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Red got out of the car, a grin splitting his face as he gazed at the school building he once loathed. Last night with Blue had been... surprisingly great. He'd gotten to know Blue better, and despite their earlier emotional heart-to-heart, they'd had a blast playing games, watching movies, and even braiding each other's hair. Blue showed him that despite his short, fiery locks, he could still sport cute braids!

"Have a good day, sweety". His mom called, her own smile bright as she leaned over to kiss his cheek before driving off. Red was pleasantly surprised by her cheery demeanor. She had been happier than usual, even making his favorite breakfast that morning. He suspected it had something to do with her rekindling a friendship with someone from her past- namely, Blue's dad. He was more than glad for her; the man seemed cool and genuinely caring.

As he walked towards his classroom, the chatter and laughter of students filled his ears. He was relieved to find only a few classmates inside when he arrived, the rest still gathered in the hallway outside.

And then he saw him.

Second. His chin rested in his palm, the other hand idly scribbling meaningless patterns on a scrap of paper. He stared into space, a deep frown etching lines into his usually smooth brow. The sight of him, so lost in thought, so visibly burdened, sent a pang of sympathy through Red.

He was a nice and caring guy, unlike most at this school. Red didn't like seeing him like this. But as his eyes scanned the room, another realization hit him- Victim wasn't here. Perfect! With the bully absent, Red now had the perfect chance to talk to Second without interruptions or threats. Red made his way over, setting his book down on his desk before tapping Second lightly on the shoulder.

"Hey, Sec!". He began, his own brow furrowed with genuine concern. "Everything okay?".

Second looked up, startled. For a fleeting moment, Red saw the raw sadness in his emerald eyes before Second masked it with a polite, strained smile.

"Red! Sorry, I didn't see you coming". Second said, his voice a little shaky.

Red just nodded, knowing the guy's mind was elsewhere. To break the tension, to coax a smile from those downcast lips, he said made utterly absurd, knowing Second was an easy person to make laugh.

"You won't believe what happened to me this morning. I swear a squirrel straight up robbed me for my blueberry muffin! Gave me the stink-eye before climbing up some tree to eat his ill-gotten gains".

The absurdity of it, the sheer ridiculousness, momentarily broke through Second's sadness. Confusion flickered across his face, followed by a faint, soft chuckle that blossomed into a genuine laugh.

"What the hell, Red?". He mumbled, a hint of amusement in his voice. Red dramatically gasped, clutching his chest with wide eyes.

"No way, Second, you can swear?! I am shocked!".

This time, Second's laughter was unrestrained, a full-bodied sound that filled the air. It washed over Red, a wave of warmth that spread through him, coloring his cheeks a pleasant rosy hue- Second was so... beautiful. When the laughter subsided, Second leaned closer, a grin stretching his features.

"Missed you". He whispered, his eyes searching Red's with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. He felt a flutter in his chest- a strange, unfamiliar feeling, a nervous excitement.

His heart skipped a beat. He missed Second too, more than he'd ever admit. He swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to his lap for a moment before he replied softly,

"Missed you too, Sec".

The air crackled with unspoken tension, a charged silence humming between them. Red's fingers itched to reach out, to offer a comforting hug, to somehow convey the depth of his concern. But he hesitated, unsure of the boundaries. Instead, he cleared his throat and asked,

"So, uh, what's got you so deep in thought? Everything okay?". He asked, and Second's smile faltered before glancing away, absently fiddling with his pen.

"Yeah, everything is fine. Just tired I guess".

Red knew it was a lie. Second's face was an open book to him, and probably go everyone . He suspected it had something to do with Victim. He figured lately it's always has something to do with Victim. Red's plan was to take down Victim- to make him pay for all he'd done. But to do so, he needed Second's trust, his complicity. And today, with Victim absent, felt like the perfect chance to build that foundation.

"Good to hear that". Red murmured, his voice low and steady. The opportunity to spend time with Second, free from Victim's shadow, was too precious to let slip. He knew it was a selfish motive, a means to an end, but he also genuinely wanted to be Second's friend; to know his hobbies, his favorite foods, his favorite color- everything.

"I was thinking... and... I meant to ask... wanna sit with us today?".

Surprise flickered in Second's eyes, quickly replaced by a slow, genuine smile, a smile that warmed something deep inside Red. A smile that made him feel something entirely new and unsettling.

"Yeah. I'd love to".

Red was so happy to hear that, Second needed a time alone from Victim. The last time Red brought him to his friends was a disaster, and Yellow still wanted to kill the guy. But today would be different. Today, Red was determined to make this day perfect for Second, to show him what true friendship could be.

✿✿✿✿✿

The bell rang loudly, cutting through the steady hum of the classroom. Chairs scraped against the floor, bags zipped, and conversations broke out all at once. But amidst the chaos, Red shot up from his seat with a burst of energy that drew a few curious glances. His expression was bright, almost glowing, as he headed straight to Second, who was still seated, meticulously packing his things with quiet efficiency.

"Seriously? The bell rang like five years ago. Stop being such a slowpoke and get up already!". Red said, leaning dramatically over Second's desk, his tone brimming with mock impatience. Second looked up at him with a raised brow, his lips twitching as if fighting a smile

"You're so annoying sometimes".He said with a soft chuckle, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he stood.

"Annoying?". Red gasped, his voice laced with mock indignation. He clutched his chest dramatically, as though Second had just delivered a fatal blow.

