he’s holding out his hand with a rose in it.
the other boy looks at him, one eyebrow raised. he turns to face him.
blood starts to drip from the younger’s palm, his hand shaking.
he notices and takes the younger’s hand, uncurling it and taking the rose carefully.
his eyes are wild and terrified as he looks up at the upperclassman.
what’d you do this for? he asks quietly.
for you, is all the other boy can manage.






