Save me from myself (Joshler AU)

Run-in

Tyler's POV:

It's the end of the day now, thank God. I began walking home, I sped up a bit trying to get home as fast as possible.. I just wanted the day to be over so I could cry and fall asleep, my usual routine.

I arrived home and ran up to my room dropping my backpack upon arrival and falling onto my bed. My sides hurt but I could handle the pain better now after its happened so many times, so I just lied there rather than getting up to get ibuprofen or any other form of pain relieving pills.

I woke up with a whimper and shaky breath, I had been crying in my sleep again.. I fell asleep apparently. I woke up at 2 AM shaking and twitching. I got mind numbing nightmares.. Some were just so surreal. I stumbled out of bed and grabbed my phone, if I just sat in the silent, pitch black room I would have a break down.. Like so many other countless nights. This was somewhat of a normal thing for me, to wake up crying surrounded by my own thoughts reminding me I'm nothing more than a burden in this world..

I grabbed my earbuds and put on my usual playlist I listen to in an attempt to conceal my thoughts. I fell asleep around 4 AM to 'Dear Lonely' by Dependence. I drifted off and woke up at 8 AM.

"Shit I'm gonna be late!" I half screamed throwing on a band shirt and the same skinny jeans from yesterday in a panic. School starts at 8:15 but I had to walk. I walk fast but to get there on time today I'd have to run.

I flew down the stairs not grabbing anything to eat, no time. I was running like there was no tomorrow but a little over half way through I had to stop to catch my breath, leaning with my hand against a stop sign. I began to hear light, quick foot steps heading in my direction. I looked up to see Josh, surprised. I didn't know he lived around here, hmm..

"Hey man, you okay?" He asked looking me in the eye, concerned. "Y-yeah, yeah I'm fine. Thanks."
"Hey.. Since we're here do you wanna walk together?" He asked. "Um but aren't we going to be late? What time is it?" I said nervously, one because school started in less than 10 minutes and 2 because Josh was staring at me.. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but he has really nice eyes, wow. He pulled his phone from his back pocket and checked the time. "It's only 7:45, why are you in such a rush?" He said pondering my confusion. "B-but schools about to start I.." I trailed off hearing a ping on my phone.

Zack: "I changed your settings loser😂 Have a nice day at school" Wow Zack, dick move. "Wow I'm such an idiot" I say sounding slightly defeated and annoyed. "No you're not, don't say that. C'mon let's walk together" Josh said sweetly with the cutest grin on his face causing me to blush. Wait, wtf me, why are you blushing. "Okay" I finally said after a few seconds updating my awareness and calming down a bit.

We walked side by side. We mostly walked in silence but kept glancing at one another and blushing when the other would notice. He was so cute. I think I made a Friend?