Connection

Logan's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his thoughts a tangled web he couldn't seem to escape from. The dull ache in his ribs felt like a distant hum compared to the storm swirling in his mind. He barely registered the voices of students filing off the bus or the movement around him.

"Logan, we're at school," Tyler said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Logan blinked, his head snapping up. Tyler was standing next to him, his backpack slung over one shoulder, a faint crease of impatience—and concern—on his brow.

"Oh," Logan mumbled, fumbling to grab his bag. "Sorry." He moved to stand, but his legs felt sluggish and shaky, like they weren't quite connected to the rest of his body.

Tyler stepped back slightly, giving Logan space to shuffle and limp into the aisle. As soon as Logan was upright, the pain in his side flared up, making him wince. He hoped Tyler didn't notice, but the slight narrowing of his friend's eyes told him otherwise.

"You good?" Tyler asked quietly, his voice almost drowned out by the noise of the bus engine and the chatter outside.

Logan nodded quickly, avoiding Tyler's gaze. "Yeah. Just tired."

Tyler didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. Instead, he motioned for Logan to go ahead. Together, they stepped off the bus and onto the bustling school grounds.

The morning air was crisp, a faint chill biting at Logan's skin. Students milled about in groups, their laughter and conversations a stark contrast to the heaviness Logan felt. He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, trying to keep his movements smooth despite the stabbing pain in his ribs.

"You sure you're okay?" Tyler asked again as they walked toward the main building.

Logan exhaled sharply, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm fine, Tyler. I told you."

Tyler stopped walking, forcing Logan to halt as well. His piercing gaze pinned Logan in place. "You're not fine, and you know it. I'm not trying to be annoying, but you're acting like you're about to collapse."

Logan's stomach twisted. He wanted to tell Tyler to back off, to leave him alone—but the genuine concern in his voice made it hard to snap at him. Instead, Logan clenched his jaw and looked away. "I already told you many times, I'm okay and I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"

Tyler studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright. I'll back off. But if it gets worse, you're telling me."

Logan didn't respond. He just started walking again, his pace quicker now as if putting distance between them would help.

The halls of the school were alive with noise as students filled the space, jostling each other and exchanging greetings. Logan navigated through the crowd, his focus on getting to his locker without drawing attention to himself. Tyler followed behind, his presence a steady shadow that Logan couldn't quite ignore.

When Logan finally reached his locker, he let out a small breath of relief. He fumbled with the combination lock, his hands trembling slightly. It took him three tries to get it open, and by the time he did, Tyler was leaning casually against the locker next to his.

"You're hovering," Logan muttered, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide the slight amusement in his tone.

"Yeah, well," Tyler said, crossing his arms, "someone's gotta keep an eye on you."

Logan rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips despite himself. "I don't need a babysitter."

Tyler smirked. "Could've fooled me."