calm down // josh dun

t w e l v e

I GOT MY FIRST REAL PROBLEM, I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT

--Josh's P.O.V--

"Well, I would say that our project went very well. I feel like we are going to get a good grade," Declan said, running a hand through his hair as we walked down the hallway, glad the school day was over.

Ever since the night Parker threatened me, Declan Gray and I have been inseparable. It was strange honestly, but I didn't truly have a problem with it. Parker Axton certainly did and he made sure to broadcast his distaste for me any chance he could possibly think of. I ignored him every time. His words or actions didn't affect me, but he definitely affected Declan.

Parker made a remark in English class as we walked up to do our project and I could have swore that Declan was going to vault over the desk he was sitting at and attack his hockey teammate. His hands were holding onto the edge of the desk so tight that his knuckles were turning white. I also noticed that he had to take deep breaths to calm himself down. Parker found his response funny and I just couldn't understand why Parker enjoyed making his star player absolutely miserable. It made no sense to me whatsoever.

When the bell finally rang, Declan and I left the classroom and the younger boy promised me that his reaction towards Parker was only an effect of his hormones since he was on T. A part of me believed him, but a part of me honestly believed that there was a deeper reason behind it.

"Mrs. Teller seemed to be pleased with it, so I would say we did good," I responded as we reached my locker. I bent down to sit my books on the tile floor before reaching back up to enter my locker combination. "We should get our grade tomorrow."

The boy next to me nodded as my locker flew open. "Are you going to stay and watch my hockey practice today?"

"If you want me to, I can," I replied, stuffing all my books into my locker. "I like watching hockey."

Declan give me a small smile, fidgeting with the backpack strap on his shoulder. "Um, Jenna can come too if she wants since Tyler didn't show up to school today."

Jenna and Tyler were both closer to Declan now after the Steak & Shake incident, but Declan instantly felt a connection to Jenna. He still enjoyed being around Tyler, but I could tell that he honestly trusted our blonde friend.

"I'm sure she would love to watch you play." I slung my backpack onto my shoulder before closing my locker. "She usually waits on the front steps for me, so I'll go and get her."

Declan nodded. "Okay. I'll better go and get my gear on, so Parker won't kill me."

I flinched at his words, but he didn't seem to notice. "I'll see you at the rink with Jenna."

"Alright, Josh."

•••

"You are off your game, Gray!" Parker's words echoed throughout the building. "You can't seem to keep your head out of your ass to think straight."

Jenna and I were shocked at the harshness of his words, but the other players didn't seem affected at all. They seemed to be used to it.

Declan's hockey mask hid his facial expression from my view, but he knew he must have been furious. He mumbled something to Parker that my ears couldn't pick up due to the fact that the younger boy still had a guard in his mouth.