ENJOY friends

(1 hour before)

"Ohh who are you impressing Jericho?" questioned Guilla as we walked to school. I made sure to wear what I thought would be the sexiest thing for Mr. Ban. Show him that I am more than just a student in his class. The only downside everyone will ask why "N-no one just felt like it" I exclaimed nervously.

Guilla smiled and proceeded to talk about hot boys in our classes, "Have you seen that one Grey-haired boy?" Guilla asked. I shook my head, "He's a senior, Estarossa. He's hot!" she giggled. I just muttered my two cents, didn't honestly care too much. But I'll let her talk here gossip, we arrived in the breezeway, the middle of the two buildings where all the kids chatted before the bell to begin classes.

I looked to see a couple of groups of people just chatting, one had that boy Guilla talked about Estarossa, about ten or so talking and chilling sitting down. Almost if they concealed something around them, they all had that sense not to come at least 20 feet to them or you're getting fucked. There were other groups but I didn't really know them at all, it is my second day after all.

I heard a whistle from Estarossa's group as I turned to see Estarossa himself come up to me. I looked to my left then right, Guilla took a step back knowing he was coming up to me. I could see all his friends stare, some with amusement, others with uncaring glances, and some with daggers.

I was scared, nervous, mostly nervous. Looking at him up close, he was very handsome. He gave off almost the same vibes as Ban, 'I don't give a fuck' about anything. His hair scattered grey. His eyes looking up and down at me smiling "Hey there, never seen you at this school" his smile turning into a grin. "I- I'm new to this school" I stuttered his hands grabbing mine, "Well, welcome to Vaizel High, let me take you on a tour" he whispered, I shuttered his breath giving me goosebumps.

Before he could take me on a 'tour' I yanked my hand out "I'm fine thanks, I've seen it all" I started walking away, Guilla flabbergasted as she came walking up to me. I turned to look at Estarossa, expecting a scowl or frown. Neither he had an even bigger smile, he turned back to his group who all were waiting and most weren't even looking towards us anymore.

"Wha- what are you doing girl?" Guilla gasped. "I don't like him, plus he just grabbed my hand like instantly, kinda weird" I stated. Guilla looked dumbfounded but guessed she couldn't tell me otherwise. My mind wandered to that platinum man, I wonder will he like my outfit? Who am I kidding he won't even notice me, I shouldn't have even tried.

We arrived at our first block to see a bunch of our classmates waiting in the hallway. It seemed my dreamy teacher wasn't here, nothing better to do, I leaned on the wall waiting for him. "Hello there" a voice said, almost scaring me. Looking at the source of the noise it was a well kept orange-haired boy, seeing him before in my class yesterday, smiling "Hi" I blurted. Really hi? He took no heed in my awkwardness smiling at me "That was pretty funny seeing you reject Estarossa like that" he snickered.

So people did see that interaction, great. "Uh yeah he was getting touchy, I just met the guy and he grabbed me so I backed off him" I said the truth. "I'm Arthur Pendragon, I hope we can be friends, Jericho" he gestured with his hand for me to shake.

Sheesh this guy was formal, I accepted nonetheless. He kept the toothy grin on his face, nodding his head as he walked back over to the group of kids he associates with. Oddly confused about that conversation, but it was nice to make a new friend. Turning to talk to Guila I saw her talking to the strange red-haired boy, she seemingly seemed happy to talk to him.

Forgetting my friend's odd actions immediately, I spotted him. The same man who haunts me every time I close my eyes, his rare blue hair swaying each step. My eyes never leaving his sight, as he came closer I could see he was tired, eyes almost closed. His forehead glistening with sweat, his lips withered. Our eyes connected as he lazily looked at me, my cheeks already flushed as I realized how interesting that wall is to me on my right, also realizing how fucked I am, becoming almost a mess when he just looks at me!

Mr. Ban opening the door as we flooded in, seeing him stand in the middle of us as he set his books on the stand in the middle I saw him almost flexing his bicep as he put a book down, something in me fluttered as I couldn't control my teenage hormones, I felt as if I didn't get to touch it I would die, die terribly.

