ch. 6

                                    

                                          
Aah! Your grades aren't looking too good - you'll need to work harder to recover before finals.
So you sat studying in the library, while one by one the other students filed out to go home. When you look up, you're alone. 
...or not.
                          
The blonde boy sits down next to you quietly. 
"Wow, how unusual. I think this is the first time you've sat down next to me, Armin." You grin.
                          
He blushes, looking away.
"I...wanted to talk to you."
                          
"You're nothing but surprises today." 
You can't help the smile on your face- this is progress for him. Finally he's  coming out of his shell with you. 
                          
"I'm sorry- i'll leave you alone if you're busy." He says quickly, looking at your open books and unintelligible notes.
                          
"Nooo! Don't be silly. Talk away."
                          
He pauses, before taking a deep breath. He seems nervous, his leg jumping and his fingers lacing and unlacing.
"I was... shocked when you first came and talked to me, Y/N.."
                          
You put your pen down, sensing the topic is serious and giving him your full attention.
"You're the only one who didn't ignore me. No one but you has ever talked to me. Thats why... this is the only place for me."
                          
Oh Armin... that's terrible! 
You see his hands are shaking. You reach out and take them. They're cold yet smooth, and you run your thumb gently across his palm.
                          
"Armin, thats awful! What class are you in? I'll talk to our teacher-"
                          
"I'm not done talking yet." He cuts you off, voice scared.
                          
"Sorry, go on."
                          
"You think i'm being bullied, right? I thought that too.."
                          
"You're..not..?"
                          
He shakes his head, sighing, and you give his hands a gentle squeeze.
"I don't think so, no. Being bullied...might be better than this."
                          
Better than this..? What is he..?
Maybe he's being abused at home. He never seems to want to leave this place- even after closing hours. You can't help but worry even more at this.
                          
"I'm not sure yet, though. When you talk to me...I remember things sometimes. But it's still not enough."
                          
"I-I don't understand. What do you mean..?"
                          
He's going to cry. You can see his blue eyes haze up- fill with tears.
"Y/N... I.. I think i'm..."
                          
The door opens.
You whip your head around, Armin letting go of your hands.
Mr Ackerman leans on the doorway, looking puzzled.
"L/N. You're here late."
                          
"Sir!"
                          
"The schools already starting to close for the night. It's good to study, but working too hard on your own for too long can be bad for you. Lock the door and head home, kid."
                          
On your own...?
                          
"Sir, what are you talking about? I'm not al...huh?"
                          
You turn back to where Armin was sitting just a moment ago.
                          
He's gone.
                          
~
                          
We get our finals back today. Between midterms and practice exams, this whole semester has been nothing but tests.