It's always such a nerve-wracking thing, to start at a new school. And was this one going to be any different?
You frowned to yourself as you walked through the corridor, eyes anxiously searching the hallway for the classroom you sought. Something about this new school sure as hell seemed different; you couldn't quite put your finger on it, however.
Was it the way the jocks sneered at you as you walked through? Or how the cheerleaders whispered and giggled about your clothes? You sighed to yourself. No, none of that was any different from the other schools.
You may have moved around quite a bit already in your short life, but it appeared that no matter where you ended, trouble seemed to follow. Perhaps it was the music you listened to, or the way you dressed. You self-consciously smoothed down the creases in your black KMFDM t-shirt with a grimace.
Oh, things sure did seem a little helpless, but sometimes in life the right people appear just when we need them most. You wondered if that were the case for the boy with the spiky hair and grey eyes, who had been watching you from the lockers.
Though you daren't make eye contact or speak a single word, he still found his way over to you; a smirk tugging at his lips, and eyes searching your face with an inquisitive stare.
Nice shirt.
He spoke softly, with an accent that reminded you of Texas. Under his intense gaze you felt yourself shudder and ran a hand through your long, dark hair. You weren't quite sure what to say; he was inexplicably handsome and charming, too.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again, a brow raised: New here, huh? I don't think I've ever seen you around here before. The name's Eric.
You smiled, coyly, and muttered back in an almost incomprehensible manner, It is uh nice to meet you, Eric. The name's Mai.
Mai?
His eyes lit up; you couldn’t help but notice how beautiful they seemed. Where you headed? I don't usually offer help to the dumbasses round here, but you have a great taste in music so I figured you must be alright.
You were a little surprised by the abruptness of his admission, and his honesty. But you liked that about people. You often preferred those who were upfront and hated liars more than anything. You tugged on the strap of your backpack, hiking it up further to prevent it from slipping, and bravely looked upon Eric as you spoke: Well, thank you. I uh, appreciate it. A lot.
You cursed yourself for not answering his question and blushed a little, before continuing,And German. I'm on my way to German.
His smile only widened then. He gestured with a gloved hand towards the end of the hall, commenting that you should follow him, and began to walk. You noticed how he suddenly stood a little taller, eyes shone brighter and his chest was puffed out. You smiled to yourself and lowered your head, just a little, for fear he could see you blushing. He was the first guy to properly look at you like that and it made your heart melt.
And as you both walked together to class, Eric with his head held high and proud a pretty girl wanted to walk with him (though he would never tell you that), you talked and laughed, grew a little warmer towards him. He seemed to have this odd way of making you feel comfortable, at ease, almost as if you two had known each other before.
And little did you know that allowing for Eric to show you his kindess, for you to look upon him without judgement, that would be the very day something between the both of you grew into something wonderful.