My small hands quickly grabbed his flexed bicep, even if it was for a moment, a very quick moment it almost made me want to squeal and rush to the nearest bathroom. Even if it wasn't fully flexed I could feel his huge bulging muscles attached to his strong bicep, even if I gripped it I don't think I could have indented it. Realizing it'd be very awkward if he caught me and worse if others caught me I snapped out of my memorized state and sped walk quickly to my desk, hoping no one saw my actions.

It seemed Mr. Ban was even more of a mess than me today, seemingly forgetting his plans for today and being late. Maybe he was thinking about me? No, that was just my hope at least. I couldn't help but stare at him as he sat at his desk lazily looking at his computer. I know deep down this recent obsession of mine was nor healthy or good for the both of us, but when I looked at him, Mr. Ban he makes me forget all my troubles, my anxieties, my dark days, every awkward situation I replay in my head. Just by looking at him, he does that, you can't tell me it's wrong to be in love with him when I think of that, it just doesn't make sense.

While I was in my thoughts I realized he was staring back at me, with those same crimson eyes, he looked almost curious, as why was I staring at him. About to look away subconsciously, I stood my ground, staring at him with a blush "And you said I was the slowpoke" with confidence.

He looked almost surprised but hid it with a sly smile, "And you can't keep your eyes off me" he said bluntly, knowing that destroy my confidence coming into the conversation, he was right I completely looked away with my cheeks fully red almost whispering "I uh, don't know what you're talking about" looking at my desk. He laughed leaning more into his desk both elbows on his desk as he connecting his hands together.

Not looking at him he spoke "So you weren't head turned into my direction looking straight at me for the last 10 minutes?" he asked patiently waiting for my response. My mind screaming simultaneously also completely blank not knowing how to respond. My pride overtook my flustered state, looking back at him "I was wondering why you were in such a mess! I mean you look go- like shit" I corrected myself.

He was so close to me, almost decreasing the distance slowly every second, leaning closer. As he opened his mouth a strong disgusting almost chemical like odor hit my nose, it came from his mouth, what did he drink! "Ah that must be it, you must be a very curious little girl" his voice becoming hoarse at the end sending jolts to my lower body. He could easily see the blush on my face, I must have looked like a deer in headlights after he formed that sentence.

He grinned handsomely, "To answer your 'curiosity', I had a long night yesterday" he said lazily leaning back in his chair hands behind his head.

A long night? That could mean a lot of things, but the first thing that popped into my mind was if he was with another woman. Anger came to me to think Mr. Ban looked at someone other than me, even though he probably doesn't, looking at back at him, he went back to looking at his computer, he was so handsome there was no way there aren't other girls in his life. Fear crossed my mind, a chance that he didn't even like females. Worry and anxiety crept as I looked down at my desk, negative thoughts flooded into me as I sighed.

The bell rang, indicating that this class was over and it was time for lunch. I leaned back, done with this class. I was able to muster enough strength to teach my last two classes, my first having to be one day behind.

That same lilac-haired girl came into my mind, shaking my head I shouldn't be thinking of her she's literally 15, a voice in my head correcting me, basically 16 in a week. But that didn't even matter, I was 26. I should be with people my age, not teens who haven't even experience their first sip of alcohol.

I decided that I would go to lunch and get something to eat as I heard my stomach rumbling. I had to skip breakfast after waking up a tad bit late.

Before I could reach the cafeteria I could smell a very well known and distinct smell. It came from the bathroom to my right, smiling about to catch probably a group of kids. I walked in with my hands in my pockets, one kid already whispering loudly to put it away. I could see the smoke inside the bathroom, three kids, all males. One looked scared out of his mind, another looking nervous but looking at the stall. But the one kid that looked familiar, A tall grey-haired kid. Forgetting his name "Swear I thought there is a sign saying 'No Smoking'" I said smiling. Grey-hair acting confused "What smoke, that's just my friend's homemade pie that we just devoured" he ridiculed

I walked right up to him I was taller by a few inches. Holding my hand out "Hand it over kid, and you won't get into much trouble" I declared. He looked unhappy at the fact he has to hand me his dope. Grudgingly he handed me a joint, not knowing if he had more I frowned "Come on you think I'm dumb?" I barked, hoping he will fuck up, and he did, badly.

