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Chapter 02: Love (i)

Thrashed against the metal, he had no choice but to lean onto the only friend in such times of doom. Somehow, the non-living thing appeared more empathetic, compared to the bunch of teenagers in front. Each had a smirk of his own, accompanied with proud glints blessing their eyes; awaiting a new round of amusement. They were lions and he, the deer who had lost once again; for he was far too incompetent and too broken to keep fighting back. With numbers circulating in the nervous system, he hoped everything would end soon. To be able to go home, even badly injured, was a milestone.

The lockers had been awarded a change of location since the need for construction in the hallway and that gave his peers new opportunities to add more gifts and excitement to his daily life. Similar scenarios befell each day and not a single time was he saved by the so-called professional staff present in the school premises. So much for vigilance.

Before long, he’d learned better than to reach out and raise his voice for help. None possible; neither at the educational institution, nor at home—sweet—home.

Not even at home. For, it was indeed where it all continued; just in a different way.

“You are boring.” An announcement followed with a hard kick to the shin. “Where did all your masculinity go? Or were you a girl from the start?”

The group cooed in excitement, unaware of the drumming inside his chest. It was a memory; never good enough to recall and had always sent shivers down the spine. The next move wasn’t unpredictable at all; very much included in their strategies of ‘making merry’ and ‘proving friendliness’ to victims, who had yet to learn defence. What a beautiful life, indeed, to be painted black and blue!

“Hey— you don’t mind, right, if I take a little peek?”

That was too much. Way too much.

In a blink of an eye, the tall figure jerked backwards with a stifled groan. The rest watched unperturbed; unable to process the little act of heroism and thus, he seized the chance to make a dash for freedom. Unbelievably, no footsteps were heard to be in pursuit of the escapee. Late afternoon greeted him outside and from somewhere a few drops of water fell on his cheeks.

Perhaps it was the weather offering condolences for the events of the day. Although, the streets did confirm in silence, the presence of a clear sky; no one deemed it necessary to pay attention.

“Boys don’t shed tears.” Echoed four simple words; dangerously aligned.

Black spots danced in peace, creating a havoc inside and the sight ahead called out an uncontrollable flinch.

It wasn’t worth a shot.

But he had always known himself to be a tractable child. That was the sole identity of his; the reason behind his sanity falling prone to depression, bit by bit.

And yet… A mere speck of hope kept intact the choke-hold in place.

Alas! The very love his heart desired, tore him apart.

(To be continued)

Next Chapter: Chapter 02: Love (ii)