Heartstopper stories

You hate him, right?

Content warnings: homophobia, mention of sh

This story takes place at Truham. Nick and Charlie will be in the same dorm, but it's different from the real Heartstopper story. Nick is a bit douchy-er. He's still a rugby player, but his teammates have more influence on him than the real story. 

Also, a huge thanks to those who reacted to my author's note yesterday. It's deleted now, but it means a lot to see your support. Thank you❤️.

Charlie's pov

After Christmas break, I had to go back to school. Or better yet, back to hell. Well, it's a little better than last year, but I can't say I'm really looking forward to it yet. I walked to the school gate with Tao and Aled, my two best friends. Elle is my best friend too, but she is at Higgs now. Harry and his friends sat at the lunch tables in front of the gate. I tried not to make eye contact with them as I passed them. It worked. They didn't look my way or yell nasty things. Maybe today won't be as bad as I thought. 

I was lost in my thoughts when Tao snapped his fingers in my face. I, apparently, had a strange look on my face because of my thoughts. I looked back at Tao. "Are you alright?" He asked me. I gave him a confused look. "Yeah, I'm fine." I said. Tao nodded and continued walking. Aled didn't seem very involved with us. He was listening to a podcast on his phone. We got to our lockers and took today's books out of them. Harry and his friends passed us and before I could bend away, I got a banana peel thrown against my head. 

So it's going to be one of those days.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Tao said furiously. "It was just a joke. You can't handle anything these days." Harry said with a laugh. I tugged on Tao's sleeve, telling him to let it go. It's not worth it. Tao first looked at his sleeve and then at me. He saw the questioning look on my face and rolled his eyes. "You shouldn't let them walk all over you like that. Otherwise, they'll keep doing stuff like this." I looked away. "That's easier said than done." "Yes, I know that, but when you keep letting them get away with it, it will harm your mental health. I don't want to see you go through that all over again. You can also go to a teacher or something if you don't want to confront them." Tao said. 

"Yeah, maybe." I muttered as I walked down the hall. Tao and Aled had a different class than me, so they went in a different direction. We waved at each other before I turned to my music. I walked into the classroom and got to the teacher as I took out my earphones. The teacher didn't really look like he wanted to be there. I can't blame him, but I didn't feel like taking this class either. In my mind, I was already preparing arguments on why missing this class would make everybody happier. I would never argue with a teacher though. Their lives are hard enough already. 

"Charlie Spring. So, you have come back too?" As if he couldn't see that I was standing right in front of him. "Yupp. Unfortunately, I couldn't run away from it." The teacher chuckled for a moment before looking at the map of the classroom he had made. "I placed you by the window, next to Nicholas Nelson. He is a year older than you." I looked in the direction the teacher was pointing. I nodded at him briefly before walking to my table. I recognized the name, Nicholas Nelson, but I've never spoken to him. 

Then I saw him, and my heart sank to my stomach. 

He's one of the boys from Harry's group. Great, now I'm stuck with him. I sighed and walked to the table next to him. He looked at me for a moment before quickly looking away. He clearly knew who I was. 

Great, this day can't get any better.

I sat down next to him and turned my attention to my phone. As long as I don't have to look at him, he can't think I want anything from him. Most guys I look at ask me if I like them or shout at me to stop staring. They usually use some hurtful words as well. Being the only openly gay boy at school isn't that fun. After a few minutes, the teacher clapped his hands once and asked us to put our phones away. With a soft sigh, I put my phone in my bag and cast my gaze rigidly at the teacher.