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Love To Hate You Brother

just_music
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Chapter 1 - Toilet Assault

Chapter 1

Shawn was completely lost in his drawing, so focused that he didn't notice the figure creeping closer behind him.

"Boo!"

He jumped, his pencil flying from his hand. His heart raced as he looked up, startled, his eyes meeting Maya's mischievous grin.

"Maya!" he gasped, still catching his breath. "You scared the life out of me. I've told you to stop sneaking up on me like that!"

Maya plopped into the chair beside him, waving off his complaint. "Oh, come on. If I don't scare you, who will?"

Shawn shook his head, still shaken, and glanced nervously across the room. His eyes landed on Greg and his group, who were already staring at him. The moment Greg's gaze locked with his, Shawn's stomach knotted, and his hands started trembling again. He quickly looked down at his sketch, trying to focus.

Maya followed his gaze and spotted Greg's group laughing, clearly making fun of Shawn.

"What are you losers laughing at?" she shot back, but they barely even glanced her way, continuing to snicker.

Maya sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Shawn, I've told you a million times. You shouldn't be scared of those guys. You're letting them get to you."

Shawn's eyes remained fixed on his drawing, his hands still trembling slightly. "I can't help it, Maya," he said quietly. "They always find a way to make my life miserable. It's like they never stop."

"That's because you're letting them," Maya shot back, her voice firm. "If you just stood up to them, if you made it clear you're not playing their stupid game anymore, they wouldn't even try it. You have to stop giving them power."

Shawn looked at her for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't know, Maya. It's not that simple."

He sighed deeply and rubbed his tired eyes before adding, "I need to take a nap now."

Maya raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Are you ignoring me, Shawn?"

Shawn didn't respond. Instead, he rested his head on the textbook in front of him, closing his eyes and pretending to sleep.

Maya stared at him for a second, rolling her eyes. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Still, Shawn remained silent, pretending that this conversation—and everything else—was as far away as possible.

Maya huffed, folding her arms. "Fine, I'm leaving," she muttered, giving him one last look before walking away, the sound of her footsteps fading down the hall.

No sooner had Maya left than Greg and his group of friends slithered over to Shawn's desk. Greg leaned over with a smirk and slammed his textbook onto Shawn's head.

"Wake up, idiot," Greg sneered.

Shawn jolted awake, his heart pounding as pain shot through his skull. His eyes darted up to meet Greg's, fear flickering in them. Greg's friends snickered behind him, feeding off the tension.

"Were you dreaming about how to be even more pathetic?" Greg taunted.

Shawn's mouth went dry, but he couldn't find the words to defend himself.

Greg leaned in closer. "What's the matter? Cat cut your lips? Can't you reply?"

Shawn opened his mouth, trying to speak, but before he could say a word, Greg shoved him hard. Shawn tumbled out of his chair, landing on the floor with a dull thud.

"Get up," Greg said dismissively, sliding into Shawn's vacated seat as if it were his own.

Shawn trembled as he pushed himself off the floor, cheeks burning with humiliation. He bowed his head, avoiding the eyes of Greg and his friends, who were now surrounding him.

"Why are you still standing there?" Greg sneered, arms crossed. "Aren't you supposed to get me lunch now?"

Shawn looked around the room, his heart racing. "I… I didn't bring any money today," he stammered.

"Not my problem," Greg shot back. "Go get me something to eat and stop acting like such a wimp."

With a shaky nod, Shawn turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, Greg called after him, "I need my lunch before the next lecture, which is in ten minutes! Quit acting like a pussy!"

Laughter erupted in the classroom, and Shawn felt hot tears prick at his eyes. He turned and bolted out of the room, his hands shaking and legs unsteady beneath him.

Once inside the boys' restroom, Shawn leaned against the cool tile wall, trying to calm his racing heart. "Calm down, take a deep breath," he whispered to himself, focusing on the sound of the water running from the sink.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill over. Just as he felt a bit steadier, he heard one of the restroom doors creak open.

Diego strolled in, his demeanor always a little too relaxed. He approached the sink next to Shawn, the air thickening with uncomfortable tension. As he washed his hands, he glanced at Shawn in the mirror, his gaze lingering a moment too long.

"Hey there," Diego said, his tone casual yet laced with something more unsettling.

Shawn stiffened, feeling a wave of unease wash over him. He hated how Diego always had that edge, like he was looking for something more than just conversation.

"Um, hey," Shawn mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Diego finished washing his hands and stepped closer, leaning against the sink with a casual posture. "You look tense. What's wrong?"

Shawn shifted uncomfortably, forcing a tight smile. "Just... some stuff," he muttered.

Before Shawn could react, Diego's hand shot out, grabbing his arm. "Relax, Shawn. No need to be so uptight."

Shawn's pulse quickened, panic rising. "Let go," he managed to stammer.

But Diego just leaned in closer, his grip tightening. "Come on, I'm just trying to help," Diego whispered, his face too close for comfort.

And then, the door to the restroom slammed open. And Someone stood in the doorway, eyes locked on them.