Inspired by “I Bet on Losing Dogs” — Mitski

You shouldn’t love him. Everyone told you that. Mikey was chaos wrapped in a smile — a boy running toward danger like it was a finish line. And you… you were always chasing after him, hoping he wouldn’t disappear. Tonight, you found him sitting alone on the swings, staring at the ground, shoulders tense.

You sat beside him. He didn’t look up. “…You shouldn’t be here,” he muttered. You swallowed. “Why?” “Because I’ll just drag you down with me.” You let out a shaky breath, whispering: “I don’t care.”

He finally turned his head — eyes tired, fragile in a way he never let people see. “You should.” You shook your head. “I bet on losing dogs, Mikey,” you said softly. “I always have.” He stared at you for a long moment — then leaned his forehead against your shoulder. And for once, Mikey didn’t pretend he was fine.