I think I'm about to explode. Or fall asleep and not wake up for at least a week, whichever one comes first. I'm in Adam's class, the day after the emotional disaster that wednesday had been, surrounded by the other kids fucking around, since we're only minutes away from lunch break. Meg, Frank, Joey and Susie...

All four of them had something to say… some sort of baggage to place on my shoulders. Not that I'm resenting them for it, but it's kind of... weird.

I don't remember this from my original teenage days. High school kids don't do this shit! You would never be caught DEAD seeing them having emotional moments, lest you feel the humiliation of being called… "cringe". Or bozo, depending on the mood of your interlocutor. Matter of fact is, I was completely new to all of this… probably because I never had so many friends in my old life, but details.

And don't let me even get started on Julie! I briefly saw her yesterday evening and now this morning, and both times I had to force myself to act normal. I have no fucking idea if she caught on or not, but somehow I survived, in no small part thanks to Susie, who provided to be an excellent distraction by virtue of being her usual adorable self. Or more like, pretending to be. It seems that we both needed to not think about the tyrant, at least for a bit…

Come on Philip, ring that damn bell! I need it!

"Everyone! May I have your attention for 5 minutes?!"

Adam's gentle voice immediately has the effect of making everyone clam up. He didn't even had to raise his tone… damn, that's kind of impressive.

"If you remember on tuesday, I told you all about the psychological help program that I was starting. Well, I'm pleased to announce that from tomorrow on, monday to friday, after school hours, my office will be open for you guys. Our nurse, Ms Smithson, and myself will be there to lend an ear to all of you and listen to your problems, possibly even find a solution, should it be necessary. We hope that, should you have issues, you decide to give us a chance".

The bell rings just as he finishes speaking, letting us go enjoy our lunch, but not before our professor shoots me a meaningful look. He expects me to show up… which I probably will. I honestly need it at this point, even ignoring the whole "Isekai" problem.

Man, things went downhill pretty damn fast…

I have the packed lunch with me that Elias made for Julie and I, looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, when a loud male voice calls for me.

"Jason! Over here!"

That's David. Finally, some semblance of normalcy it seems. I walk up to him, one hand raised up.

"Sup? You came to bother me today since Feng is sick?"

Yeah, she sent me a message just this morning about it. Sucks, but tis the season I suppose.

David holds a hand to his heart.

"You wound me, buddy. You really do. I would never consider you anything less than a second choice. Maybe third if there's an emergency".

I snort. This fucking dick…

"Poor Feng. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes, having to put up with your constant bullshit on a daily basis. I could never, honestly".

It's his turn to snort.

"Let's find a place to eat, so that I may grace you further with my shining presence".

"Pfft. No wonder I'm an atheist…"

"I heard you!"

"You were supposed to!"

We exchange some more verbal jabs as we decide to head to the roof to stuff our mouths. During the time, David is acting fairly normal, but these last few days taught me that I shouldn't stop at the surface level when it comes to another's mental health.

And I notice. Fuck me, did I notice. His slightly strained smile, the way his eyes seem to never be still, as if he's looking for some sort of escape route and many more small things like that.

Really? Him too? I think I'm going to go insane if this shit keeps up…

Hopefully it's just my imagination, but I doubt that I'm so lucky. Haven't really been since I dropped in this Hera forsaken world.

To my surprise, things progress relatively smoothly while we eat. Elias seems to want to spoil Julie and I while he's here, considering how he packed me a lunch worthy of a king. Granted, it's just egg rolls with a smiley face drawn on each of them with ketchup, but compared to my friend's measly sandwich, I think I have the high ground, as the meme goes.

"Hey… you think that she's okay?"

Hm? Is it starting?

"It's just a stomach bug. It was bound to happen to at least one of us…"

"I know… I know. It's just…"

I sigh lightly, mentally reminding myself to not snap at him. He has no idea what happened even just yesterday, getting angry at him won't solve anything. What I can do is move past the awkwardness and get to the point.

"Something is bothering you".

It's not a question. It's a statement. The way that he winces is the definitive proof.

