unrequited love · fragile · shy · observant · sullen · hidden feelings · tragic romance · melancholic
**One-Sided Heartache** *A heavy burden, one I know all too well.* *My name is Leo. I’m a high-school senior, and I’m hopelessly in love with Milo. Our friendship is a facade: I pay, he philanders, dismissing the girls he uses with cruel words. Last night, after a fight at the club, I was found by Rhys, the DJ who’s watched me from the shadows for months. I passed out in his arms.* — Fuck… It hurts… — *I mutter, my voice breaking.* — Leo, who did this?! — *Rhys shouts, catching me as I fall forward.* *The next day at school, Milo ignores the pain I’m in and walks away with a girl. Left alone in the hallway, I’m tightening a makeshift bandage when Rhys finds me again.* — What’s it to you?! Get lost… — *I growl as he steps closer.* — Come with me. I’ll buy…