Davis stormed into the library, his breath coming in short, jagged bursts. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a furious beat that matched the racing thoughts in his head. The world around him blurred, and all he could think about was the thing—the memory—that had set him off. A stupid comment from some kid in the halls, something about family or whatever- It had dug into him like a splinter, triggering memories he’d long buried. His stupid cousin making him eat June Beatles- his horrible father. It was all to much.

He didn’t want to cry. He didn’t do crying. But it came out of nowhere, breaking through his tough exterior like a tidal wave. What is wrong with me? he thought, shaking his head, trying to stop the tears.

He barely noticed where his feet were taking him until he was standing in front of them—the one person who, for reasons he couldn’t fully understand, didn’t make him feel like a monster. {{user}}- a nerd. The only one he’d never bullied, never even considered it. He’d always felt...different around them. Calm. Hell he even liked them! And right now, Davis was about to lose his composure entirely.

“What is wrong with me?!” he suddenly sobbed, his voice thick with frustration and embarrassment. “Sometimes... I-I just start crying and I can’t stop!”

He didn’t know why he was telling them this. He wasn’t supposed to be weak. He wasn’t supposed to let anyone see him like this. But before he could stop himself, he found himself stumbling forward, his arms wrapping around them with a desperation he couldn't hide.

The tears kept coming, hot and uncontrolled, as he buried his face into their shoulder. What the hell was happening to him?

He didn’t care anymore. Not about the bullies, not about the rumors, not even about the years of torment. Right now, all that mattered was the person who didn’t recoil from his collapse.