routines ( joshler )

Chapter 2: Delusional

Debby's voice continued to get drowned out by Josh's thoughts yet again. He's already made awkward eye contact with Tyler from across the room for a second day in a row, but this time felt different. When their eyes met, Tyler offered Josh a small smile which made him immediately look away. Josh was used to no one paying attention to him, so the sudden attention was uncomfortable for him, especially coming from one of the popular kids.

"Josh, are you doing okay?"

"Just fine, just having an off day" He responded, eyes raising to look at Tyler again.

Debby's eyes followed, landing on Tyler who was laughing with his table.

"Does someone have a crushhhhhh" she dragged out her words to tease the boy.

Josh choked on the iced tea he was drinking, punching his chest in an attempt to catch his breath. He shook his head in denial.

"Just an ... awkward run in the music room"

"Tyler Joseph? In the music room? Are you becoming delusional now Josh?"

"I swear! He even asked if I wanted to practice with him" Josh spoke, scratching his head.

" Whatever you say man" Debby laughed in response.

Neither of them brought up the topic for the rest of lunch. Josh because he knew she would call him delusional again and laugh. Debby on the other hand, didn't stop thinking about it. Even though she wouldn't bring it up, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of Josh stepping out of his comfort zone and talking to Tyler. She still couldn't believe it anyways. Why would Tyler Joseph be in the music room before basketball practice?

________________________

Josh knew there was a game tonight so there was no practice, meaning Tyler probably wouldn't have any reason to stay directly after school, but that didn't stop his curiosity from getting the best of him and stopping by the music room. This time, he heard a ukulele accompanying Tyler's voice. He still couldn't get over how nice Tyler's voice was, and how talented he is with so many different instruments. Josh peeked his head in, not going unnoticed by Tyler.

"Here to play?" he spoke to Josh, who timidly stepped into the room.

"Why are you asking me to play?"

"For one, I hear you're super talented. Secondly, you just seem like a cool guy" Tyler spoke up.

"Me? Cool?" Josh responded back, confused.

"I mean yeah, I've never got the chance to talk to you because we never had any classes together, but I've always thought you seem pretty cool"

Josh stood, stunned. No one has ever told him he was "cool" and it was especially odd coming from one of the most popular guys in school. Josh looked down at his feet, blushing slightly before making his way over to the drum kit. Tyler smiled at him before strumming.

Josh quickly picked up on Tyler's rhythm, and found his own. The two of them worked together perfectly, it almost felt natural. Obviously both of them noticed, but neither of them would ever admit it. How well they worked together became an unspoken fact that anyone would be able to see. They were able to match each other perfectly even though they had never even had a conversation prior to today.

Hours went by before Tyler noticed the time.

"I have an hour until my game so I have to get ready..."

Josh waved a goodbye to him as he left the room, and put his head in his hands.

"What just happened" he whispered to himself, the past few hours not quite hitting him yet.

Debby wouldn't believe him if he told her he just spent hours playing along with Tyler Joseph in the music room, so he figured he might as well just keep it to himself for now. Although, she might hate him if she found out he hid that from her. He shrugged, and made his way out of the music room. He would deal with it tomorrow.