"How dare you insult me! I'm the definition of charm and charisma!". He said, making Second roll his eyes but couldn't hide the small laugh that escaped him.

"Right. Whatever helps you sleep at night".

"Facts help me sleep at night". He shot back with a grin.

Second shook his head, already moving toward the door as Red fell into step beside him. The hallway was alive with the usual noise of students rushing to lunch, locker doors slamming, snippets of laughter echoing, and footsteps shuffling over the linoleum floors. The two weaved through the crowd effortlessly, their conversation flowing as naturally as their steps.

As they neared the cafeteria, the scent of food grew stronger, mingling with the din of voices. Just as Red was about to launch into another playful remark, Second's voice cut through the air, softer this time, almost hesitant.

"Thanks for not leaving me alone today. You didn't have to stick with me, but... I appreciate it".

Red stopped mid-step, caught off guard. He turned to look at Second, his smile faltering slightly.

"Huh?". He said, blinking as if he hadn't heard right. Second gave a small shrug, keeping his gaze forward.

"I mean it. You didn't have to hang out with me. But you did". He said, a faint blush creeping to his cheeks. Red tilted his head, studying him for a moment to see if he was serious. Then, his face softened, his usual grin replaced with something gentler.

"Well, yeah. That's what friends do, right? You're my friend, Second". He said simply, scratching the back of his neck.

Second's lips curved into a faint smile, but something in his expression shifted-his brow furrowing slightly, his steps slowing until he came to a full stop, forcing Red to do the same. The hallway buzzed with students moving past them, but in that moment, it felt like the world had gone quiet.

"What's wrong?". Red asked, his brows knitting together.

Second hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the floor as if collecting his thoughts. When he looked back up, his gaze met Red's, and there was a strange mix of emotions behind his eyes-something Red couldn't quite place.

"You know... you weren't really going to invite me to hang out if it wasn't for Victim being absent today".

Red froze, his eyes widening as the words sank in. The air between them grew heavy, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Second's expression remained neutral, but there was a vulnerability in his eyes that made Red's heart stop. It was the kind of look that made him feel like he'd let him down, even if Second wasn't saying it outright. He hadn't expected him to notice, let alone bring it up. Guilt crept into his thoughts as he realized how obvious he must've been.

"Second, I- It's not like that, I just... well, I didn't mean to-".

Red started, but his voice faltered. He fumbled with his words, his thoughts tangling together into a mess of apologies he couldn't quite string into sentences. But to his surprise, Second let out a soft chuckle, cutting through the tension. Red looked up at him, startled.

"I mean, it's fine. Really". He continued, his tone neutral, though his shoulders were tense. "It's not like it's the first time this has happened. People try to be my friend, but then Victim scares them off. It's easier for most people to avoid me than deal with the drama that comes with being around both of us".

Red's heart sank. This happened before...? He hadn't expected this-hadn't realized how much weight Second had been carrying behind that calm, collected demeanor. His chest tightened, and he felt like the air had been knocked out of him. He had to say something. Needed to say something.

"Second, I didn't mean to-". He started softly, though Second wasn't done.

"It's okay. I get it. Victim can be... difficult sometimes". He said while shrugging. Red blinked, his confusion giving way to cautious relief.

"Are you sure? Because I really didn't mean-".

"Red". Second interrupted gently, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He glanced at Red with a faint, genuine smile that made his tired eyes shine. The way he said his name- he didn't want to admit it but something, a feeling, made his body heat up. Make his stomach fill with little butterflies, thier little bodies hitting the walls of his stomach and making him feel strange.

"I'm not mad".

"Y-You're... not?". Red blinked, his confusion only growing, and Second shook his head.

"No, I'm not. I've gotten used to it, honestly. Victim's always been... like that".

"But that's not fair to you. You shouldn't have to get used to that". He said, his voice rising slightly. He felt a pang of guilt, anger, sadness, all twisted in his chest. Second didn't deserve this. All he wanted was someone to stay, and all this pain was because of him. Victim.

"Maybe not. But it's just how it is. Most people give up eventually. Either they stick to Victim to stay on their good side, or they avoid me altogether. I can't really blame them for it".

He paused, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment- a bittersweet smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes- before he looked back at Red. This time, his smile was softer, more genuine. Real.

"But you. You're the first person who's stuck around for longer. Even when Victim is here, you're still here".

Red's breath caught in his throat. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words. Second gave him a small, reassuring smile before continuing,

"That's why I'm not mad. Because I know you're trying, even if Victim makes it hard sometimes. And that... that means a lot to me".

For a moment, Red just stood there, his thoughts racing as he processed everything Second had just said. The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Red felt a mix of emotions swirling in his chest. He hadn't realized how much this day had meant to Second-or how much Second had needed someone to stay. And that someone was him.

"Well... I'm not going anywhere. Victim or no Victim. You're my friend, Second. And I won't give up on my friends".

Second's eyes flickered, a hint of something - hope? - in their depths. He offered Red a smile then, shy and grateful, and Red felt his heart clench. No one, not even Victim, was going to make him abandon Second again. He'd earned his friendship. Earned Red's loyalty. And Red would rather die than break it.

"Thanks, Red".

"Don't mention it".

As they approached the cafeteria, the tension between them melted away, replaced by the familiar ease of their banter. But the conversation lingered in the back of Red's mind-a reminder of the bond they were building, one moment at a time.

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