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He slammed the door behind him, not that it would disturb anybody else since Miguel decided to sleep with the others after their confrontation. Can’t they see? Winning these games is more than just a simple competition. It would determine their WHOLE LIFE. Which college in the world would want to admit someone who won out of pure luck? Best case scenario, they go back to being nobodies, but worse case? They’ll be the talk of the town! He can already imagine the headlines ‘Winners With No Skills’…
Yet a thought slowly crept in ‘Aren’t you ashamed? Since when had you ever let yourself be blindsided by winning?’ Everything’s crumbling just like the old library, at least the parking garage was usable. What was he left with? He’ll be lucky if they even spared him a glance tomorrow. He messed up so bad! And forget losing cake day, his family probably wouldn’t spare him an eye-roll. He’s lost what made him unique now. He should just- A knock on the door. He should probably get it…
What if it’s the others though? Telling him that he was the worse leaders with nothing to his name, that his best idea was switching places with Andrew. Oh god- what if they already talked to Mr. Lemoncello about that? He did seem exited at the idea of Andrew taking Haley’s place. He probably would be more than delighted to make the change. What would his classmates say? All the kids in town must hate him. He would never-
The floorboards were creaking and someone kneeled down beside him why was he crouching on the floor? He could feel the pressure of the person’s hand on his shoulder. Did he push them away? “I’m sorry- I’m so sorry. Forgive me.” There were new tears sliding down his already tear streaked face- since when did he started crying? His mouth was moving, but he didn’t register what he was saying, or just didn’t care too. Anything to get out of this mess. Whoever the person was she placed her hand on his own and guided them away from his knees and putting them on the person’s chest, he could feel their heartbeat.
The shirt the person was wearing was soft and smooth, silk maybe? He liked that, they were much better than the itchy cotton he was wearing. His whole body was itchy he wants - needs - to take them off, but the hands gripping his were strong, is it Akimi? She was always athletic, he wants to see her face. Lifting his face a bit, he saw a blurred face but it looked like Akimi’s and she’s talking? There were people behind her. Was she saying his name? He couldn’t focus but he didn’t want to disappoint them again reading her mouth was hard. She was asking him for something. Ok, what was she asking? “Follow - my - breathing.” That isn’t hard. She’s exaggerating her breaths. In - out - in - out. He could see better now.
It was Akimi and Miguel and Andrew were behind her. He should apologise to them, but he’s too tired. Maybe it was all the crying, but his throat felt dry. All he wants is to find a pillow and sleep. Entertaining that thought, leaning onto Akimi doesn’t seem half as bad.