"... Kinda? I'm just… you see, I mainly hang out with Feng because… she knows something about me…"

I raise an eyebrow.

"Are you being blackmailed by your best friend, you dingus?"

"N-NO! I'm not! She would never…!"

He sees the expression on my face and immediately deflates like a balloon.

"Ah-ah, very funny Jason. I'm trying to be serious here, you know!"

"Perhaps. But at least now you're a bit more relaxed".

He blinks, tapping his chest over his heart.

"I… I guess I am. Didn't even realize how nervous I was…"

I hum noncommittally.

"So… what's up? It's not like you to hesitate".

"Yeah… you're right. But, you see, as I was saying, Feng knows… a secret of mine. It's the main reason why I tend to hang with her whenever I can. She doesn't judge and I know she never will…"

I nod.

"But that means that when she's not around, you feel like you're completely on your own".

"Yup… precisely that. For this reason, she messaged me this morning, advising me to, at least, tell you my secret. That way, I'll be sure to have someone to support me, on days like this…"

I cross my legs as I eat my last egg roll, but I don't interrupt him, knowing that he likely needs the release.

"I wanted to protest, but then she… reminded me of something. Feng is my best friend, no doubts about that. I would do anything to keep her safe and happy… but she's not the only person that I can trust. That I don't have to keep everything to myself anymore. If she knows… then it's only fair that you know too".

The air becomes heavier, as David psychs himself up for his… confession, I guess?

"The truth is… that I like men! There, I said it!"

I blink once. Then twice. Then a third time, just for good luck, as I wait for the punchline.

It never comes. That's… that's it?

All of this panic, anxiety and oppressive mood… just to tell me that he's gay.

I mean, I'm surprised, don't get me wrong. David is the literal last character in the game that I suspected being attracted to the same sex, but really? I was getting all restless for nothing!

A more compassionate half of my brain helpfully pointed out that, just because it's a non issue for me, doesn't mean that he feels the same. He'll, I've willing to wager that he spent quite a long time trying to keep it hidden. From others who won't accept him...

And from himself, first and foremost.

My silence must have rubbed him the wrong way, because he suddenly stands up.

"I-I'm sorry, this is none of your business! I shouldn't have come here just to…!"

"Sit down, King".

My words cut through his panicked blabbering, forcing him to park his ass back on the ground.

"Do you remember what you told me yesterday, when we were heading to the gym?"

It takes a moment for him to remember, but I can see the metaphorical lightbulb turn on above his head.

I recite them again, just for the dramatic effect. If Julie is a theatre kid, I suppose that I'm no different.

"You, Feng and I. We are a team, through thick and thin. Or did you already forget?"

He looks away, a bit ashamed.

"You sound angry…"

My eyebrow ticks. Do I, David? DO I?!

"I am. Want to know why? I'm not angry at you being gay. Men, women, black, white, christian or muslim, I couldn't give one singular fuck! You are David King, first and foremost, the rest are just meaningless details that change nothing about our friendship. What I am angry about is the fact that you actually believed I wasn't going to accept it! Damn it dude, we've been friends for so long, I thought we were past the 'will he be fine if I' shtick!"

He winces a bit, but almost instantly he perks back up.

"You mean…?"

"This changes nothing. I'm still going to give you shit about everything I can think of, I'm still going to make fun of you for having to repeat the year like the donkey that you are and I'm still going to be your friend. You're not getting rid of me that easily".

I smirk, punching his chest.

"Close your mouth dumbass. You look stupid with that gaping fish impression that you're making".

It takes him a full minute to come back to his senses, but when he does he looks a lot… calmer.

"I… honestly don't know what I was expecting. I guess Feng was right when she called me an idiot this morning. She spent five consecutive minutes screaming that I was being needlessly paranoid and that you were going to accept me…"

I snort.

"Of course I am. One of my childhood friends is bisexual and I never bat an eye. You ain't the first, you ain't going to be the last either, bucko".

He sighs, probably feeling much lighter.

"You're right. I'm sorry for… not trusting you".

