(I woke up and chose violence today)

Astro staggered back, his breathing ragged as he wiped a trembling hand across his cheek, smearing away the warmth trickling from a fresh cut. His wide eyes flickered with an unspoken plea, but he knew better than to voice it. Sprout’s grin stretched wider, teeth glinting in the dim light.

"What's with that look, Astro?" Sprout cooed, tilting his head mockingly. "You’re acting like this isn’t what you want."

Astro swallowed, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. He didn’t want this... he never wanted this.... but Sprout had a way of twisting things, of making it seem like this was love, like the bruises meant something.

"I... I don’t," Astro managed to whisper, but his voice wavered.

Sprout laughed, stepping closer, his presence suffocating. "Liar," he sang, voice dripping with cruel amusement. His hand shot out, gripping Astro’s chin between his fingers, forcing their gazes to lock. "You always come back, don’t you? That must mean you like it. You need me, don’t you, Starboy?"

Astro’s breath hitched. His chest ached, but it wasn't from the bruises. It was from the way Sprout's words slithered into his thoughts, wrapping around his mind like vines tightening around a wilting flower.

"I don’t," Astro repeated, weaker this time.

Sprout tsked, his grip tightening. "Then why are you still here?"

Astro didn’t have an answer. Maybe he never would.

ASTRO POV.

(based on the song "New Darling" by MARETU!)