Walk with me in the Face of Despair

Chapter 1: The Annoying Hall Monitor

Shit shit I'm gonna be late! I thought, gritting my teeth as I fled down the hall. Luckily there were very little students in the normally crowded corridor. I'd overslept and was paying the consequences for it.

I was almost there. The time was ticking down, but I was almost at my classroom. Just a little farther.. a little farther.. a little-

"Lexi, what in God's name are you doing?" a familiar voice shouted.

I stopped dead in my tracks, my blood freezing. GODDAMMIT

I spun around to see the hall monitor, stomping angrily towards me with his silver whistle swinging from his neck.

I rolled my eyes, and walked towards him. "Taka please not today.. I'm running late-"

"I'd say you are!" Kiyotaka Ishimaru stood in front of me, crossing his arms. "What on earth are you so late for? And why are you running down the hall? You know you could cause disruptions among fellow students!"

I sighed. "I overslept, okay? So if you could please-"

Taka's mouth dropped open in an "O" shape. "Lexi! That is so irresponsible of you! I don't normally have to worry about you getting in trouble, but this is very inconsiderate and rude to these school grounds!"

My cheeks pinked with embarrassment. "Can we do this later, Taka? I need to get to class," I muttered, staring at my feet.

He was silent for a bit, pondering my request. His answer came as, "I'll let you slide, only this once! And that's because this is my first time catching you. You'd better not let it happen again."

With that, he saluted, and walked the opposite way down the hall.

Everyone in school thought Taka was a bother, but that's just because they always get caught.

I made an effort to just follow rules and keep to myself. It was much easier to deal with that way. In fact, I get nervous if I get in trouble for literally anything. I don't even like getting called on in class.

Taka was more strict than most teachers. He abides by all rules and keeps the rest of the students in check. I hated to upset him, but I couldn't be late.

The bell rang right as I stepped into the classroom. I was panting from walking quickly. I took my normal seat, away from everyone else, and sat my book bag on the tiled floor.

Taka almost cost me my first tardy since third grade. How ironic would that have been.. getting in trouble for running late and then actually being late, I smirked, grabbing a mechanical pencil from my bag.

The class was long and boring. I always sucked at geometry. Anything with math involved mixed with me like ketchup and ice cream.

The teacher rambled on, and I let my mind wander. I sighed, doodling absentmindedly on the wooden desk.

The bell rang, and I thanked my lucky stars I was never called on. I didn't pay attention at all.

I left the classroom, set on hitting up my locker before English class. I had English with Taka, and I was scared he was going to say something about our confrontation this morning.

Upon opening my locker, as cliché and cheesy as it sounds, a little note fell out onto the hallway floor. Stooping over to pick it up, I noticed the handwriting was rather messy.

"I think you're beautiful," read the scrawled handwriting. Vague and sweet. I'm sure plenty of people would disagree, but I was flattered nonetheless.

I snapped myself out of my trance, and secured the small note in my pocket. I took my English textbook out of the locker, promptly closing it afterwards.

English was just down the hall. An easy walk. I tapped the note in my pocket, slightly protective of it. It wasn't everyday that secret admirer compliments you.
I wonder who it is, I mused in curiosity. I didn't talk to a lot of people. I rarely talked to anyone at all. Friends at school were just distractions from education.

The writing seemed male, but I was a girl with messy handwriting, so I couldn't say for sure.

I entered the class, my mind in a distant land. As I brought myself to reality, I took note of Taka and his best friend, Mondo, chatting together.

I didn't know much about Mondo. I knew he was considered a punk. For Taka to be best friends with a delinquent... it was surprising. They looked out for each other. Inseparable. Like butter and toast.

I sat in my seat, yawning as I did. Not enough sleep resulted in tardiness and fatigue after all. Too bad insomnia hated me.

My eyelids felt like lead that just kept getting heavier. Once my teacher actually started teaching, I felt myself almost dozing off from his creamy voice.

Something hit my arm.

I glanced over at the pink eraser that I assume was thrown at me. I looked around to see who the culprit was. My blue eyes met Taka's red orbs.

He was shaking his head in disapproval. He didn't want me sleeping in here.

I signed in annoyance and ignored the red-faced hall monitor trying to wake me up. My eyelids drooped again, I began to sink into sleep...

No more annoyances. Out like a light.