"It's cool. I can't understand that particular brand of anxiety, so I can't blame you… too much".

We share a small laugh, and I decide to get a little… payback for all the times he teased over messages.

"Say… there must be a reason why you managed to reach this conclusion about yourself…"

I smirk as I see David starting to sweat.

"So… who's the lucky guy?"

He whimpers as I grin maliciously. Revenge is a dish best served ice cold… or something along those lines.

I curse under my breath as I hurry back inside the school. The lessons are over, everyone is starting to go back home, except me. Because I bloody forgot my pencil case in Talbot's class, like an idiot.

I must be particularly exhausted to be this scatterbrained… the yawn that threatens to escape my lips is the most damning evidence I can think of. I rub my right eye, trying and failing to remember the way back to class.

Where the hell am I going…?

Without realizing, I stumbled all the way to the fifth floor instead of the fourth. Sheesh, I really need some decent shut eyes… but I have my doubts about getting that. Not for as long as the massive Julie shaped issue keeps hanging over my head.

I sigh. No reason to think about it now. I should head back where I'm supposed to go and…

I'm interrupted by something coming from the slightly ajar door close to the staircase. Is this… music?

I close my eyes, recognizing the distinct sound of a classic guitar being played. My mind runs back to my mother… my real mother. She loved playing, music was her passion…

Nostalgia overwhelms me for a moment, but I quickly shake it off. Making myself depressed isn't gonna help here. But still, these notes… I heard them before…

Curiosity gets the better of me as I approach the room, silently opening so that half of my face is peeking, only to find… something that shouldn't surprise me.

Kate Denson is sitting on a chair, her back turned to me, strumming the guitar in her hand. She hums gently as she does, and I finally recognize the tune.

"Everybody wants to rule the world…"

I subconsciously sing the verse aloud with Kate, causing her to gasp and turn towards me, panic evident in her eyes.

I smile and raise my hands, fully entering the room. I can't help but feel… weirded out.

There's Kate, playing her guitar, unaware of the male staring at her from behi…

I… I just pulled a Clown moment didn't I? No wonder I spooked her this badly…

I almost smack myself. She doesn't remember you idiot! Besides, of course she's gonna get jumpscared if someone sneaks up on her like this!

"Hey Kate. It's just me, calm down…"

She looks at me and breathes in and out a bit.

"Y-Yeah! S-Sorry for that… you s-scared me…"

"I feel like I should be the one apologizing for scaring you…"

She vigorously shakes her head.

"N-No, you don't h-have to. I just… g-get very immersed when I p-play, it's a bad h-habit of mine…"

She's stuttering a lot more than usual. Sheesh, her heart must have leaped in her throat…

I look around, taking in the room… fairly large, some chairs, smaller and bigger and even some comfortable looking couches… and of course, how to forget the sheer volume of instruments laying around. Guitars, violins, trumpets, drums, even a piano. This must be where the music club is held…

"So… what are you doing here all alone? The bell rang like… fifteen minutes ago at least."

Her cheeks become suddenly red.

"I-I was just… i-indulging a bit. I don't get m-much time to play at h-home, s-so… here I am".

She awkwardly giggles. I'm making her nervous…

It's probably best if I leave her alone…

"Well, it's been nice seeing you. I'm going let you continue then. See you next time!"

I make to wave at her and leave, but she suddenly panics and stands up… again.

"Y-You can stay! I-If you w-want, of c-course…"

"I wouldn't want to intrude…"

"Y-You're not intruding! I-In fact… I a-appreciate the c-company…"

I hum, looking at her for any signs of lies. There are none.

"If you're sure…"

She nods, looking kind… happier than before.

Kate sits back down with her guitar, while I sit opposite to her and listen to her play some songs.

"Are you okay Jason? You look… tired…"

She stopped stuttering suddenly… I guess this is her element. No place for shyness when she's focused on her passion, huh?

"These last few days have been… much heavier than what I'm used to. I also haven't been sleeping well…"

My blonde companion looks at me in sympathy.

"I can understand that. Things… haven't been easy for me either".

"Is this about… you know who?"

