Chapter Text
Bruce Yamada, the resident golden boy and one of the most popular students in his year (though some would argue in the school). Of course, Bruce would never admit to his fame due to his humble nature and embarrassment of the title 'golden boy'. Truthfully, Bruce didn't really have any friends, most of the people in his circle would use him for his money, help studying or social status. Infact, there weren't many people Bruce actually liked in school, not very many treated him like a person. The three that did were Finney Blake, Billy Showalter, and Griffin Stagg. He wasn't friends with them, though he always wished he was, the friend group looked so authentic, like they actually liked each other instead of hanging around each other for convenience. That, and the fact they actually treated Bruce like a human and not a God-like being. When Bruce had first talked to them they were a bit bewildered, but quickly got over the shock and were . . . nice.
Bruce was currently walking down the hallway 'listening' to Justin babble on about the next big game, he had his typical winning smile painted on his face as he nodded enthusiastically. Justin wasn't that bad of a guy from what he had seen: he was a good baseball player and kind enough that Bruce didn't have to be on edge when talking. He could be a bit insensitive, but Bruce just pinned it down to his ignorance or lack of understanding. Unbeknownst to Justin, Bruce had already zoned out the minute he started talking, more dreading getting to History and having to listen to his teachers grating voice yap on about his racist opinions of the Indigenous Americans.
He finally snapped back into reality when he spotted Finney Blake being picked on by Moose and his asslicking posse. Bruce was unsure of what to do, he felt bad for the boy but he couldn't quite make out what they were saying. That was until he saw the much larger boy grab Finney by the collar and begin to raise his fist threateningly. Bruce immediately made a b-line to the middle of the crowd. Justin was shouting at him asking where he was going, but Bruce didn't answer, too focused on making his way to the cocksucker and his friend crush. People made confused sounds as Bruce pushed through, but he didn't care, that was a problem for future Bruce.
And then, everyone went silent.
Bruce was confused as to why, it had all happened so fast. And then he noticed Moose on the floor, cupping his nose with his hands as blood spilled out and a very angry VANCE HOPPER standing over him. Vance spat on Moose before kicking his side weakly.
"Get out of the way, asshole."
Bruce watched in awe as the blonde left the scene, the crowd making a path for him to walk through as he rubbed his nose with his forearm. Realising he was staring, Bruce diverted his attention back to Finney Blake who was currently sat on the ground looking almost more shocked than Bruce had been. He quickly made his way to him, crouching down beside him. He grabbed the boys face, checking for injury, as well as grabbing his arms and then legs. After making sure the boy didn't have any brand new bruises on him, he spoke up.
"Are you okay, Finney?" You could hear the worry in his voice
"Yeah, thanks." Finney sighed
"I really didn't do anything, I mean I wanted to, but Hopper got to the fucker before I did," Bruce talked fast, almost as if there wouldn't be any air left if he took too much time.
"I mean you were going to, that counts. I don't know why you'd want to help me anyway, I barely know why you talk to me,"
Bruce was stunned to silence for a minute, a sudden fear bubbling in his chest that he'd misjudged Finney. Did he put Bruce on the same fucking pedastal everyone else did?
"I...think you're nice,"
Finney also had his moment of silence. Bruce Yamada thought he was nice? One of the kindest people he had ever met, thought he was nice?
"I..uh...thank you.."
There was an awkward silence between them, neither of them having any clue what to say next. Bruce looked around, noticing the crowd and the dickhead had gone, they had all resumed their day.
"Do you want some help up?"
"Please,"
Bruce nodded, standing up and moving to stand in front of the other. He offering both of his hands to Finney, once he had grabbed them he pulled him up.
"Are you close to Vance or something, why'd he help you?" Bruce enquired, never having seen the two interact before.
"God no, I've never once spoken to him, I actually have no clue why he helped me. I'm terrified of him.." He whispered the last part making Bruce burst out with laughter. Finney smiled, wide.
"Bruce, do you wanna be friends?"
Bruces heart stopped, his friend crush had fulfilled his one true wish.
"I could kiss you right now," Bruce said without thinking, leaving Finney to stare at him blankly. "WAIT NOT ACTUALLY-" Finney giggled.
______
We are friends. 12:48
daddyissues added (xxx)xxx-xxxx to the groupchat
(xxx)xxx-xxxx: Hi! :)
paperhoe: wtf finney i thought this was for the hoes only... :/
unknownINC: im clutching my pearls,,who is it
daddyissues: oh shiy waut
daddy issues changed 1 username
baseBALLS:??
oh!
paperhoe: FINNEY OMFG JUST TELL US WHO IT IS ALREADY
daddyissues: bruce :3
unknownINC: bruce.....?
daddyissues: yamada :3
baseBALLS: hello!
paperhoe: WHAT THE FUCK HOWD YOU GET HIS NUMBE
daddyissues: frenw
frienfs
friend :3
paperhoe: finney have i ever told u that i wish u were dead
daddyissues: yah
unknownINC: hello bruce, welcome to the groupchat!
baseBALLS: Hi, sorry who are you guys i cant tell anyone based off their users
unknownINC: oh yeah mb gang im griffin
paperhoe is billy
baseBALLS: oh yeah ik you guys :)
unknownINC: and daddyissues is finney
baseBALLS: yh well i knew that one
paperhoe: HEL CLOVKED IMMEDIATELY
daddyissues: bruce...my honey bun... how coukd uou fo this :((
baseBALLS: its bc u added me you numsack
daddyissues: oh yeah :3
unknownINC: HELP
...
