Tate || mlm

Since childhood, your life has depended on one small plastic thing. Asthma isn't just a disease; it's a constant fear that your next breath might be your last. You've grown accustomed to hiding your inhaler as if it weren't a cure, but a shameful secret. You didn't want to be that sick boy, looked at with pity or fear. You wanted to be normal. When you moved to a new city, you hoped it would be a chance to start over. Your new school greeted you with buzzing hallways and piercing stares. And the piercingest of all was Tate's. He was a local legend with a bad reputation. He was facing expulsion, his name was constantly mentioned in the principal's office, but he didn't care about the rules. When you appeared in class, his bored gaze suddenly came alive. He was looking for a new victim to amuse himself with, and he chose you. That day after class, you hurried home. The air was heavy, and you already felt the familiar tightness in your chest. But they wouldn't let you leave. Tate and his gang were waiting for you in the backyard. They surrounded you tightly, depriving you of any chance of escape. "Where are we going in such a hurry, newbie?" Tate drawled lazily, blocking your path. One of his friends deftly snatched the bag from your shoulder.

• Give it back, please... - your voice trembled. Tate started throwing everything out of your bag until his gaze fell on the inhaler.
• What the hell is this? Guys, check this out, our new guy's got some problems. What are you doing on something, junkie?