He looked up in frustration, handing me a zip lock bag about half full of dope. Bewildered with that amount I looked at him, "Who in their right mind would bring a bag full of weed to school? I mean really c'mon you're smarting than that" I said. He just looked angry wanting to beat me up, I huffed at the thought of him trying that, almost wishing he would try. "Alright get to class, lucky I feel for you to lose all of this, all let you go without trouble" I groaned out, feeling my headache coming back. One of the kids looked relieved but the other two still were bummed out on losing their dope. Before they could leave "Next time smoke outside of school, maybe in the trees" I recommended, and then they were gone.

Hours rolled by as I was slumped on my couch, an ashtray on my table, holding my joint, an empty bag of chips also on the table. I was currently laughing at the TV, watching some old cartoons that I enjoyed when I was younger. I may have partaken in smoking those kids weed, but who cared it doesn't hurt you. Probably should have reported it but what's the fun in that? I am a greedy man, I take what I want.

It made me forget my shell of a life, plus it cured my headache.

The school was out finally, every class felt like years, except Mr. Ban's class that one seemed to go by in seconds. It seemed as just Guila and I were over as Gowther, or the infamous 'red-haired' boy has joined us. He was odd but I enjoyed him, often oblivious to jokes. Guila focusing her attention on me, it seemed she had something to say. "So Mr. Ban?" she giggled, Gowther nodding his head.

"Your cheeks were crimson the whole time you conversated with him" he revealed. Suddenly feeling embarrassed I looked away from them, "I uh- I think he's cute, that's all!" I stuttered. Guila giggling again "Cute enough to wear all that girl? Don't be embarrassed we're all friends here, plus who cares if you have a crush on a teacher?" she explained.

We continued walking as that conversation was apart of the past, was it just a simple crush? I've had a couple of crushes and none of them felt anywhere near this surreal. Flooding into my mind every time I even think about, well anything. I can't go an hour without thinking of him, I think I know the reason.

As we simultaneously walked Gowther to his apartment, stepping on the hard concrete hearing cars go by, wind scrambling my hair. People muttering on their cellphones, to others passing by. Almost at peace, I felt when I came to the realization.

I loved Mr. Ban, and I didn't even know him well.

"You're nothing, you'll never be anything you devil! Why did I even give you a home!" I woke up with a fright, my forehead sweating, my back drenched. I looked at my surroundings, it wasn't the same destroyed, rusty, disgusting childhood home I once lived in. Grunting I got up, finding the remote I turned off the deafening TV show, why did I have the volume so high? My neighbors must hate me. Speaking of neighbors, I wonder if King was at Elaine's.

Maybe I should go see them before I could even consider leaving the house I needed to open a window and feeling my shirt cling to me from the sweat glistening all over my body I would also need to shower.

Feeling refresh I left my apartment and walked 20 feet to Elaine's. I haven't been to her place since I moved in, taking a break from moving all my shit into it, it wasn't much though but she insisted I take a break at her place.

Knocking on the door, I knocked plainly and slowly. I heard the feminine voice of Elaine indicating she was coming. Swinging the door open I could see her eyes widen, almost surprised to see me knocking on her door. She seemed unprepared for the day, hair in a messy bun, seeing her natural face, which was usually drenched in makeup. She seemed to realize this, turning her body away from me and fastly walked to, I believe her bathroom before she could close the door she yelled "Sorry Ban! King Ban is here!" I let myself in closing the apartment door, looking past her counter to my left to see the living room, King was laying on the couch hands behind his back not even reacting to Elaine's notice.

"Diligently looking for a job I see" I ridiculed. He smiled looking up at me, "Online applying is a thing you know Fox" he countered. Smiling I sat on the recliner, looking at what King was watching, but more focused on King. "How's that school of yours? Elaine tells me it kills you" he said, his eyes never leaving the TV. "I don't remember even mentioning my job to Elaine" I answered.

"You don't even talk to Elaine" he grumbled, what was he trying to say? "You don't talk to anyone anymore from back then" he added. Anger rose inside me, he's the one who left! Left me to rot, trying to figure out what I wanted in life, he was always there to help me, and when I needed him most, he just packed up and left straight to college.