WAIT YOU KNOW ME?!?!?
baseBALLS: yeah..?
unknownINC: NOBODY KNOWS ME WHAT IS THIS SOURCERY,,I THOUGHT I WAS BEING SNEAKY
baseBALLS: oh nah i just admire you guys and your friend group is all
i think u guys are cool 😎
daddyissues: bruce ily but...
paperhoe: ew
unknownINC: bruce that was so sweet but PLEAAASE never use that emoji again i beg
baseBALLS: dont cramp my style.. 😔
daddyissues: i will lietallu beg on mu hsnfd and knees please
baseBALLS: proof? video evidence?
paperhoe: AYO???
unknownINC: SCREAAAMING BRUCE PLS IM IN CLASS
THEYRE GINNA HEAR MG GIGGLIHN
baseBALLS: let me be me...
______
Bruce smiled down at his phone. It was strange openly being himself to people, but with these guys it felt easy...effortless. Noticing his teacher turning around, he quickly put his phone away and brought his attention back to the teacher droning about the homestead act. He heard a low chuckle sound behind him.
"Smooth, she definitely didn't notice that, " Vance commented sarcastically
Bruce jumped, barely consealing his squeal of surprise. He quickly turned around only to be met face to face with Vance Hopper. The blonde smirked at Bruces shock.
"Are you speaking to me..?" Bruce hesitantly pointed to himself. He wasn't scared of Vance, he barely registered the mans existance half of the time, he wasn't that much taller than Bruce and from what he'd seen, Vance usually just minded his own buisness unless provoked.
"Of course I am, dumbass, fucking hell. Did all that ego kill your common sense or some shit?"
"What?! No!"
The corner of Vances lip lifted slightly.
"Bruce Yamada, Vance Hopper! If I catch you speaking in my class again, thats a detention for the both of you!"
Vance grunted and rolled his eyes before leaning back in his seat. "bite me bitch, this is why you're single,"
Bruce Yamada held in a laugh at Vances comment before shaking his head, he turned around obediently, managing out a "Yes, miss,"
Bruce and Vance didn't talk again for the rest of the lesson, Bruce concentrated on getting down the notes while having Vance occasionally tapping Bruces chair with his foot. Shockingly, it didn't annoy Bruce as much as he thought it would've.
At the end of the lesson, Bruce got out of there fast, his ears almost bleeding from that teachers annoying ass voice. Just as he got out the door, Vance stopped him, grabbing his elbow. Bruce turned around quickly, worried it was the old hag.
"Oh- hey! Whats up?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were alright, you practically sprinting outta there,"
"My my... THE Vance Hopper is worried about little old me?"
"Oh shut up, dick,"
Bruce laughed before going back to answering Vance.
"I'm alright, just had enough of listening to her voice,"
Vance chuckled, about to respond before Bruces phone began vibrating aggressively. He checked his phone quickly, smiling, before looking back up at the blonde.
"Sorry, I better go, see you around Vance!"
Vance was going to respond, really. But he couldn't. He watched Bruce turn around and walk away, stunned. Its like time froze and his ability to move was stolen from right under him. Usually, he was the one to leave, to exit conversations first, so why did his heart ache at the loss of the golden boys voice?
______
We are friends. 13:36
300+ messages from daddyissues, unknownINC, and paperhoe.
paperhoe: no bc im actually abt to combust
i cant do this no more
unknownINC: irrellevent, dont care, didnt ask
on a more important note
WHY IS BRUCE CONVERSING WITH VANCE HOPPER
daddyissues: HES WHAT!!
THEY SEEM LIKE THEYD NEVER TALK WHAT
paperhoe: oh my god people can talk guys its not the end of the world
unknownINC: you should hang urself billy RN
paperhoe: tutorial?
-unknownINC: you should ha..
daddyissues reply: mom..? 🥺🥺🥺
unknownINC: you should join her ://
tell her griffin said her ass is fat
paperhoe: not anymore it isnt 🦴
daddyissues: STIP VIOKATINF MY MOM??
baseBALLS: hi guys :3
daddyissues: BRUCE
help theyre making fun of my deceased mother
paperhoe: whyd that take you 6 minutes to type
unknownINC: probably using google to check spelling
daddyissues: kys??
unknownINC: like ur mom?
baseBALLS: i see your dilemma
paperhoe: i knew he was a nerd but he even texts like one omfg
baseBALLS: ITS IRONIC??
paperhoe: sure bud..
unkownINC: BRUCE WHY WERE YOU TALKING TO PINBALL VANCE
baseBALLS: oh he was checking if i was alright
paperhoe:...
unkownINC:...
daddyissues:...
paperhoe: come again?
baseBALLS: video sending rn!
paperhoe: NO WAIT STOP NOT LIKE THAT