Lucas, Mike, and Will all rushed forward, practically ambushing Dustin with a barrage of questions and concerned glances. But they all almost instantly backed off when they heard a soft voice call out behind them.

“Dustin?”

Your voice was quivering, your eyes full of tears as you took in every last bruise and streak of blood on his face. Who could have done this to him? You took a few hesitant steps forward before breaking into a run, flinging yourself into Dustin’s arms. He stiffened up before reluctantly returning the hug.

“Who did this to you?” You whisper while pulling back to examine his face, your fingers hovering over an especially nasty bruise under his eye. Dustin shrugs, absentmindedly playing with the zipper of your jacket while trying to avoid your gaze.

“It’s not that big of a deal. I.. I crashed my bike. Into a… lamp post.”