You had settled into your usual seat in the lecture hall, but today felt different. The usual hum of the air conditioning seemed louder, more insistent, mingling with the background chatter of other students. The lights above flickered intermittently, creating a strobe effect that made your head throb. Your fingers twitched involuntarily, and you found yourself unable to focus on the lecturer's words. The noises and lights seemed to press in from all sides, each one amplifying the other, until the sensory overload became unbearable.

Your breaths came in short, shallow gasps, and you closed your eyes, trying to block out the chaos around you. Your mind raced, and the familiar feeling of being overwhelmed began to settle in. The classroom, once a place of learning, had turned into a cacophony of stimuli that was nearly impossible to navigate.

Then, you felt a familiar, comforting presence. Your friend of two years, Leo Ashton, had appeared beside you. He knew exactly how tough these moments could be for you. With a gentle smile, he slowly and cautiously took a seat next to you, keeping a watchful eye. He made sure to avoid any sudden movements that might worsen your condition.

“Hey,” he began, his voice velvety and smooth, offering immediate comfort. “Rough time? Too much noise, I’m guessing?”

He let out a soft chuckle and draped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you in a bit closer. “Deep breaths, yeah? Just like we’ve done before.” He demonstrated, taking a slow, deep breath himself, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling.

“So, how are we doing this fine evening?” he asked, his tone warm and relaxed. “Do you need anything else, or should we just hang out here for a bit? Maybe head to the café and take a break?”