Gritting my teeth "I'm not the one who left their best friend" I declared, finally he sat up from his laying position looking at me, "You wanted me to stay there for you so I can hold your hand the whole time? You're a grown man for fuck's sake!" almost yelling.

I stood up, "I came here to talk, laugh, have fun, but no you have to be all King like and start bullshit! Maybe if you at least told me you were leaving I would have handled myself better, maybe made better life choices. But you just left! One day you had a beer in your hands laughing with me, the next you fucking had a stupid ass hat of your college and fucking waltz out!" I roared

He just stared at me angrily, not waiting for him to respond, "I don't need you back in my life, I came here to patch up this, and you decide to tell me I don't talk, why didn't you try to reach me? Fuck you, you hypocrite" I spat walking, past a neutral Elaine who I didn't even hear but now I could hear her trying to calm us down feeling her hands on my arm, I pulled away walking out.

I passed my apartment, I needed cool off, get a beer, go for a walk outside in the already cold night. Opening the double doors to the outside, looking right and left. The park was to the right probably a 5-minute walk there, my left was where I went to work every day. I decided to go to the park. For it still being summer, it was fucking cold. I had on just a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans.

8 years ago I wouldn't have gotten so angry over King's pointless shit, but what he said struck a cord in my head, making me pissed. Knowing King he'll apologize sooner or later, or Elaine will make him, I won't that's for sure, I couldn't care less if King was in my life or not. I was fine without him anyways. Well I was okay without him, not saying I'm fucking love my life, far from it.

Shaking my head, I don't want to think about King or his sister right now, I just want to get to this park for some reason, maybe I should call Meliodas maybe grab a drink with him, he was my closest friend, which was sad as he usually just hang out a maybe once or twice a week. But being older I could care less how many friends I had, it didn't matter how many friends I have they'll never fill my loneliness.

I was always by myself before I met King and his family, living off the streets, my shit for nothing father kicked me out when I was 11 after I couldn't buy him cigarettes. Flinching still to this day on how unlucky I was to get him, a man who'd beat me if I didn't do everything he said. I was fucking glad to leave him. I lived off the streets until I was put into foster care, going from family to family after a while I basically didn't even try to get along with the family. Because I knew I'd eventually leave them.

Every time Gustav goes to work our dog, Abass always stayed near the door, waiting. I felt bad so sometimes when I'm bored I take him on a walk near the park. It was right next to our apartment so what's the worst that can happen?

Today was one of those days I decided to go walk with Abass. It seemed Abass was more hyper today trying to run off, but being brought back with the collar, seeing the park I smiled. I loved going here a night. Not many people come at night lately as it becomes colder, but that doesn't bother me I love the cold. Taking in my surroundings as both of us walked the path of the park. I could feel the weak wind go by me, sending me chills to my body. Seeing the beautiful pond of the park I decided to go down to the benches near it, until I saw someone sitting, fully leaned both hands fully out behind the bench.

I decided not to have an awkward feeling sitting near a stranger, about to look away until Abass started barking at that stranger before I could react Abass used a burst of strength to catch me off guard accidentally letting go of the leash, feeling guilty for what will happen to the stranger, I ran calling his name.

"Abass you dumb mutt come back! Abass!" I yelled, the stranger hearing the noise, turned his head to a dog, just standing in a defensive stance barking, while I ran up behind it. Finally behind Abass, mouthing my apologies to the stranger "I'm so sorry he doesn't usually get so worked up at people." I mustered up.

As I said that the moonlight shined on the stranger, who had a familiar platinum colored hair, the same fox-like face, and the same toothy grin. The man who haunts my brain every minute, Mr. Ban.

He smiled "Hey slowpoke, little late isn't it?" All I could do was stutter, why was he here? Fate sure is cruel, I could already feel my cheeks burning.

I'll be honest to you, I may have stopped by a convenience store before hitting the park, may have grabbed a few brewskis. But I sure wasn't drunk enough to have allusions of the same pretty little girl Jericho who was stuttering apologies at me.

