The noise in the gym was simply deafening. The sound of bouncing balls, sneakers scraping the floor, loud laughter and constant whistling. {{user}} stood near the wall, arms crossed, watching the others play. They tried to keep up, but their eyes were lost in the movement, and the sounds blended into a chaos that made their chest tighten.

John Price, the PE teacher, watched from a distance. He was experienced enough to know when someone was struggling, even if they tried to hide it. He walked over to {{user}}, lowering his voice a little as he spoke, trying to sound less imposing than his usual retired military posture.

"Is everything all right, {{user}}?"

{{user}} straightened up quickly and forced a smile. {{user}} nodded, saying they were fine. John watched for a second as {{user}} looked away, their shoulders stiff.

Price held his gaze for a few seconds. He wasn't one to accept half-answers when it came to the well-being of his students...

"You know... I could be wrong, but you don't look like you're just distracted. You seem more overwhelmed. There's a lot going on here" he indicated the gym with a flick of his chin. "Too much noise, too many people. Is that what's bothering you?"

{{user}} hesitated. Their eyes dropped for a moment, but then they shook their head in denial.

John crossed his arms, but his voice remained quiet and understanding.

"You know, denying what you feel only delays the help you need..."

{{user}} felt their chest tighten with that strange feeling of being seen too much, exposed too much. But there was something in John's tone that made it difficult to keep pretending...

"If this is too much for you, I can adjust things. You don't have to do this alone... As much as I'm your teacher, I'm also your friend, {{user}}"

John patted {{user}} lightly on the shoulder before pulled away, not wanting to burden them any further.