Chapter 5

As Jeremy gets ready for school, he decides that today is a good day, because it's the first day he gets to see Erwin again. Jeremy has been dying to see him ever since the whole incident started.

When Jeremy arrives at school in his uniform, he notices that everyone is staring at him. It kind of bothers Jeremy considering how people always stare at him, so whenever he sees people looking at him, he tries his hardest to avoid their gaze. As usual, he ignores those weird stares. Jeremy approaches Erwin's locker and opens it. Inside the locker is his usual collection of books, pencil case, backpack, jacket and various notebooks, binders and notebooks. 

Hey, Erwin! Jeremy says loudly while smiling at him.

Erwin turns around and immediately smiles back when he realizes who it is. Hey, Jeremy, he greets back quietly.

Jeremy puts his backpack down on Erwin's bench and closes his locker before walking over to him. Ready to go? He asks.

Erwin nods, placing his backpack on top of his own. Yeah, I guess.

Jeremy chuckles as he reaches out his hand. Let's get going then.

Erwin smiles softly and grabs Jeremy's hand in his own. Sounds great.

Both boys start walking toward their homerooms. 

After walking together for about thirty seconds, Erwin suddenly stops dead in his tracks. Jeremy looks back at him confused.

Erwin blushes slightly and looks down before continuing. "Er... Jeremy? he whispers.

Hmm? Yes? What's wrong? Is everything okay?

I.... I wanted to ask you something... Erwin hesitates, not meeting Jeremy's eyes.

Ask whatever you want to ask. Jeremy reassures him.

Erwin gulps hard and continues, voice shaking slightly: Can..... Can I call you by your first name?

Oh, yeah. Jeremy smiles lightly, nodding. Of course.

Erwin lets out a shaky breath and looks back at Jeremy, his face now a bright shade of red. Um... Can I hug you?

Huh? Are you asking or telling? 

Tell. Oh god, no wonder I'm embarrassed... he mutters, avoiding Jeremy's gaze once again.

Jeremy smirks. You're so cute, Erwin. He wraps his arms around Erwin's shoulders and pulls him in for a tight embrace. Erwin returns the hug awkwardly, but after a few seconds, he melts into the embrace. Jeremy smiles as he feels Erwin nuzzling his head against his chest.

Yeah... That felt nice. Jeremy thinks to himself.

They stay like this for what seems like an eternity. Finally, Jeremy feels Erwin pull back and step away.

Are you all right now? he asks, still grinning.

Uh, yes. Thank you. Erwin replies, averting his gaze.

So, um... Do you want to keep holding hands, or would you rather wait until we get to our classroom?

Erwin nods. Yes, please.

Great! Let's go then! Jeremy grabs Erwin's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Let's get this over with. We've got a lot to talk about. 

Yeah, we do. Jeremy lets out a small chuckle, feeling the blood rush to his cheeks. How did you know?

I uh, found your diary. 

Damn you, Erin! How'd you know about that anyway? Jeremy asks.

Well, I read it.

I didn't mean to. Sorry. 

It's fine. Erwin says before pulling Jeremy into the nearest classroom. We have to hurry before the others arrive.

Okay, hold on. Jeremy looks around nervously. Where's everybody else?

Oh. They must be here somewhere. Erwin says before searching for somebody.

Who is everybody else? Jeremy asks.

The students from my math class. There were some students from my English class. One of them said you were the only one in his class. Which is correct, right?

Yea. I am. Who else did you expect there to be, huh? Jeremy retorts.

I don't know. A couple of girls maybe? Erwin suggests.

Jeremy sighs. I thought so. Wait, there's nobody else in my math class, right? If there is, they'd have shown up. I remember reading that in English class.

No, it says 'Math Class' in the book as well, Jeremy. Did you not read the note on top of the desk?

Yeah. But I thought it was only supposed to be me. 

Weird, eh? Erwin says sarcastically.

He laughs as they walk over to Erwin's desk and sit in their respective seats.

So where did we stop yesterday? Erwin asks after taking off his scarf.

In the middle. Right after I finished writing 'Mr. Hanji'.

Sounds perfect. Well, what should we do today? Erwin asks.

Do you even have to ask? 

Right. Erwin rolls his eyes playfully. You wanna work on our project?

That sounds awesome! Jeremy grins widely.

Well then. Erwin stands up and heads toward the door. We've got about thirty minutes before class starts, which means we're gonna have to work quickly if we want to finish before then.

