2: Yet Another Day

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Russell woke up early, did his usual morning routine, and headed to school. It was yet another normal day. The same thing always happens everyday.

Russell entered school and started going straight to his locker since school hasn't started yet. However, when Russell came to an abrupt stop in front of his locker he felt someone grab hold of him.

He immediately yelped in surprise.

"Woah, it's just me. Stop jumping like that."Genny commented with a chuckle. Russell breathed a sigh of relief and took out his books from his locker.

"Sorry... Just really jumpy I guess..." Russell admitted, locking his locker shut before turning and facing Genny again. She chuckled once more. "We should go. Class is starting soon."she pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right, Genny."Both him and Genny headed to class together, chatting happily amongst each other as they walked.

Russell sat in his assigned seat next to Genny. Eventually, the classroom was finally filled with students and their first class began.

The rest of the day seemed to fly by for Russell. He mostly dozed off in class which got him scolded and embarrassed himself but that was it. It was now lunch. Him and Genny walked to the cafeteria while chatting as always.

Russell chuckles, setting his tray down on the table. "So, you joined the art club just so you could see Ash? Really?". Russell teased, smirking when he noticed the blush forming on Genny's cheeks. She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest and pouts slightly.

"No... Well, yes. I also joined because I like art... and Ash."Genny explained, blushing slightly.

Russ laughs in amusement. "You are hopeless.". He said, poking the younger's cheek. Genny huffed once again and shoved Russell's shoulder lightly.

"Whatever. Just eat your lunch, dumbass.". She retorted sarcastically as she bit on his burger. Russell rolled his eyes and laughed fondly as he ate his lunch. After a while, they both continued eating.

Lunch was peaceful... until there was a sudden commotion which caught everyone's attention. Both Genny and Russell stopped chewing and raised their brows when they saw the school jocks bullying some random kid again.

"Look at this fucking loser. She's nothing special... just a dumb tranny!"One guy spat, grabbing hold of the poor boy who looked far from scared, more like annoyed. Russell's eyes widened when he realized who the boy was.

It was Colin.

The jocks kept messing with Colin who only responded with glares or harsh words. Russell frowned, getting up from his chair and was ready to approach them when Genny stopped him.

She hissed, softly glaring at her best friend. "What the hell are you doing?!". She pulled on Russell's sleeve and motioned for him to sit back down. Russell glanced at Genny, narrowing his eyes at her.

"They're bullying him."He retorted simply, trying to keep calm. Genny gave him an annoyed look. "Yes I know, I am not stupid. Look, we can't intervene. They're like the big guns in this school and if you try to stop them, you'll be their next victim."

Russell exclaims, clenching his fist. "But it's unfair to Colin. He's getting beat up and no one is even helping him.". He couldn't stand this anymore.

Before Genny could respond, Russell was already heading towards the jocks and Colin. They were too busy making fun of Colin and laughing at him to notice Russell approach.

"Hey." Russell snapped at the jocks. The boys glanced towards him and scoffed. "Get lost, loser."One of them replied. Russell grits his teeth at them, "Pick on someone your own size.".

And with that, the jocks started to laugh, throwing insults in every direction. Russell didn't care though. If he has to suffer through these guys just to protect Colin and the other people that they bullied then so be it.

"You think that you have the guts to get in between us and Abigail? You're just another useless piece of shit."The leader says as he walks closer to Russell and pushes him hard.

Russell staggers backwards a little bit before steadying himself again.

"Watch it, douchebag." Russell growls. He knows his mother won't like him fighting someone but he doesn't care anymore.

The bullies continue to push and taunt Russell.

"Who do you think you are, calling me 'douchebag'?". He asks as he leans forward towards Russell and grabs him roughly by the collar of his sweatshirt. The leader smirks, "You're a stupid ching-chong chinese man!".

"I'm southeast asian, you racist bitch."Russell grits out before kneeing the jock square in the balls and shoving him aside.

The jock lets go of Russell and cries out in pain. Russell turns around and faces the others who are still standing there shocked.

