Tolerance || Omori [angst-y]

Part 2

(Warning; this chapter may contain sensitive topics that aren't suitable for all readers. Read the description for more details.)

Hero was tagged

Kel kept sobbing and sobbing. Basil tried comforting him, attempting to calm him down. I sat on the other side of Kel, and I pulled him into a hug.

"Kel, whatever happened at school, it'll all be okay." I said as Kel cried into my shoulder. He was shaky and weary.

Basil looked at me with a worried expression. "Hero... I think something happened to him at home."

I gave Basil a nod. I could tell Kel was calming down so I let go of my hug. He wiped away his tears and sniffled a few times. "Please don't worry... I'm f-fine." he said.

"Kel, you're not. Something is bothering you." Basil said with an understanding voice. 

"It was just a memory, Basil... It doesn't mean anything." Kel said as he grabbed his backpack and walked to the car.

Basil looked at me again. "Hero, please look after him."

"I... I will." I stammered. 

He smiled. "I need to go now... I might drop by you're house later actually. Just to... Check on a certain someone." 

"Sounds good. You can join us for dinner if you want. I think we're having pasta." I said, realizing how hungry I was.

Basil giggled. "We'll see. Bye Hero!"

Basil began walking home, waving at me before he was out of view. I walked to the car, sitting in the drivers seat. Kel was in the passenger seat, looking out the window like he usually does.

A few minutes of silence passed. Kel was fidgeting with his shirt nervously.

"Kel, you can't keep bottling up your emotions. Let's just say that I think they're going to overfill." I said.

"But..." Kel sniffed. "I don't want you to worry about me. I can deal with this myself."

I sighed. "This is going to backfire... and I can already tell."

Kel didn't answer. I guessed that meant he didn't want to talk anymore. I started the car and headed home.

'Why is he trying to hide from us? We're here to help, but he just keeps denying that he needs it...' I thought. 'I'm certain this has something to do with mom and dad.'

I really don't like it when people act like they don't need help, when they actually do. And right now, it feels like Kel doesn't trust me to be by his side. Is he embarrassed by me? Maybe... afraid?

Mom and dad are really rough on him... I wouldn't be surprised if they're the reason why he's acting this way. They always treat him horribly, and for some reason they always act like I'm the golden child. Believe it or not, I hate being treated that way.

 I sometimes watch from afar when they torment Kel. It's awful what they say and do... I wish I could do something about it, but they always push me away. In fact, everyone pushes me away. It's like I'm not even there. 

I guess we're all going through our little ups and downs. Although a few of us are going down more than others...

"Kel, if you ever need to talk to me, I'm always here. I know you keep saying you're fine, but just look at you. You had a crazy meltdown. And I have a feeling that that wasn't the first panic attack you've had today." I said after a few minutes passed.