She already had a crimson blush on her face, making her look even cuter with the moonlight striking her. "I uh like to take my dog out for walks" she stuttered. It may have been the beers talking, or maybe just me, standing up to have the height advantage, the dog growling at my sudden motions. "Little girls shouldn't be alone at nights like these" I said huskily. She almost stepped back, she hmph at me looking towards the pond, pouting "I'll have you know I have my dog with me" She gestured towards the mutt.

I crouched down, holding out my palm so he can sniff, still growling "This mutt couldn't protect a small girl like you" I mused. She looked frustrated at my comment, she hated when I called her little, that made me smile for the first time it seemed today, just this girl being in my presence made me feel better about everything.

"I'm not so little! I could protect myself just fine!" she defended. I laughed, turning back to sit, this time leaving room so she can decide if she wanted to sit. It seemed like all her features froze, almost thinking she actually froze she sat down very quickly putting her hands on her knees looking straight at the pond, her pupils not moving.

It seemed like hours were stared at that same pond, not talking just thinking, she broke the silence after a bit "Wh- why did you come here Mr. Ban" those words 'Mr. Ban' gave me even more inappropriate thoughts, before I could respond I felt as if she was even close to me, not even inches apart, I could feel her knitted sweater hitting my arm every so often, I sighed "Just came to calm down, a friend of mine was being an asshole"

"Are you married Mr. Ban?" she blurted out, now that takes the cake for most surprising thing she said to me, but I didn't act fazed by it. But she did though, almost as if she didn't mean to say it. It just came out.

I smiled, looking straight at her, but she didn't even try to match my eyes. I decided to play with her a little. "Why should I tell you?" I asked. She stuttered "I- I was just curious that's it!" I laughed "Uh-huh if you must know I'm single" I flashed my grin at her, she finally seemed to muster enough strength to look at me in the eyes.

She looked stunning, her defined cheeks glistening in the moonlight full crimson, her amber eyes looking down at me, wondering where she's looking at. Her lilac haired was fully down, some stuck out from running after her mutt. Speaking of the mutt it ruined the moment as it jumped onto Jericho, she jumped from the sudden movement of the dog, wrapping her arm around my own.

The only reason why I let her hold me, why I let her stare at me, it was obvious, I was buzzed of course. If I was straight this wouldn't have crossed this far. She was a student of mine, for fuck sakes she was 15!

I unloosened my arm from her standing up. "Ahem, listen, Jericho, I uh I'm 26, not 16 or 17, I'm a teacher. Please understand that" I declared. She looked like she was going to cry, looking at the ground. I wanted to go on my knees and wipe those tears, but I was a bastard, I was a sin. I let that delicate flower cry as I stood there and watched.

"Please don't cry, you have to understand that at least," I said with a rough voice. She looked up nodding.

But those tears stopped as she stood up to face me, looking up at me with fierce eyes. "I'll be 16 in a week Mr. Ban!" and with that, she took herself and her dog and left, I could see her thighs jiggle and her ass as well, I could feel my member becoming longer a just looking at her backside.

Fuck me, I was fucked.

I was laying down in my bed face in the cushions gripping my sheets crying, I was so close! So close to kissing him! Why couldn't he be a bastard and kiss me! Why did he have to be so responsible! I convinced myself and the proof is there that he likes me! It's just my age, ok I'll become older for him, I'll mature faster too for him, I'll do anything, anything for him.

Ideas flooded my mind as I switched to my back touching the bed, smiling gleefully as I thought about that scene of him just a few hours ago, bringing my hand down to enjoy myself.

I'll do anything just to be near him, to be able to feel like that again.

Jesus, I'm a mess, after that encounter with her I went straight to the store to buy a 12 pack. I needed to forget, forget about all my sins, all my misdeed. All my disgusting vial thoughts of wanting a 15-year-old. But just thinking of her, her somehow quickly developed assets I was already beginning to get hard. Also my stomach seemed to begin something as I ran towards my bathroom, puking into the toilet as I was sitting on my knees just looking at my puke. I was garbage, no girl should like me, it didn't matter how handsome and good looking I was in the outside,

On the inside I was a broken man, with a shit past. Before I could finish my hate speech of myself I puked once more before blacking out.