Don't Leave Me || Princibaldi ✔️

2: ...Why?

[Princi's POV]

"I'm giving you my two weeks' notice."

All of my hopes and dreams fizzled into dust as I heard those words. I could almost hear my heart shatter into a million pieces. All that time, I was standing in silence, tears welling in my darkened eyes.

"...Why?" I asked at last, my voice choked and quiet. The shock was overwhelming me, and I felt lightheaded. That news was too much for me to bear.

Baldi's eyes were big pools of regret and sadness. "I've enrolled in university again," he informed me. "I'm looking to get a better degree."

He moved closer to me, and I could feel his arms around me. I slowly began to hug back, burying my face in his shoulder. I felt numb, the feelings simply delaying their onset until later, when I had time to think about it.

I would have enjoyed the hug if I wasn't broken inside. However, that hug did send some warmth into my crumbling soul.

"I'll miss you," I managed to whisper, shuddering with mixed emotions. "We all will."

Baldi hugged me a little tighter. "I'll miss you guys too. Especially you," he murmured into my shoulder.

Somehow, that made me feel slightly better. Simply knowing that he cared about me made me feel kind of warm inside. Not that it could help now.

"I'll miss how you're so strict about the rules," he continued, letting out a sad little chuckle. "How you wander the halls without a care in the world. And, most importantly, our friendship." He sniffled, seemingly trying to hold back tears. "I'll never forget you."

We reluctantly let go of the hug. Baldi sighed and turned to leave. "I'll still be around for two weeks," he reminded me. "I guess we should enjoy it, huh?" Baldi finally opened the door and left my office, not bothering to wait for my reply.

I slumped down in my chair, my eyes unfocused. The shock was setting in, and I let out a choked sob. The first of many.

To Be Continued...