Chapter Text
“I’m worried about him.”
“Charlie?” Tao says, looking up from his phone. He’s sitting at the picnic benches with Isaac. “I’m worried as well, but he’s getting the help he needs.”
“No,” Isaac says. “I mean, yeah — of course I’m also worried about him. He isn’t who I meant.”
Tao looks questioningly at Isaac. He follows the other boy’s line of sight.
His gaze lands on Nick.
Yeah, Tao thinks. That tracks.
None of their friends have articulated it, but they’re all worried about Nick.
Ever since he told them about Charlie’s mental health crisis — with Charlie’s permission — Nick has all-but shut down. It has become impossible to talk to him. Not that he and Tao were particularly chatty in the past.
Plus, that’s when Nick even shows up to group get-togethers.
Tao has seen Elle and Darcy with their heads together whispering about it. They would give Nick worried glances and shoot each other what they clearly thought were furtive looks until Tara told them to quit it.
The mystery of why Nick began self-isolating isn’t much of one.
“I’ll be back,” Tao says, determinedly.
Tao rises from the bench and strides off before Isaac can speak. He beelines toward the lost-looking boy and halts directly in front of him.
Warily, Nick asks, “All right, mate?”
Tao nods curtly and studies Nick.
“Wanna join me and Isaac?” Tao offers. “We’re in with the rugby captain now, so we don’t get food chucked at our heads.”
Nick’s smile doesn’t remotely reach his eyes.
“Thanks,” Nick says. “Need to finish my coursework before the bell.”
“What about lunch?” Tao presses when Nick starts to walk away.
“Not hungry. I’ll eat later.”
“You can’t not eat.”
Tao meant it as a general lunchtime statement, but he hears it the way that Nick clearly hears it. Tao watches as Nick’s entire body goes rigid.
Without turning to face him, all Nick whispers is: “Don’t.”
“What happened?” Isaac asks, anxiously.
Isaac is now beside Tao as they watch Nick leave. Tao bites the inside of his cheek.
“I ballsed it up.”