OUTRUN THE TRUTH {OMORI AU} (OLD)

Overwhelming Pressure

TW: Foul language, Slight Adult Pressure, BASIL being kind of stupid. 

As BASIL finished packing up his bag, he felt a tinge of sadness that it ended. He looked at his schedule and his next class was P.E. He furrowed his eyebrows, he had terrible memories of sports-related activities.  

He reluctantly made his way to the gymnasium, his steps weighed down by a mix of dread and anxiety. As he entered the space, the sound of bouncing balls and energetic voices echoed around him. BASIL couldn't help but feel like an outsider, disconnected from the enthusiasm and athleticism that seemed to come naturally to others.

He looked around to see that he knew nobody there. He avoids everyone and goes to the locker room and quickly changes. As he emerged from the locker room, he noticed a group of students engaged in a game of basketball. The loud cheers and laughter filled the air, intensifying his feelings of alienation. BASIL decided to keep his distance, seeking refuge on the sidelines once again. He really fucking hated this...

BASIL stepped onto the sidelines, trying to blend into the background, he hoped to remain unnoticed by the coach and his classmates. However, luck was not on his side that day.

The coach, who was a tall and imposing figure, noticed BASIL's presence and directed his attention towards him. The coach's booming voice cut through the noise of the gymnasium, causing everyone's attention to shift towards BASIL.

'Well, well, well, look who we have here,' The coach sneered, a hint of mockery in his tone. 'BASIL, isn't it? I don't remember seeing you ever in any of my previous classes. What brings you to P.E. today?'

BASIL felt a knot forming in his stomach as all eyes fell upon him. He tried to shrink away, wishing he could disappear into thin air. The coach's gaze didn't waver from BASIL's form, making him feel even more uncomfortable and exposed. 'Cat got your tongue, boy?' the coach taunted, his arms crossed over his chest. 'I asked you a question. What are you doing here?'

BASIL stuttered nervously, struggling to find the right words. 'I, uh, it's on my schedule,' he finally managed to mumble.

The coach raised an eyebrow in disbelief. 'On your schedule? That's it? You have no interest in sports or physical activity whatsoever?'

BASIL shook his head, feeling the weight of the coach's disappointment. He didn't want to go into sports again, not after what happened with POLLY... The coach's expression turned from mockery to something resembling pity. 'Well, we can't have you just standing there, now, can we? Come on, join in. It's about time you faced your fears.'

BASIL's heart pounded in his chest as he reluctantly stepped onto the court. The familiar fear and self-doubt threatened to consume him, but deep down, a small voice whispered that maybe, just maybe, he could overcome his past.

The game continued, and BASIL found himself fumbling through the motions, lacking the confidence and skill that seemed to come naturally to his classmates. The ball slipped from his hands, and he stumbled in his attempts to keep up with the pace.