Page 70 of Pick Me Up On Tuesdays

I noticed something then—this was the closest we’d ever been.

The warmth of his presence. The way his hand guided mine. The fact that, despite his ridiculous personality, he was… actually kind of graceful?

And then—

Something snapped.

It was too much.

The noise. The lights. The weight of the moment. My own stupid brain screaming at me to leave.

I let go.

I took a step back. Then another. Then I turned and walked away.

I heard Ethan call my name, but I didn’t stop.

I just needed a breath. Just one breath.

Maybe it was my social anxiety. Maybe it was something else.

But I couldn’t stay there.

Not now.

1,2,3,4—breathe.

1,2,3,4—breathe. I did my social anxiety exercise to calm my nerves as I strode to the wide opening outside.

Moments later, Shun found me, leaning against the cool brick wall of the arcade. She didn't say anything at first—juststood next to me, scrolling through her phone like we were just two people existing in the same space.

And honestly?

I was grateful for her presence.

Then, she shoved her phone in her pocket and crossed her arms, watching the neon lights flicker in the arcade.

“You okay?” she asked, her voice low but steady.

I exhaled, rubbing my face. “Yeah. Just… needed a second.”

Shun didn’t push. She never did. Instead, she tilted her head toward the chaotic mess inside.

“It’s fine to take breaks, y’know. You don’t have to force yourself into every moment.”

I huffed out a small laugh. “I didn’t force myself. Ethan and Joy dragged me.”

Shun smirked. “Fair.”

A comfortable silence settled. Then—

The arcade doors slammed open.

Max strolled out like a man with a mission.

“Alright, nerds. We’re playing another game,” he announced.

Just like he had announced the other day. Remember? The day when my life turned into this hell.

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