Hanaki High

Chapter 1

"Sophomore year. Name- Jayden Walker. Age-- 16." Jay recited the facts by rote, almost squirming under the gaze of the principal. He was a transfer student this year, and he was terrified. It was the first day of school, and the principal had called him in! What for?? He was a good kid!!

"Calm down. You're not in trouble." The principal sighed."Jayden, I was told by your parents that you have anxiety, correct?" The look on Jay's face was confirmation enough. "In Ninjago High, we have a program for kids like yourself. Special kids." The way he says "special" is rather derogatory. "It's called the Companion Program. One of the students here, one from your grade or the one above, will be assigned as your companion. " Jay winced. "You're giving me a babysitter."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a tall, dark, handsome boy peeked in the room. Jay looked up and a momentary look of panic crossed his face. He clearly didn't recognize the guy.

"Hello, sir. You called for me?" His voice was quiet, respectful. He turned and stared at Jay with dark brown eyes. The principal smiled. "Ah, I was just getting to you, come sit down Nicholas." He turned back to Jay. "No, not a babysitter. More like a friend till you can build confidence and lose your anxiety. This is Nicholas, you're companion. He's also a sophomore. Nicolas, this is Jayden." Cole smiled and reached his hand out. "Hello, nice to meet you." he said warmly.

Jay slipped his much smaller hand into Cole's, for a moment meeting brown eyes with blue. He hesitantly returned the smile. "Nice to meet you." He said quietly. A subconscious tremor ran through his body, causing the slender boy to shake for a moment, his auburn curls bouncing. After a moment though, he pulled his hand back and broke eye contact.

Cole looked surprised at him for a moment, then turned back to the principal. "How many classes do we have together?" "All except the third hour." the principal replied. "You have the same lunch as well." Cole looked curiously at Jay. "All but the third hour?" he said. "Did you choose most of the same electives?" He smiled at Jay. "Come on, I'm not just going to talk about you like you're not there, Jayden. Did you really choose all those classes? Or did you just pick what whatever?"

Jay nods. "I picked them. I didn't know we'd have the same classes." His voice is still quiet, but he offers a small smile to Cole. "And please.. It's just Jay." Jay fidgets with his sleeve, a bit nervous but deciding that he likes Cole.

"Okay, Jay then." Cole smiled warmly. "And now that we're getting on more familiar terms, most of my friends call me Cole." He grinned. "I hope you'll like it here. Are you ready to go to class?"

Jay nods and this time, his smile is more eager. "Mmhhmm!" He stands up and has to look up at Cole.

Cole noticed his looking up and chuckled nervously. "Sorry, I'm really tall." He seemed embarrassed by it and played with his dark bangs. Jay studied him. He was tall, but skinny, with dark skin and hair and a goofy smile. Cole waved a hand in front of his face. "Hello? Jay? Are you with me? Are you ready to go to classes? Also do you want to eat lunch with me?"

Jay blinks, then laughs. "Sorry! I'm short. I'm ready!" He bounces a little, unable to contain himself, making his curls bounce everywhere. His freckles seemed to be highlighted by a soft blush.

Cole grinned awkwardly, then led Jay to their classes. At the third hour he said, "Let's meet up for lunch, okay? I'll keep walking you to your classes until you know where to go, so after the third hour I'll meet you in the hall okay?"

Jay nods. "Thanks!" He smiles, trying to hide his panic at Cole leaving him. He fingered the orange scarf around his neck, a nervous tick.

Cole turned back, looking a little sad. "Hey, are you going to be okay?" he asked.