routines ( joshler )

Chapter 5: Game Time

The next few days were a blur to both boys. They continued the same routine. Wake up, class, lunch, class, play music. All until Tyler inevitably has to practice. This had been going on for over a week now, and neither boy seemed to mind.

Today was different though. Everyone was on edge today. The basketball team had the most important game of the season against their rival school, and the school spirit was kicked into overdrive. All of the tension made Josh extra anxious, especially since he wasn't necessarily someone who had school spirit.

Josh walked the hallways, fidgeting with his lip ring using his tongue. It was louder than usual today, and voices were starting to mesh together, giving him a migraine. He looked around at everyone, wearing their school colors, and then looked down at himself. Josh was wearing one of his typical outfits. Ripped up skinny jeans, combat boots, a Joy Division shirt, and a flannel. His outfit didn't exactly scream school spirit, but it was very Josh.

He threw his bag down next to him at the lunch table, Debby already there waiting for him. From across the room he noticed Tyler anxiously biting his nails, Jenna rubbing circles on his back. He was wearing his basketball uniform, with his school hoodie on top of it, and Josh couldn't deny that he looked great in his uniform. Maybe even hot.

Tyler shook with anxiety. Everyone has been approaching him since he walked through the door this morning, giving him encouragement for the game tonight, but all he could think about was failing the team. The team relied on him, and he was afraid of letting them down on the most important day of the season. Deep down, he knew he shouldn't worry as much as he was, but he couldn't help it. Anxiety ate away at every part of his body.

Josh couldn't help but notice the way Tyler shook, even from the other side of the cafeteria. Without another thought, he stood up from his table and made his way towards Tyler's. Debby stared in shock as Josh casually made his way over. He sat down on the other side of Tyler, casting Jenna a soft glance before starting to scratch Tyler's back.

"Hey man, you're gonna be okay, you're gonna be great" he whispered words of comfort into Tyler's ear.

Tyler seemed to calm down a bit at this, and the longer Josh kept contact, the more he calmed down. Every one at the table continued what they were doing like Josh wasn't even there, which made him let out a sigh of relief. Jenna mouthed a small 'thank you' Josh's way before going back to her food.

Tyler sat in his math class, hands tugging at his hair, not even caring if he tore strands out. His brain was running faster than the rest of his body, thoughts continuously pushing his way to the front of his head. Tyler always suffered from mental health issues, his depression constantly plaguing his mind. He was great at acting he was okay. Between his exceptional grades, and how talented he was at basketball, no one could tell.

Everyone assumed Tyler had the perfect life, but no one could be perfect. His thoughts were eating away at him, worse than usual. He felt his eyes welling with tears. All he wanted was the bell to ring so he would be able to release his frustrations in the music room, singing his thoughts and having them out in the open.

The sounds of the bell signaling the end of day rang out in Tyler's ears, and without a second thought he grabbed his things and bolted. He needed music desperately, it was his only escape. Tyler pressed his fingers down hard on the keys of the piano, letting the words flow effortlessly.

"I'm not trying to be lying to you
But it takes a clever guy to do what I do
It takes some chivalry and well-placed energy
To subliminally get yourself inside you

Introspection is the name of this session
Spread this infection, reflect it on the next one

The next one, the next one, and when we're done
We'll all have made something new under the sun"