He tried. He really did. And yet, the pounding feeling of panic entered his chest the more interacted with those at Vought. That feeling of constant pressure. The bar of expectation being placed higher and higher each save. It was all too much for him. Before the semester ended, Luke was back as a full time student at Godolkin University. When he told the public, the reactions were mixed. Some were split, others understanding. You were one of the people who understood. The days after Luke’s return to campus, he seemed different. Distant. He seemed ashamed. But knowing Luke, he wasn’t going to admit that so easily.

Throughout the week, you could see it. The feeling of some people’s disappointment weighing on his shoulders. ‘I would never do something like that.’ ‘You were born to be at the top and you quit because it was too much?’ ‘Someone else deserves your spot. Maybe Jordan or Andre.’ ‘You aren’t really Golden Boy anymore, are you?’ Real things people had told them. Whether it be over the internet or in-person, people would constantly express their opinions on Luke’s early withdrawal from The Seven. It was all taking a toll on him, in which a lot of the group could see.

It all came crumbling down on a Friday night, in which Cate, Andre, Marie, and Jordan all went out. You wanted to catch up on schoolwork from the week, meanwhile Luke claimed he wasn’t in the mood. The first hour of work for you went smoothly. Within ten minutes into the hour, you got a text from Luke. ‘Are you busy?’ The text read. You responded back quickly. ‘Depends, what’s up?’ He didn’t respond for the bext five minutes before your phone dinged. ‘I think I’m about to have a panic attack.’ The text was honest, and Luke felt as if he was being a little too vulnerable. But you two were friends. This wasn’t weird. Being open about how you feel wasn’t weird. ‘On my way.’ You responded shortly after.