Chapter 2:

After getting off work three hours later, Genma still had a class to go to. He had economics with Jiraiya at 6:30 and doesn't get out until 8:30. Sighing Genma made his way to class. Checking his phone, he saw he had a text from Iruka and his other two friends Kotetsu and Izumo. Kotetsu and Izumo were friends of Iruka but they quickly warmed up to Genma and the three of them became fast friends. Out of the two Izumo was the one who understood him the most. It was like Izumo could read him and know exactly what was wrong with him. It was freaky but Genma became used to it because he knew that's how Izumo cared for his friends. Him, Kotetsu, Izumo and Iruka all have economics together so he wasn't surprised when they were already in class when he made it. "Hey guys" Genma said tiredly as he sat down. "Hey, you okay?" Iruka sitting on his left asked concerned. "Yeah. I'm just tired Iruka" he replied giving a small smile. "Sorry about Kakashi. He just up and decided not to go to work since I had a migraine earlier" Iruka explained. Feeling a bit guilty Genma said "Its fine Iruka. He should've just told me sooner". Leaning over Izumo sitting on his right grabbed the toothpick Genma had in his mouth as he frowned. "Genma Shiranui, how many times have I told you to not chew on toothpicks because they are bad for your teeth" Izumo scolded giving Genma a piece of gum replacing the toothpick. Rolling his eyes Genma said "Numerous times Zumo. And how many times have I listened to you and stopped?" taking the gum and putting it in his mouth. "He has a point. You have told him that for the past two years and he still hasn't stopped" Kotetsu said who sat in front of him as he grabbed the gum packet from Izumo's bag. "I know and stop taking my gum Ko! Get your own" Izumo said taking his gum back as he flicked Kotetsu in the face. "Ow! That hurts Zumo!" Kotetsu whined. Rolling his eyes Izumo kissed Kotetsu on the cheek mumbling an apology before our professor walked in. Smiling at them Genma focused my attention on Jiraiya as he started class. He told them about when the next test was and about the project that they had to get in groups for. He said he already paired them up explaining that we would too predictable when getting in groups. Inwardly Genma panicked because he didn't really know anyone else in class except Iruka, Kotetsu and Izumo. Sensing that Genma was upset, Izumo quietly reached over laying a hand on Genma's shoulder causing Genma to relax. Looking at Izumo he sent him a grateful look. Focusing back on the class, all three took note as Jiraiya lectured. When he finally finished for the day, he stopped his class from leaving so he could tell them who they were paired up with.

Genma POV:

I was so nervous about who I was going to be paired up with. I don't know anyone else in the class except Zumo, Kotetsu and Iruka. My anxiety skyrocketed and I pulled out a toothpick putting it in my mouth to calm my nerves. "Genma Shiranui you and Raidou Namiashi will be paired together" Jiraiya said bringing me out of my thoughts. 'Who is that?' I thought to myself as I looked around when I saw someone looking at me. He had dark onyx eyes, dark black hair, and tan skin compared to my very light complexion, coffee brown eyes and shoulder- length brown hair. The boy smiled making me blush as I broke eye contact between us. After class was dismissed I grabbed my things, I left the classroom after a couple of people waiting on Iruka, Kotetsu and Izumo in the hallway. I was standing there when other students came past me knocking my books out of my hand making my papers sprawl everywhere. Sighing I began grabbing my papers when another hand came into view. Quickly looking up I saw it was that same guy who was looking at me earlier. "You okay?" He asked. Nodding I continued picking up my papers so he wouldn't see my now reddening face. He didn't say anything else which I was grateful for as we continued picking up my things from the floor. Finally done I put everything in my bag and I looked seeing Kotetsu and Izumo talking to Jiraiya with Iruka. 'Probably trying to help me out' I thought. "Hey, are you sure you're okay?" I heard a voice say as I turned back around seeing that same guy. "Y-Yeah I'm fine. Thank you for helping me" I said hearing myself stutter a bit as my anxiety spiked. "Its fine. I'm Raidou" he said introducing himself. "I'm Genma" I replied relaxing as I saw Ko and Zumo walking towards me with Iruka in tow. "Yo Raidou! Come on unless you want to get left!" someone called making Raidou turn. "Coming! Sorry Genma I gotta go but maybe we can talk some more" Raidou said waving as he walked away. "So, Gen, who was that?" Ko said in a teasing tone as him, Zumo and Iruka walked up next to me. Whacking him on the head I said "Don't call me that! And it's none of your business". "Ow! That hurts. Zumo, it hurts" Kotetsu whined laying on Izumo who pushed him off as Iruka rolled his eyes. "Ignore him, Genma. Wasn't that your partner for the project that Jiraiya gave us?" Iruka asked as we walked out the building to the parking lot. Nodding I said "Yeah. His name is Raidou". "Well yeah! He's the best soccer player here on campus" Kotetsu said. "Jiraiya didn't want to put us together because he- "Iruka said stopping during his sentence. "What did he say? It was about me, wasn't it?" I said. Nodding Izumo said "He didn't pair any of us together. He didn't want us to be around you all the time. He wanted you to be a bit out of your comfort zone and to open up more". Who were y'all paired up with?" I asked. "Gaara and Zumo was paired with Ino" Kotetsu said. "I was paired with Hayate and Kakashi was paired with Zabuza" Iruka said as we made it to Iruka and Izumo's cars. "He really did separate us. Iruka can I catch a ride with you since you're going to me and Kakashi's place?" I said. Nodding all of us said goodbye to each other and I went with Iruka as Ko and Zumo rode together. I eventually fell asleep as Iruka drove and soon woke up at my apartment that I shared with Kakashi. "Gen, are you alright? Your anxiety is fine, right?" Iruka asked concerned. "Yeah Ruka, I'm fine. I need to refill medication soon but I have enough for now" I replied smiling tiredly. Smiling back me and Iruka got out of the car and went inside. After talking to Kakashi and saying goodnight to him and Iruka I took a shower and fell asleep after I laid on my bed.