He glanced at Colin who looked at him with an indescribable face. Without thinking, Russell immediately pulled Colin up and grabbed him by his wrist, dragging him out of the cafeteria.

Once they were out, he stopped and let go of Colin. He turned to face him, looking him straight in the eye. "Hey, are you feeling alright? Did he hurt you badly?" Russell asks worriedly, placing a hand on the other's shoulder.

But Colin shoved him away. "Didn't I say that you should just leave me alone!?"He shouted angrily.

"Okay... Okay! I get it. I wasn't thinking." Russell replies quickly. He holds out his hands in surrender.

"I don't need your pity."Colin says and tries to walk past Russell but is blocked by the latter.

"What do you mean? It isn't a pity, I am genuinely concerned!" He says desperately, trying to reach out for Colin but is again stopped by him.

"Please just leave me alone." Colin repeats, sounding exhausted.

After a few seconds, Russell decides to give up. He steps away from him, keeping his head lowered as he mutters a 'sorry'. He merely watches Colin walk away.

As soon as he was out of sight, Russell sighed and shook his head. It was pointless trying to talk to the other. He'd just end up making things worse.

"Russell!"

A voice called out behind him. Russell turned around, only to see his Genny coming towards him.

"What the hell, dude? Why'd you left just that?"Genny asked, panting slightly as she approached the taller lad. "Oh.. Um, I just.. Uh.." Russell stammers, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Genny narrows her eyes suspiciously, waiting for him to answer. When he doesn't say anything else she continues. "Where did Colin go by the way? Didn't you drag him out here as well?".

"Uh.." Russell hesitated and looked to the side. He continued, scratching the back of his head. "Er... He told me to leave him alone... Which is fair.".

Genny snorts. She rolls her eyes and playfully jabs on Russ's shoulder, "Serves you right. You and your savior complex.".

Russ flushes and rubs his arm. "Ow..."He groans, glaring at her. Genny giggles softly, patting on his arm in comfort.

"Anyway, enough about that. We should probably go to our next class now or Mrs. Frances will kill us both.". 

Genny states before walking away. Russ follows closely behind her as the two make their way back to their class.

---

Instead of going back to his class, Colin rushed to get to the rooftop and closed the door behind him.  He stood there silently for a second, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

Colin slid down to the ground and brought his knees up against his chest, resting his chin on top of them and let out a dry sob. He squeezed his eyes shut as tears threatened to spill out but tried hard to keep them in. He buried his face in his arms, wrapping his arms tightly around his legs.

He was weak. He can't even protect himself and man up. Was he really a man? Or was he just a pathetic loser?

His thoughts ran rampant in his mind. Tears streamed down his face like rivers, leaving wet trails down his cheeks. His breathing became uneven and heavy as he choked out cries.

He wanted nothing more than to disappear into thin air, to escape all those thoughts and feelings. To forget about everything. To escape his horrible reality.

Time went by slowly. Colin barely noticed that it had already been half an hour since he had come up here. Finally, after what felt like eternity, he heard footsteps coming up onto the roof.

A soft knock sounded on the door followed by, "It's open.". Colin sniffled and wiped at his cheeks harshly. His heart clenched painfully when he opened the door and saw who it was. It was Navi, probably his only friend.

The  teen sat down beside Colin and looked at him sympathetically. "Hey.. Are you okay?"She asked gently. 

Colin nodded.

Navi furrowed her eyebrows, noticing how distraught Colin looked. She hesitantly patted his shoulder. "Are you sure?...". Colin stayed quiet for a bit before tears started streaming down his cheeks once more.

"Nav, am I a man?"Colin let out a shaky sob as he looked at his friend with teary eyes. Navi stares at him sadly before bringing him in for a hug, "Of course you are. You are a man, remember that.". Navi whispers quietly, holding on tight to him.

Colin buried his face deeper into Navi's shoulder, closing his eyes, letting his tears flow freely. The pair remain like that for a while, enjoying each other's company, neither speaking.