Different

2.

Turning around would be too obvious now, I feel it in my bones. Never show your enemies that you're scared, right? I quickly look away, avoiding the stare I feel lingering on me, and continue walking just a little faster than before. I contemplate on just turning my music up and ignoring them completely, but I fear that I won't hear them if they follow me when I do so. My legs are a little shaky as I get closer to the bench, and I hope that no one will notice my presence. I concentrate on keeping a straight face, not daring to look anywhere but my feet as they take step after step.

A big shadow appears right in front of me, and I know that my mission failed. My heart picks up its pace and I feel my pulse on every nerve in my body. I lift my gaze slowly, and see that the tallest one of the group is blocking my way. I feel intimidated by his action right away.

"Hey beautiful" the guy says in a groggy voice.

I pull out one of my headphones out of natural politeness and take a closer look at him. He looks scruffy and smells like alcohol and cigarettes. I freeze for the second time today, so uncomfortable with his invasion of my personal space. I take a step back, thinking that my head must be as red as a tomato.

"Hi" I whisper shakily and automatically look to the other three guys. 

I don't know how, but I have the time to quickly scan them. As I have noticed earlier, they're all dressed similarly in dark jeans and a dark shirt. The two boys standing next to the bench have blonde hair. They act like they have no idea what's going on, letting the guy in front of me have his way. I know right away that they won't be of any help if something happens to me, and my fear only grows. Then my eyes reconnect with the beautiful brown eyes from earlier, and I shyly look away again. He's intimidating to me on a whole other level. I know that he was watching me on my way here. He's sitting on the back rest of the bench, his feet placed on the seat. I still feel his eyes on my every move, but for some reason his stare is making me feel warm inside, in opposite to the cold stares from every one else. Even though his expression is blank, I can't help but notice a little concern in his eyes. Unlike the others, only one of his arms and hands is covered in tattoos, not his whole body. He's by far the most beautiful person I have ever seen, with his dark brown hair and his piercing eyes. I have no doubt that he's popular with girls.

What felt like an eternity was only a brief second, and the unpleasant guy in front of me interrupts my thoughts again. For once I'm grateful, because I don't want Brown Eyes to think I was staring at him. 

"I've never seen you around before. Why don't you sit with us for a bit, gorgeous?" he says and his choice of words makes me cringe. 

I take up all the courage I have to find a way to avoid him and his group of friends.

"Sorry, I have to go" I say crossing my arms, making my way around him, while placing the earbud I had removed back into my ear.

Once again he stands in my way, almost making me walk into him, and the frustration and fear grows further and further. I feel my throat tightening and quickly try to steady my breathing. I can't fall into a panic attack right now, not here. Not in front of them.