Joshler Because I'm: Soft

Part 5

(Tyler's POV)

          We ended up staying in that hug for a few minutes, until the bell rang. Both of us groaned and got up, stretching our legs since we were sitting on them. The lack of Josh's arms around me made me kind of sad, and I hated that he had to leave to go to another class, but that's life. While he was walking me across school to my classroom (just to make sure someone didn't try to beat me up again), I started feeling really anxious. We were about to walk down one of the halls that Lucas and his jerk-brigade always walked down. I bit my lip and looked up at Josh, nervously. He only looked down at me, mouthed 'it's okay', and grabbed my hand to calm me down. Thankfully, his touch was calming to me, and we made it to my class unharmed.

          "Thank you, Joshy." I smiled at him, blushing when he smiled and his eyes slightly scrunched up.

          "No problem, Ty!" He smiled and waved at me, walking away to his class.

          I made my way to my seat in the back of the class and practically collapsed down into it.

          Wow, he's cute.

          Thankfully, it was only English class, and we were only reading a book that I had practically memorized by heart, so I could take the whole period thinking over things.

          Tyler, you just said you think your only fren is cute. Is that normal? Can you think your frens are cute? I mean I don't see why not....

          After I stopped arguing with myself, I let my mind wander.... to Josh.

          Once the bell rang (way too soon), I was hit with another wave of anxiety. Come on, only one more class to go. I quickly bolted out of the classroom and took the long way to my 7th period. Once I safely got to the door, I heard yelling behind me. I felt my stomach drop, but I suddenly got confused when I realized nobody was behind me. In fact, everyone was circled around one of the lockers, which was where the yelling was coming from.

          I couldn't tell you why, but I had the strongest feeling I knew who was at the center of everything. Josh. I quickly ran over to the group of people, jumping up to see over everyone's heads to see Lucas, standing in front of a head full of flaming-red hair. Oh my god. Oh my god. No, Josh. Please don't get hurt, please. Not knowing what to do, I somehow managed to push my way past kids and made it to the middle. Thankfully, Josh didn't look like he was hit, but considering all the yelling, I felt like it was bound to happen at some point.

          "This'll teach you not to talk to me like that again!" Lucas cocked his fist back, fuming with anger. Josh stood his ground and didn't back down.

          "No! Stop!" I suddenly shouted, covering my mouth immediately after I spoke.

          Lucas turned towards me with an evil grin, while Josh looked horrified. Lucas took a step in my direction. Josh didn't move a muscle, but froze staring at me. Everybody was looking at me at this point. I suddenly stood up straighter and swallowed my nerves.

          "What did you say, mute boy?" Lucas muttered, taking another step towards me. Every second I didn't respond, the more people laughed. They fell silent when I opened my mouth again.

          ".... I-I said.... I said stop." Was all I could manage.

          "Mute boy can talk!" Lucas howled with laughter, along with other people in the group. I stood my ground, not even flinching away a little as he took another step closer.

          "Stop messing with my friend." My voice wavered, but I did not let it crack. I stared up at Lucas and didn't break eye contact for a split second. The only other person I've been able to maintain eye contact with is Josh. How am I doing this?