In the cafeteria he was dragged to X's table. The boy who he decided was his favorite sat in front of him. X probably saw Xay's response to him as a break though. For once he did respond negatively!

Xay laid his head down. He didn't have an appetite at the moment. A tap on his arm made him jump and look up,"Need to keep your strength up, go get food."

Doc. He had helped him, but he couldn't have taken care of it himself. And he had grabbed Xay. He didn't like Doc very much. He considered ignoring him, but the boy in front of him nodded.

He stood and walked twords the line. He hoped desperately that there was something decent or light. He grabbed a bag of chips and paid for it before going back to the table. The boy in front of him frowned.

"If you do not eat proper amounts you'll be too weak to defend yourself. Which leaves us no choice but to fight for you." He sighed, giving him puppy eyes.

He shook his head,"I've already walked up there once, it'll be awkward if I do it again." He then looked up at him and flinched," I promise I'll "eat properly" later."

Xay felt like he was being watched throughout eating. If his appetite wasn't gone before, it definitely was now. He pushed the half empty bag of chips away.

"Do you promise to eat later, my dude?" The boy in front of him asked calmly. Xay nodded, the boy nodded in response. He picked up his and Xay's trash and walked away.

"So what is it about Ren that you like so much? I can't figure it out." This was stated by a startlingly pink girl. Most of her clothes were some shade of pink, her face was rosy, and she even had a pink flower crown.

He tried to refrain looking at her to avoid burning his retinas. He stayed looked down. Refusing to reply and hoping she'd leave him alone.

She frowned and looked away. Luckily Ren arrived soon after. He sat before Xay once again. He started a conversation with someone nearby. He could hear Rens cheery voice as he fell asleep.

He soon jerked awake when he felt someones hand touch his head. He glanced around, meeting the eyes of Ren. He looked rather frightened. There was no hand up to suggest that they had touched him.

This either meant that he had imagined it or whoever it was had moved their hand away quickly,"Are you okay?"

"Did someone touch me while I was sleeping?" He asked, still on edge.

Rens eyebrows turned up," I didn't see anyone, that doesn't mean it didn't happen though. I'm sorry if someone ruined your nap."

Xay nodded, laying his head back down but was too tense to fall back asleep. He heard Ren questioning the table, then him scolding someone. The conversation soon when back to it's usual flow. Xay felt minor jealousy.

He should up and began walking out," Hey guys, I'll be right back I need to go to the restroom."

One of X's friends had followed him. Why bother? It was already too late to fix anything. They've already done enough.

They walked to the bathroom, Suma's friend trailed him. Xay refused to look back at him. He wouldn't give him the chance to start a conversation. So he walked into the bathroom and into a stall.

The boy didn't follow him in. He stayed outside. Panic built in Xay's stomach. He was forcing a conversation. By being outside of the door he was forcing Xay to acknowledge him.

Things would be so much easier if he didn't exist. If he was gone they wouldn't be trying to protect him. What was the point?

Xay froze. Why would he think such a thing? He'd always considered himself to be above his brother along with his friends. But had he really? His brother had everything, friends, good social standing, athletic ability. Xay was really just a worse copy of him. He'd always been jealous of his brother.

The realization hit him like a brick. Why did he even exist? If he would always be overshadowed by his brother, what really was the point? After all, he was a set of two. Even if his heart no longer beat his brother was there to take his place.

The boy from outside had come in. He knocked lightly on the door," are you alright? You've been in here for a while."

"Why do you care? We've never even spoke. Why don't you go talk to one of the countless others who are being bullied?"

The boy fell silent. He sighed and cleared his throat," Xay, X is worried about you. He has been for months. He's been noticing things, but not talking about it. He planned to help in small ways, but then we found you... Here." He took another deep breath.

" He hadn't realized how bad it had gotten. I know he'd never tell you face to face, but he cried when he found out. I don't think I've ever seen him like that." He paused for it to sink in, but it didn't.

"He'll be fine without me. After all, we never spoke anyway." Xay pushed open the stall door then walked out of the exit. He started walking, but soon began sprinting. Tears started rolling down his face. Why?

He made his way to the storage closet that Keralis had dragged him to. It was just as filthy as before. He sat on the floor and sobbed. He hopped that no one guessed-

The door opened, he hoped it was just a member of the staff. But, of course, with his luck it wasn't. He didn't look up, but there was no," get out now!" So it couldn't be a worker.

They walked in and closed the door, sitting beside Xay. He flinched, forcing himself to look down.

"Xay, its me. Zed got worried and called for everyone to look for you. He said you started crying," Ren didn't put a hand out to comfort Xay, he simply sat there. His presence was comforting.

Xay glanced up at him," Ren?" He asked, his voice was shaky. Ren nodded," would you mind if I... Nevermind."

Why would he want to hug someone like Xay? Who would even consider it? He had even pushed away his own flesh and blood! His twin no less!

"Go on, I'm not going to judge-"

Xay wrapped his arms around Rens torsos. Ren froze, Xay pulled himself away. Of course he hadn't wanted a hug. Why would he want such a thing from Xay?

Ren pulled him back in. He shifted Xay onto his lap, hugging him gently. Xay returned the hug, shoving his face into Ren's shoulder. Ren pet his hair, hand gliding over Xay's hair.

"It's okay to need support Xay. It's okay."