Catch Me When I Fall [BxB]

Nurse's Office

The halls start getting noisy as the school fills up, but there's still no reply from Khai.

Even when classes are starting in ten minutes.

"How are you feeling, Tyrone? You look anxious." Mrs. Laney notices.

"I feel exhausted and in a lot of pain but I'm also worried because I dreamt that Khai was mad at me and now he's not replying to my messages... I-"

"Calm down, Tyrone. I'm sure it's okay, maybe his phone died or something."

"Maybe." I say, trying to resist the urge to curl up into the fetal position.

"I think-"

The door opens, interrupting Mrs. Laney.

Khai rushes over to my side, his eyes wide with alarm when he sees me. And even though I'd rather not have him see me like this, I'm glad he's here.

I send him a weak smile.

"I'm so sorry I didn't reply, I slept in and I was rushing because I was late-" Khai stops himself, no longer thinking it's important.

"What happened?" He asks as he worriedly seats himself beside me on my bed.

I'm about to tell him the same excuse I use on my co-workers or virtually anyone else who asks: that I live in a dangerous neighborhood.

But then I remember that he lives in the same neighborhood as me.

I don't want to give him a reason to not be able to sleep at night.

So, I modify it.

"I had to run an errand this morning and happened to pass through a dangerous neighborhood."

Khai's face goes pale.

"Which neighborhood? Please tell me so I know never to go there."

Right. I should've known he'd start with the questions again.

"I wish I knew, Khai, But I don't."

The poor guy looks so stressed, and I feel bad for him. He's either really afraid of this neighborhood, or he really does care for me.

"Hi, Khai." Mrs. Laney greets him. He sends a forced smile.

"Hi."

"He'll be okay, he's in good hands." She tells Khai. "Hey, you two can be black-eye buddies now." Mrs. Laney says, and I know she's trying to distract Khai.

Thank fuck for Mrs. Laney. I don't like seeing him so worried.

"Except mine isn't really black anymore..."

The bells rings, and Mrs. Laney glances at Khai.

"You better get to class, kiddo." She tells him.

"What? But I wanna stay here." Khai protests, a hint of whining in his voice.

I smile subconsciously.

"Sorry, sweetheart. I can't have you skip class if there's nothing wrong with you."

"But I'm emotionally distressed! I won't be able to focus in math. Doesn't it count if I'm here for moral support?"

"Get outta here! You'll be late, otherwise." Mrs. Laney says this playfully, but it is evident that she's being serious.

I place my hand on Khai's knee and squeeze it.

The colour comes back to his face as he blushes.

"I'll be fine, Khai." I reassure him.