Sure. Jeremy gets up and catches up with Erwin, grabbing the handle of his bag. After opening the door, he turns around and faces Erwin once more. You coming?

Yup, follow me.

Jeremy takes the lead and walks past the other students before turning around, waving goodbye at them as he exits the building. Erwin follows behind him, closing the door slowly behind them. Jeremy leads them through the school and towards his locker. While they continue to chat, they both forget about everything except each other. It isn't until they reach their lockers does Erwin break the comfortable silence.

Hey, Jeremy?

Hm?

Can I ask you something?

Of course! Anything you need, you can ask me. Jeremy beams.

Is it possible for us to hang out sometime soon? I've missed hanging out with you.

Oh, I wish it wasn't possible, but of course, we can. We can meet up after school.

Cool. Erwin smiles at Jeremy, leaning against his locker.

Hey, Erwin.

Yes?

Do you like anyone?

Huh?

Like a boyfriend or anything. Jeremy elaborates.

Erwin laughs. Jeremy is joking, right?

Of course not. Why would you think that? Erwin asks.

I dunno. Maybe just curious since you asked me earlier. 

I don't have time to date right now. Erwin explains.

What?! Why? Is it serious? Jeremy questions worriedly.

Erwin shakes his head. Not really. Well, it might become important someday, but that won't happen anytime soon.

Oh. Okay. Sorry for prying then. Jeremy replies guiltily.

Don't worry. It's alright. Erwin says smiling warmly at him. You know you could always come to me if you want to ask something?

Thank you, Erwin! I will.

Good. And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask them.

Will do! Jeremy promises.

Erwin leaves Jeremy and starts walking toward his classroom. Good luck today! Jeremy calls after him.

Thanks!

Once Erwin enters his classroom, the teacher tells him to go to his seat so he sits down. The teacher continues teaching the lesson but he finds that he keeps glancing at the clock. It's 10:57. Soon it will be lunchtime. Erwin bites his bottom lip nervously. He wishes this day would end already.

After the class ends, he packs up his things quickly and rushes out of the room. He has to find Jeremy quick. He knows that the other boy likes to run after school, but this will probably take him longer than usual. Just then, he feels a tap on his shoulder and turns around, seeing a girl with blue hair smiling at him sweetly. She is also wearing green shorts and a yellow shirt.

Hi, Erwin! My name is Sally. She introduces herself.

Hello, Sally. Erwin replies.

So how do you like your new school so far? Sally asks, crossing her arm.

Nice. Erwin answers as he walks past her and starts to make his way towards the exit.

Where are you going? She asks.

To meet up with my friend. Erwin responds without even looking back. He doesn't wait for Sally's answer as he runs down the stairs leading downstairs, almost tripping over his feet while getting ready to leave. As he runs out of the school, he glances back, noticing Sally following him. Damn it, Sally! Why are you chasing me?

Erwin turns left, trying to lose her.

Ahh, shit. Erwin curses, trying to catch his breath.

Sally approaches him with a smirk on her face. Have a good rest. 

You too. He says in defeat before turning around and starting to jog again.

Jeremy stops running when he sees Erin approaching him.

Shit, Erwin. He whispers to himself, looking ahead.

He stops beside Erwin who's already sitting on a bench by the school, breathing hard. Jeremy stares blankly at Erwin who stares back blankly. Suddenly, they burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs. When the laughter finally dies down, Jeremy wipes tears from his eyes, looking back at Erwin. You okay dude?

Yep. Erwin replies with a smile.

Why don't you want to hang out with people? I thought you liked everyone here?

Yeah, but... Erwin pauses briefly before continuing. I like to spend time alone with you.

Oh. Jeremy blushes. He chuckles awkwardly. Um, yeah, I feel the same way.

So, do you have any plans for tonight? Erwin asks, looking down at the ground.

Nope! I was planning to stay home. Jeremy says.

I see. Erwin replies, slightly disappointed. So you wouldn't mind if I came over? Erwin raises his gaze at Jeremy and asks softly.

Umm... Sure? Yeah, definitely! Jeremy exclaims. Oh shit, uh... What time?

7:00 pm. 

Alrighty. See you later then! With a wide grin on his face, Erwin hops up and hurries away, leaving Jeremy standing next to the bench wondering what happened. Why was Erwin so insistent on coming over? Wasn't he busy today? He doesn't know. That's why he decided to invite Erwin to join him. Maybe it'll help make him less sad, even though Erwin has no reason to be sad. Well, at least that's what Jeremy thinks.