It was just another day at school, but for you, it felt like a mountain you had to climb. The hallways were bustling with students, laughter echoing around you, and the noise made your heart race. You had promised Rafe you would try your best to manage your anxiety, but the crowded atmosphere was overwhelming.
As you navigated through the halls, you spotted Rafe talking with Topper and Kelce near the lockers. His smile lit up the space, but the thought of joining them made your stomach twist. Taking a deep breath, you decided to walk over, hoping that his presence would help calm your nerves.
"Hey, my love!" Rafe called out, spotting you. He waved you over, his bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Hey..." you replied, forcing a smile as you approached. The moment you reached him, you felt a wave of anxiety hit you. The noise, the laughter, the crowd—it all felt like too much.
Rafe immediately noticed your unease. "You okay?" he asked softly, leaning in closer, his voice gentle.
You hesitated, glancing around at the students laughing and chatting. "I... I'm just feeling a bit anxious," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.
"Hey, it's okay," he said, wrapping his arm around you and pulling you into his side. "Just focus on me. Breathe."
You leaned against him, taking a few deep breaths, trying to ground yourself in his presence. His warmth was comforting, and you felt a bit of the tension ease away.
Topper and Kelce exchanged concerned glances but didn't push the issue. "We were just talking about the party this weekend," Topper said, trying to lighten the mood. "You guys coming?"
"Yeah, of course! Right, babe?" Rafe asked, looking down at you with a hopeful smile.
You hesitated again, anxiety creeping back in at the thought of a crowded party. "I don't know... It might be a bit too much," you confessed, your voice shaky.
"Don't worry about it. If you want to come, I'll stick by you the whole time. We'll have fun, I promise," Rafe said, squeezing your shoulder reassuringly.
"Yeah, and if you need a break, just say the word. We've got your back," Kelce added with a supportive grin.
Feeling a little better, you nodded. "Okay, I'll think about it."
Just then, the bell rang, signaling that it was time for class. You felt a surge of anxiety wash over you again at the thought of walking into a crowded classroom, but Rafe's hand found yours, intertwining your fingers.
"Let's go together," he said, his voice steady and comforting.
As you walked to class, Rafe stayed close, whispering little jokes and comments to distract you from the chaos around you. The noise faded into the background as you focused on him, his presence easing your worries.
When you entered the classroom, you felt a spike of anxiety. The desks were packed, and you could feel the energy of the room buzzing around you. You tried to stay calm, but the pressure was overwhelming.
Rafe must have sensed your discomfort because he turned to you, his expression serious. "Hey, just remember, I'm right here. You can do this," he said, giving your hand a gentle squeeze.
As you took your seat next to him, you focused on his comforting presence. The teacher began the lesson, and you did your best to pay attention. But as the minutes ticked by, your anxiety started creeping back, your mind racing with thoughts of how many people were in the room and how everyone was watching you.
Suddenly, you felt the familiar tightness in your chest, and your breathing quickened. You glanced around, feeling the walls closing in on you.
"Hey, my love, look at me," Rafe whispered, leaning closer. "Just breathe. In and out. You're okay. I've got you."
You locked eyes with him, and the world around you seemed to fade away. You took a deep breath, focusing on his voice, repeating his words in your mind. Slowly, you managed to steady your breathing, feeling the panic start to recede.
After a few moments, the teacher called on you to answer a question. Your heart raced again, but Rafe squeezed your hand beneath the desk, silently encouraging you.
You took another deep breath and spoke, your voice shaking but clear. "I think... it's because..." you began, surprising yourself with your own determination.
As you finished your answer, you noticed Rafe beaming at you, his pride radiating. "See? You did it!" he said, his excitement bubbling over.
You smiled back, feeling a rush of relief wash over you. Just having Rafe there made everything feel a little less daunting.
After class, as you made your way down the hall, Rafe kept his arm around you, leaning in close to share little comments and jokes, making you laugh. "How about we grab ice cream after school? Just you and me," he suggested, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"That sounds perfect," you replied, your heart warming at the thought.
As the school day went on, you felt a little more at ease, thanks to Rafe. No matter how anxious you felt, his support made it easier to face the challenges of the day. You knew you could lean on him whenever you needed, and that made all the difference.