Felling Suffocated

Chapter One

[Trigger Warnings: Bullying, small scene of Physical violence, Mentions of Anxiety]

He felt cold, painfully, suffocatingly cold. He was out of breath yet he couldn't seem to take in any air. Malachi was locked in his room, trying to breath but feeling like someone was squeezing his lungs. Feeling disconnected with reality, his head swelling with pain every time his heart pounded.
     The teal-haired male tried to stand, his legs giving out underneath him. Ticking could be heard from seemingly everywhere, almost as if he was surrounded by clocks. Everything was so overwhelming, he felt himself panic, desperately attempting to take in breath. Trying to stand or find any way to anchor him back with reality.
    The front door making a subtle click as it opened. His blood ran cold, the room seemingly got colder yet he started sweating bullets. He couldn't handle this, not right now. This can't happen, not now.
Not now
Not now
Not-

Suddenly he was awoken by a shrill ringing. Malachi pried his eyes open. It was ok, he was ok. It was all just a nightmare. Class had ended, it was time to go home. The young teen took in a shaky breath as he stood up, packing up his items before walking out.
   The halls where crowded and humid. Which didn't help with the clammy sweat making his clothes cling to him uncomfortably. Malachi walked through the hall weaving through any opening there was, a sea of teenagers all in a frenzy to go home, not making it easy to navigate. There was a rush of people pushing past him, stepping on his feet and elbowing him. finally they almost all funneled out, most of them leaving the building to board the bus or meet their parents. Some kids still hanging around, chatting with friends and gossiping.

Malachi stopped at his locker, putting away everything he didn't need. Yuuya ran up, hoping to talk to him before he had to walk home. Once he got closer, he noticed his taller friend wasn't paying attention. The shorter boy grinned sinisterly as he snuck up, once he got close he firmly punched his arm. Laughing as Malachi jumped and let out a curt squeal. He turned to see the lighter haired, multi skin-toned boy and flushed brightly. "I gotcha! Again!~" Yuuya boasted in a singsong voice.
  
Malachi looked around before playfully rolling his eyes, closing his locker and picking up his now much lighter bag. Rolling his eyes sarcastically and saying "Haha very funny Yuu, you got me... again" he ended the statement with a sigh and a small smile. His voice, as always, just above a whisper. 
   Yuu began walking as Malachi followed closely, looking around paranoid as this was the time Haru and his gang showed up and caused trouble- which he wanted to avoid best he could.

"Any plans for the weekend? You should come over!" Yuu stated matter-of-factly. Malachi bit his lip knowing the question was coming, just as it did every Friday. He hated saying no, but he isn't exactly... the type to have sleepovers. Taking in a deep breath he responded "Ah.. I um.. sorry Yuu.. but..." he paused for a second, fidgeting with his hands. "But.. I can't" he finished talking and looked down.
   Yuu, being the spoiled kid he was, clicked his tongue in annoyance "But you always say that! When will you be able to come over?" He demanded in a loud tone, turning around and stomping his foot. He looked upset.. angry and a little hurt.
Malachi felt awful, Yuuya was his only friend and every day he worried about losing him. "Yuu... I don't know if I can.. I'm just.. not really allowed to visit friends.." he stuttered out, trying to stick to his guns without being mean. Yuu just sighed dramatically and walked off. Muttering a quick "whatever..." as he went out the heavy, automatic locking doors of the school.

    Malachi knew he was mad, but he knew better than to run after him. So he stood there for a moment, looking blankly at the door. After taking in a deep breath he began to walk home.
    The walk home wasn't too bad, it gave him time to think about the small argument with Yuuya. It wasn't the worst they've had, but it made him anxious. Malachi had considered sneaking out before, but since it's just him and his sister it would be obvious that he was gone.

    He was almost home, just a few more turns and streets. Once he was home he had to do chores, homework, and start dinner. So that when his sister got back it was done. After that do dishes, laundry and finally go to bed.
Malachi was so lost in thought he didn't notice he was beginning to pass three boys on a bus stop bench, nor did he notice one of them sticking out his leg and tripping him. He hit the ground hard, due to being caught off guard. Hitting his face on the rough sidewalk that ran through the shady park and splitting open his lip. The three teenage boys stood up and it clicked in his mind what happened. Malachi's blood ran cold like it did in his nightmare, he tried to flip himself around but a strong leg stood on his back. Applying just enough pressure so he couldn't stand.

Panic set in. Almost, he was almost there and could not be late. Vaguely registered one of the males towering over him say something. Before he could figure out what the unknown male said, he felt one of their feet connect with the side of his head. Causing his ears to ring loudly as he whimpered in pain. "Hey, asshat. Don't ignore me when I'm talking to you. Where the hell are you going so fast" Haru, the previously unknown male barked out in a demanding tone.
   Malachi managed to squeak out a response "Hm.,, Home. I'm going home..." He hated not being able to see what they where doing, just outside of his line of sight.

    "Aww where you trying to avoid us? I'm wounded! I thought we where friends." the raven haired male stated in a mocking tone, dripping with sarcasm and fake hurt. The two other males who had previously been silent faked sniffling, adding to the statement. Malachi couldn't think of anything to say. He wouldn't dare argue back, nor try to insult them back. No, that would only make things worse. He laid there, listening to the insults they threw at him, and the occasional kick to the side. Eventually they left him there, bored with his lack of response. After a few moments of laying there, Malachi fought against the newfound ache in his sides and stood up. Hurrying home so he could do his chores before his sister got home.

    He opened the door with haste, taking off his shoes and bringing both that and his backpack to his room. He did your general sweeping, mopping, dusting and disinfecting. After that was done he started a quick and easy meal, oven roasted chicken with mashed potatoes. Simple quick and plentiful. As it was cooking he went up to his room and finished the little homework he had. Just as he was done with everything, he heard the door click open.