An Unheard Voice // 𝘈𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘺𝘢 𝘒𝘊𝘊 𝘈𝘜

𝟶𝟶𝟷: 𝙰 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍?

"Goodbye, Toya! Have a good first day of school~!" My mother chirped, waving.

I wave back, almost trembling all over. Is it too late to go back home? No, you can't go back. This is for your own sake, your therapist recommended going to school! Plus, it's the only best method they could offer.

I am Toya Aoyagi, a first year in highschool... Going back to school for my first time ever. Well, I can't remember if its my very first time. Technically first time of highschool.. I'm so confused. But still, I have been homeschooled my whole life, so I.. I don't know how to feel. I'm scared, my hands are shaking, I want to go back- aand now I'm at the school gates. God, I have to stop speaking in my mind.

I slowly step in, and then immediately get swept by a huge crowd of people. I'm now in the building, trying to avoid people as much as possible. Though it's hard, because everyone is staring at me.. Is my hair a mess? Is my outfit wrinkled? No, it can't be, I made sure to fix everything this morning..

"Who is that cute boy?"

"My, he's so handsome..!"

1-B.. is this my classroom? I check my paper to make sure, and once again, get swept inside. It's too late to go back out. I look at the seating chart, and go sit down. Everyone is still staring at me and whispering.. I look down, flustered with embarrassment.

Someone sits next to me, and I try my best to avoid eye contact.

-*-*-

My seat partner and I have been assigned to clean the class after, and I'm clearing the board. It's my last assignment before we leave school. He hasn't been here.. did he have plans? This is sad.

Imagine being a loner on the first day of school, everyone whispering and looking at you, on top of the fact you're the only one cleaning. Wow.

Maybe school won't be so bad? I can get used to being around people by just watching from a distance, I can't handle huge crowds.. it'll be easier.

"Oh, sorry I wasn't here. My sister starting making a fuss that I accidentally took her bag.. even if they're the same. Wait, did you clean already?"

I freeze. Why is he talking to me..? How do I respond?

I start to back up, and he tilts his head. Breathe, Toya. Remember the strategy your mother taught you- I can't breathe.. why can't I breathe?! I can't even see his face, I--

"Woah, watch out!" He sprints, pushing me out of the way, and the chalk erasers fall on him instead.

"Are you okay?!" He says, immediately getting up to look at me. I nod, still shocked.

"That's a relief! Here, let me help you up." He holds out his hand.

I look to the side, still wide-eyed. I grab his hand, and stand there.

How can I thank him? Think, Toya. An idea pops up in my head, so I run to the chalk board.

"Hm?"

I grab the piece of chalk, and begin writing.

"Thank you for saving me."

He stares in confusion, and smiles.

"No problem. But.. why were you so scared of me? You looked pale. Are you sick?"

I take a deep breath, and continue writing.

"I'm sorry about that. I panicked and didn't realize where I was stepping."

"Nah, it's fine. I just did what anyone would do. Sorry if I frightened you, I didn't mean to. Also, can I ask another question?"

I nod.