She blinks for a moment, but nods afterward.

"It's a combination of many things… but I guess that's the main one, yeah. At least I haven't seen him in a couple of days. Charlotte is keeping her brother locked up home for a bit, until Professor Francis' program starts. So, there's at least that…"

"Good to hear that one of us managed to catch a break. I kind of envy you, honestly…"

This time I can't hold back the yawn that slips through.

"Is this about your sister…?"

Uh? How does she…

"Her and I share a couple of classes. She's been a lot more… aloof than usual today. Something happened between you two…?"

I keep my mouth shut, suddenly feeling… ashamed. I don't want her to know. I don't want anyone to know how much I fucked up… how much of a bad person I actually am.

She stares at me for bit, before letting a breath out.

"I'm sorry, that question was out of line. You don't have to answer. I'm just… worried about you. Whatever it is, this thing is eating away at you…"

It is. But I just have to hang on for a bit longer. The silence stretches for about ten more minutes, occasionally interrupted by her strumming, before Kate decides to do something.

She gets up and heads towards one of the couches and sits back down, before patting down the spot next to her. I follow her, my curiosity once more winning out. The second I join her on the piece of furniture, she gently places her hands on my head and starts scratching and massaging.

"What are you…?"

She shushes me. When did Kate Denson became so… assertive?

"Do you trust me, Jason?"

The more time passes, the more confused I'm becoming. Trust her with what?

"I… I guess…?"

She smiles brightly and quietly guides my head down… right upon her thighs.

Is… is she…?

"I don't know what the problem with you and Julie is… and I doubt that I could help you with it even if I knew. What I can do… is allow you to rest for a bit, because you need it. Just close your eyes and relax, okay?"

A lap pillow. She's offering her lap as a pillow. I look up, but my vision is obscured by her guitar, which she starts playing. This time, I immediately recognize the song.

"I believe that if I knew where I was going I'd lose my way…"

Her voice… soothes me to my very core. Before I knew it, my eyes are fluttering open and closed.

"Hold on… hold on…"

I'm trying… I'm trying so hard… but everything is slipping away from my fingers. If I lose Julie… my sister…

What am I going to do…?

"Because I have been where you are before!

And I have felt the pain of losing who you are!

And I have died so many times!

But I am still alive!"

These lyrics… the way she's singing them…

Not just that. The way Victor seemed to terrify her to her very core. Or how… awkward she's being, like she's somewhere she's not supposed to be. Or the sheer panic in her eyes when I interrupted her playing, like The Clown had done before.

She remembers! She remembers it all! But, by the time I reach that conclusion, my consciousness slips away from me…

And everything fades to black.

Hello?! Is this thing on?! It is?! Noice.

Welcome back, dudes and gentleladies, to another episode of AIOS, the show where cliffhangers are still a bitch.

Today's segments are taken by David and Kate, respectively our favorite British idiot and American cowgirl. Brief disclaimer that I honestly should have mentioned last chapter, I am not a part of the LGBTQ community. As such, I don't really fully grasp their struggles or goals as an organization. What I do know, is that most of them probably only want to be treated like normal people, and that is reflected by the way Jason reacted to David's "confession".

To him (and me as a consequence) there is absolutely no difference between them. But in case I offended someone last chapter, or this one, I apologize. But this is how I see the matter, and how it will be handled in the future.

The songs that Kate played are "Everybody wants to rule the world" (the cover by Lorde, only on guitar instead of piano) and "I Believe" by Christina Perri.

Review responses!

WhyareUsernamesTakenAlready: Yeah, last chapter was very emotionally intense. Joey knows he fucked up and that he doesn't deserve to be forgiven, which is why he's now doing everything he can to make up for it, both by taking care of his mother and by making sure that Jason doesn't fall into despair. For Susie… well, you know what they say. The ones that smile the most are usually the ones that hide the most scars. While I won't say that Jason's struggles are over, they likely won't get this much oppressive again… at least for a while.

Grinmy: You are welcome my friend. Hope that you enjoy this one as well!

That's all folks! Ta-ta for now!