch, I'll come pick you up from your classroom.

Akaashi read the message and stayed where he was. He was excited to see his new friend again, and having a third year next to him would most likely deter any bullies.