IBDB Episode 24

Instructions

uhh there was something i was going to say here but i forgot what it was- I shifted the straps on my backpack, adjusting my flannel on my shoulders as I walked through the door. Second period of the day. It felt long already, and I was tired. But at least I wasn’t alone this period. I glanced up at the room and gave a gasp, surprised by Warren– who was right in front of me, sharpening his pencil. I stumbled back and he glanced at me, blinking and giving a smile that I recognized as being worn from expectation, only a hint of anxiety visible. “Oh, hello.” “Hey, I’m, uh, Rowan.” I gave a little wave and tried to control my shaking, returning the smile. “You’re Warren, right?” Hopefully it wasn’t weird I knew his name. Maybe I should’ve just let him give it to me. Had I already messed this up? “Yes, that’s right.” He rubbed his fingertips against the tip of his pencil and turned to me completely, looking me over a bit. I immediately wished I was wearing something better despite these being the best clean clothes I had at the moment. Distract him, Rowan, so he doesn’t judge you for what you’re wearing. For how you look. “Uhm, I– like your sweater.” My eyes turned to his own shirt and I watched him look down at it. It was black– or maybe dark blue? The colour seemed to change every once and a while, something dark but never fully perceived. Another smile, this one more real, played at his lips and he pulled at it slightly. “Thank you. It’s one of my favourites, but my mother isn’t particularly fond of it.” “Oh, yeah.” I laughed a bit, glancing down at the floor before he saw me blush. Wait– his mother–? I looked back up, mouth open, about to speak when the bell rang before I could even say anything. My eyes locked with his and we sat for a second before he ran his pencil in his fingers again and stepped back. “I should probably sit down. Good talk.” He gave me a little wave and smile and started towards his desk. I nodded absently and sat down myself, my gaze lingering like I was still looking into those eyes of his. They were gray green. When I sat down, I was immediately met with Fuji’s little smirk and bright gaze. My own eyes widened and I felt my face heat up, all the flustered feelings I had dully felt while having my conversation coming back to the surface now. “It was nothing. We just– bumped into each other, that’s all.”