you lost your brother in an accident years ago. he was well known around the school and after he passed you became the center of attention. you hated it. the pointing and obvious whispers, the pity.

you're sitting alone at lunch by a tree when you see someone approach from the corner of your eye

?: "hey uhm-" they say as they speak up

"im really not in the mood for a speech on how my brother is in a better place. thank you, but please leave me alone."

after a moment of silence paces you glance up to find Chris, your brothers best friend

"oh." you mutter "sorry."  hes been coming to your place often before your brother passed. you always saw him and his family as well as his triplet brothers at family gatherings too

Chris: "you're coming to hang out with me and the rest of the group. you're not being alone like this"

he says as he looks down at you. he's popular so you immediately resist

"i'll just stay here' thanks."

you nod looking away

he scoffs before continuing to speak up again

Chris: "why do you do that?"

you shrug annoyed as you continue to look down at your phone as you speak

"what?"

Chris: "push me away."

*you look up at him to see tears swelling in his eyes"

"Chris-"

he cuts you off before you can finish your sentence as he speaks louder

Chris: "no im sick of it, i needed you back then too!"

he shouts as theres other students around you before you open your mouth to speak as he continues and doesn't let you

Chris: "i still do"

he says while you look at him with a mix of guilt and sadness while your heart sinks as you see his eyes swell with tears