All Of Us Are Dead

Chapter 2 - Flash backs

I remember the first day I walked into school, feeling the rush of nerves and excitement. It was a bright, sunny morning, and the hallways buzzed with the chatter of students finding their way. I was trying to find my locker, fumbling with the combination when I spotted him. Tommie was leaning against his locker, laughing with a group of friends. His easy-going smile and the way he seemed to light up the whole room caught my attention immediately. I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly he commanded the space around him, and there was something about his presence that made me feel like he was the centre of my world, even though I hadn't met him yet.

I was still trying to navigate my way through the chaos of the first day when Quin came up to me. I had heard of Quin through soccer practices, where he was known for his skills on the field and his playful teasing off it. As I fumbled with my locker, he approached with a grin that could only mean trouble.

"Hey, Ashta, right?" Quin asked, leaning casually against the lockers. "I see you've been eyeing Tommie over there. Got a bit of a crush, do you?"

I flushed, feeling my cheeks warm up as I tried to hide my embarrassment. "What are you talking about?"

Quin's grin widened. "Oh, come on. It's pretty obvious. I've seen you sneak glances his way. Don't worry, it's not a big deal. Everyone's got a crush on Tommie at some point."

I stammered, "It's not like that. I just... noticed him, that's all."

He chuckled. "Sure, sure. I know how it is. Tommie's a great guy, but he's got no idea you exist. Just thought I'd let you know, before you start daydreaming too much."

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool. "Thanks for the heads-up, but I'm fine. I can manage my own daydreams."

"Alright," Quin said, still smirking. "Just remember, if you ever want to talk about it or need advice on how to deal with a crush, I'm your guy. I'm a bit of an expert on the subject."

With that, Quin turned and jogged off to join his friends, leaving me to deal with the mix of embarrassment and intrigue. It was clear that Quin knew Tommie well, and while the playful teasing stung a bit, it also made me more curious about Tommie and his world.

The next day at lunch, I found myself once again feeling a bit out of place. The cafeteria was buzzing with energy, but it felt overwhelming rather than welcoming. I had managed to find a seat at a table on the edge, hoping to blend into the background.

As I picked at my lunch, trying to ignore the clamour around me, I saw Quin heading in my direction. I recognized him immediately—he was the guy who'd teased me about Tommie the day before. He looked casual and confident, a stark contrast to how I felt. When he reached my table, he greeted me with a friendly smile.

"Hey, Ashta. Mind if I join you?" Quin asked, sliding into the seat across from me. I was a bit surprised but welcomed the company.

"Sure, Quin. I could use the company," I said, managing a small smile.

Quin settled in and started chatting with me about the usual school stuff—classes, teachers, and how I was settling in. He had a way of making things seem less daunting, and I found myself relaxing a bit.

After a while, Quin shifted the conversation back to Tommie, but this time, it felt more like a friendly nudge rather than just teasing. "You know," he said, "Tommie's pretty cool. He's on the soccer team with me, so I know him pretty well. If you ever want to get to know him better, I can probably help set up a casual group hangout or something. No pressure, just friends hanging out."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. "Really? That would be nice," I said, trying to hide my excitement.

"Absolutely," Quin replied with a grin. "Consider it a friendly introduction. Plus, it'll give you a chance to hang out with more people and feel less like a new kid."