A smile just for me

Soothe

His knuckles were red raw- reminding him of the stressful night before.He'd bitten his hands- focusing completely on the feeling of the sore open wounds he was creating. It wasn't really anything new- he'd gotten similar injuries from volleyball before...just never to this extent...and never self inflicted.His day wasn't good, it just wasn't terrible, which he was grateful for. School days were never good anymore- no days were good days- so he was grateful for the ones that weren't extra painful to endure.Today, like every other day, he felt weak- so he made sure to take a break and lean against the wall to gain his composure before leaving the school on his pursuit home. The bell had rang- most people were already gone and if not they were on their way outThen he heard that voice.Your voice."Tendō? Are you ok?""Hm?" He looked at you nonchalantly, hoping it would calm the worried expression on your face.You stood a few feet away, clutching your school bag with a wary expression and itching fingers."You're bleeding...and shaking...." you stated, noticing his sore hands and uneasy stance straight away. You'd debated on whether you should say something or not- but Tendō seemed pretty chill and you'd rather check up on him than ignore the worrying situation- no matter how shy you were."Oh..." he mumbled."Should I get someone for you?""N-no thanks"Your expression grew more concerned at his refusal."You sure?""Yeah...."Silence engulfed the small hallway, only the slight echo of his tired panting remaining in the air until their was a rusting and clashing coming from your direction."Do you like cereal bars? You can have this if you'd like- d-do you need a drink? Have you ate today?" This is the most interaction we've ever had She's so...soft"Oh no, no- I'm fine honestly" he insisted, knowing you didn't believe him.You nodded nervously, not sure of how to properly handle the situation."Just got a bit dizzy s'all" he smiled, standing up straight to look at your with a reassuring smile only to see you clutching the cereal bar in both hands as if to gift it to him."Ok...well, take care of yourself...see ya""See ya" he replied, watching you toddle off down the hall. Wow Wow haha Fuck whatever I thought earlier- this is a great day! She cares? Is she just being kind though? But still... She didn't have to offer me anything She didn't have to speak at all but she did! WowBy the time he got home he was bubbling with excitement- this was huge for him. He wanted to tell everyone....Then he remembered that no one cared.They all turned on him. They're probably talking about me right now at volleyball practiceIt wasn't fair- he wanted to talk about the interaction; it was the only thing on his mind. He wanted to relive it and talk about it endlessly because the tiny buzz that he got in that moment almost made him forget about everything that's been going on.But- however sweet that moment was, the same old feelings were always there- looming over him and building up to choke him with anxiety and paranoia.——————————"Oi! Why aren't you at school?" Shit He mentally cursed himself out, sitting up in his bed straight away."Sorry...must've slept through my alarm.." he explained to his mom.Instead of bursting into a lecture about his education- she surprisingly walked further into his room and sat on the corner of his bed."Is something going on with you?""...what do you mean?""Oh c'mon, you don't think I've noticed? You're not eating, you've stopped playing volleyball, you're grades are getting worse, you're almost passing out everyday, you barely leave the house, and you either don't sleep at all or sleep non stop.""Oh...""So...what's up? I...I get that you're a teenage boy and you might not want to talk about this stuff with your mom but...I'm really worried about you honey"He nodded, understanding where she was coming from and feeling bad that he'd burdened his own mother like that."I...I don't know...I feel really...foggy I guess""Do you want to go to the doctors? You know there's nothing to be ashamed about- men are allowed to have down days-""I already went...they told me not to worry too much""Oh...well maybe you can speak to another doctor next time. What about the school councillor? I can ask her to take some of the pressure off of you at school- I know exam season is always difficult""It's not the exams that are stressing me...and i don't really want to talk to anyone about it- I don't think I could anyway. My head just feels like mush"She nodded, thinking for a few moments before speaking again."What about grandad?""Hm? What about him?""He lives up in the mountains- you always liked his house right? It's not too far away from school but it's much calmer there than it is here, maybe you could go stay there and clear your head for a while? I'd come see you everyday obviously but it might help you a little"Tendō thought about the suggestion.His grandad was a very old man, he could probably benefit from having Tendō around to do basic tasks and chores. His house was more secluded than his own- hidden deep in the mountains and surrounded by greenery.It wasn't too far away from Shiratorizawa- besides, he could always catch the bus."Why not?Maybe it'll help him rest finally- maybe a change in scenery is what he needs.