(Couple warnings real quickkk, so there's bullying in this one and I just kind of wanted to warn you guys about cursing, I know it's rated T bUt just in case)

(Evan's POV)

My mom was really mad at me. Even when I tried to explain everything. So now I'm grounded.

Walking into school the next day was...interesting. Me and Connor decided that we didn't care if people made fun of us being together. So we walked into school, Connor's arm around my waist, and mine around his.

This caused trouble for me. I mean, come on. No one would dare make fun of Connor freaking Murphy. But Evan Hansen?

Everyone would make fun of me if they had the chance. Except for Connor. Duh.

I received a text from Connor just as the last class was over. He wanted to meet at the orchard later, but he had skipped the rest of school. Typical Connor.

The halls were mostly empty as I was walking out of school. Please let there be no trouble, just let me get home normally. I thought as I kept walking.

And then I felt someone shove me against the wall of lockers. My shoulder banged into one, and I winced a little bit.

"You're dating Connor Murphy now, huh?" One of the guys sneered. "I always knew you were a fag." Another one shoved me. This time I fell to the ground.

"Leave me alone." I say quietly, barely loud enough to hear. I carefully got to my knees.

"The hell did you just say, fag?" One of them asked. Another one kicked me back down. Whenever I tried to get back up, they would just kick me down again. Soon enough everything hurt.

"Hey!" I heard someone shout. "Back the fuck away from him!"

I looked up to see my savior.

To my complete surprise, it was Jared.

—Jared's POV—

Connor had texted me as I was leaving school. I know, the first question should have been 'How did this asshat get my number?'

Well I was concerned by the text, if that clears anything up. Apparently him and Evan were supposed to meet up at the old orchard. But Evan never came.

Of course, there was the possibility Evan just blew Connor off. But that wasn't what Evan would have done. I've known Evan practically my whole life. I know him better than almost anyone.

So I was very concerned when Connor texted me saying Evan never showed up. Especially since the time where Evan wasn't answering, and I was overcome with guilt. I hadn't apologized for hitting him, and Heidi had shared her worries with me.

Well, anyway.

I walked into the school, trying to find him. Connor was going to his house to see if he was there. And, to my surprise, I did find Evan at school.

But I wanted to kill the people who were surrounding him. Evan was curled up on the ground, and the guys were kicking him. Until one saw me, and they all stopped.

I saw Evan look up at me with fear in his eyes, but he quickly looked back down and curled up in a tighter ball.

"Hey!" I shouted, advancing towards them. "Back the fuck away from him!"

"Just turn around and walk away Kleinman. Then we can finish beating up the fag, and go on our merry way." One of them growled.

"I said go." I say to them. A couple turned and walked away, and the rest followed. When they were Definitely gone, I collapsed next to Evan.

"Hey, Evan? Can you hear me?" I asked softly. He didn't respond, or move. I sighed and took out my phone, then quickly texted Connor.

You: He got beat up by some guys, and he looks really shaken up. You should probably come.

Connor: Don't move, I'll be there in a few minutes.

I sighed in relief after Connor texted back, then I put my phone away.

"Connor's coming. It'll be okay Evan." I whispered. I think I saw him nod, but I might have been wrong. A few moments later I heard someone burst through the doors, and then Connor slid next to Evan.

"Hey, hey." He said to him. "Evan, are you okay? Do I need to call anyone?" Connor put his hand on Evan's shoulder, and I stood up and moved away from the two.

I wouldn't want to intrude.