#mallyuu

It was hot today. The air was thick and humid as you walked through the empty, outer corridors of the school. You were sniffling to yourself and rubbing your aching arm. You were still sore and bruised from the last Overblot battle you wanted no parts of. It was never something you wanted to be involved with, and you always got hurt as a result. Today, you wanted to be alone. You needed some space from everyone and decided to skip class for an hour. Just to find a nice corner to cry in.  

But the air was sweltering today. And it was barely May. It had been raining a lot recently, the end of April showers. You sniffled some more. Your eyes downcast at the tips of your shoes as you trekked along. “Child of Man.” The deep voice startled you. You nearly jumped with fright as you whipped around with wide eyes.  

Malleus was the last person you expected to see.  

He was dressed down to his crisp white shirt. His long hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and you could see a peek of what you assumed were unformed horns, or thick scales, protruding from the center of his forehead. “Oh! Hey!” You greeted him awkwardly as you pushed a smile on your face.  

Malleus wasn’t a bad guy. He wasn’t very sociable either. And you didn’t expect him to ever see you crying. “Why are you upset? Has something happened?” He moved in close as you took a small step back. “Uh, no? I mean- I'm just stressed.” You sputtered as you looked around awkwardly.  

This would be the perfect time for Ace or Deuce or even Kalim to come running over as a comedic relief. But no such aid came to you. Of course not. Since when did anyone ever think about what stress you went through? “Stress?” Malleus parroted back as you nodded slowly.  

“I get stressed out like anyone else on this shitty island.” You grumbled in annoyance as Malleus took another step towards you. “And yet you cry instead of being wrathful?” His voice tickled your eardrums as you kept your head lowered. “It feels good.” You admitted as a bashful heat settled on your cheeks.  

Crying does feel good. It feels like a release of tension. Like a balloon slowly losing air. You did it privately where no one was around to bother you or ask questions. But sadly, someone had caught you at your most vulnerable. You made a mental note for the future. You would fake being sick and tell the ghosts to kick ectoplasmic rocks while you sobbed face down in bed for a while.