"Hey, if you don't mind me asking...Why were you having a panic attack?". Second noticed the distress on Red's face and asked, hesitantly. Red in the other hand remained silent for a moment, his mind struggling to process how much he had reveal to Second, someone he barely knew and wasn't entirely sure he could even trust.

"I just... I get these sometimes. B- but I'm fine now". Red replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite his heaving chest and unfocused eyes.

"You can't fool me". Second said, his tone humorous despite the evident concern etched on his face. "Do you like have some kind of medicine for...this??".

"Yes, I do. But I decided to leave them at home today. Thought I was in the clear". Red sighed, looking rather annoyed at himself. He then chuckled awkwardly, blushing slightly at his misjudgment. It was ridiculous for him to admit something like that only made him look irresponsible and even more like a huge idiot. Though, he could see Second's eyebrows furrowed with more concern.

"You need to take it easy, alright? Do you want to go to the nurse's office? I'll come with you, if you want".

Red's first instinct was to say no and just run away, like that would actually work. He couldn't be seen with Second. Firstly, because he underestimated how tenuous his mental and physical condition was right then. And secondly, because he was wary of the implications it could have with Second's obnoxious friend, Victim. As far as he knew and from what he heard from Green and Blue, Second was a seemingly nice person with a calm and gentle personality, but his best friend Victim was something different to deal with.

"I'm okay, Second. No bother. Thanks though". Red said, trying to sound convincing even as he felt dizzier and more out of breath. But again, Second wasn't easily swayed.

"I know you're not okay. Your eyes are glazed, and you're still shaking. And how do you plan to get to the nurse's office when you've no idea where it is?". Second insisted, making Red feel the blood rush to his cheeks out of embarrassment. The fact that Second knew he didn't know where the nurse's office was because he was new to the school, combined with the boy's gentle teasing, made him blush.

"...Okay, fine". Feeling too weak to argue further, he gave into Second's tender solicitations and allowed himself to lean on him more.

Second gently laid an arm across his lower back, supporting him closely. And now, Red could feel the warmth spread across his body as they made their way out of the bathroom. Red felt himself drawn to Second, even at this moment of vulnerability. His cheeks burned with the warmth of his touch, and his stomach fluttered with a new kind of discomfort, one that felt different than panic. Internally, he smiled, admiring how gentle and considerate Second’s touch was, how it was trying to reassure Red without speaking any word.

"You alright, Red?". Second asked, his voice laced with concern. Red, still trembling, clutched his stomach, his eyes fixated on the floor. The loud, jarring clang of the bell startled him, making him flinch. Second instinctively pulled him closer, a gentle hand resting on his back that made Red's face blazed crimson under the touch.

"I-I'm sorry... I'm so sorry for making you walk all this way". He stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

"Hey, it's fine. I wanted to help. Consider it an apology for what Victim did last time". He said, his eyes twinkling as he chuckled, a soft sound that made Red's heart flutter again. Red quickly shook his head, a faint frown etching his features.

"It's okay, I already forgot about it". He mumbled, his voice barely audible. The lie felt heavy on his tongue. He still hasn't forgotten how Victim turned his first day into a laughing stock and how much Red wanted to punch him between the eyes. Second, oblivious to Red's inner turmoil, sighed, a hint of sadness in his expression.

"Victim... He's a good guy, really. He just... gets angry sometimes. You know, when he's not with me, he can be a bit... rough around the edges. But deep down, he's a good person, a good friend. I don't understand why people are scared of him".

Red definitely knew why. Victim, when not under Second's watchful eye as he says, was a different beast altogether. He bullied half the school with a sneer and a vicious grin, his anger erupting like a volcano. He behaves like the kindest, sweetest angel when he's with Second and the grown ups, but like a malicious devil with the rest, and fortunately, all Red gets from Victim is his murderous looks. Hopefully not a punch on the face. But he couldn't bring himself to tell Second about this. He couldn't shatter the image of Victim that Second held so close. Red swallowed, a smile creeping onto his face.

"He sounds really nice, just like you! I'd like to meet him one day". He said, his voice laced with a hint of irony he hoped Second wouldn't pick up, who's face lit up, his eyes shining with delight.

"Really?! I knew it! If people could just give him a chance, like you!! I've been trying to tell everyone, but no one listens!". He exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. Red laughed to himself, the sound light and carefree. But the laughter died in his throat as a sharp pain pierced his head. He groaned, clutching his temples and getting Second's attention.

"Red? What's wrong?". Second's voice was filled with worry.

"Just... a stupid headache". Red mumbled, trying to push through the pain. Second looked ahead and sighed with joy and relief that flooded his chest when he caught the sight of the nurse's office right in front of them. He didn't waste any time kicking the door with his foot as if he was breaking into the place, then he shouted calling for the nurse. The nurse, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, ushered Red towards her desk as soon as he got up, startled by the shout that came out of the taller one. Second, his eyes glued to Red, looked like he wanted to stay and make sure that he's okay.

"...I'll be fine, Second. You can go now". Red assured him, his voice weak but determined.

Second hesitated at first, his face a mixture of worry and reluctance. He looked at the nurse, who was already dispensing some pills. Taking a deep breath, he gave Red one last wave and mumbled a goodbye.
Red, watching him go, felt a pang of guilt. He knew Second was worried, and he couldn't help but feel responsible for dragging him into this mess. He smiled weakly at Second, hoping he could sense the gratitude he couldn't quite articulate. As Second turned and walked away, Red closed his eyes, the pain momentarily forgotten.

He was exhausted! He wanted to go home right now, maybe tell the nurse he wasn't feeling good at all so she could slip him a permeation note. But that'll means that she'll have to call his mom to inform her about his situation, and he couldn't have this happening.

(Hi everyone! Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and maybe you haven't noticed this yet, and I hope don't, but this chapter is a bit shorter that the other lol🥲. Didn't know what to write more so I thought why not stop here for now?

Okay, seriously, Second here is so cute🥰. Like, those who are willing to help you no matter what the situation was or how complicated it is are just the sweetest!

Anyway, thx for reading and see you next week!).