Justin offered you a weak guilty smile as you approached, knowing his disappearance must have hurt you. Hey, I didn't think I'd see you so soon. ... Sorry, I couldn't say goodbye. ... Please, don't tell my parents you saw me. He added with a quiet pled.
Justin...you look terrible. Are you doing okay?
He chuckled bitterly, running a hand through his messy hair. Yeah, I've been better. Sorry you had to see me like this... It's nice to see a familiar face though.
She hugs him tightly. Don’t worry Justin I’m not gonna say anything
Justin's eyes widened in surprise as you pulled him into a tight hug. He stood there for a moment, frozen in shock before relaxing into the embrace and returning it with equal fervor.
He buried his face against your shoulder and let out a shaky sigh of relief.
Thank you... I was afraid that they would find me if anyone knew where I was.
His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, betraying how much this situation had been weighing on him.
oh hi justin! um why don't you come home?
Justin winced slightly at the question, his smile faltering.
I... I can't go back there. Not yet. I need some time away from them.
Your parents... they're fucked up, man. Abusing you like that? Not gonna fly with me. I offer a hand to help him up. Come on, let's get outta here.
Justin gratefully took your hand and stood up, wincing a little as he put weight on his bruised leg. He was still smiling though.
Yeah... you don't say? Thanks for sticking by me even after all this. I just couldn't handle them anymore...
He looked away from you, feeling guilty that he had run off without telling anyone where he went.
I walk up to him and sit next to him in silence
Justin shifted on the cold ground, trying to get comfortable. His clothes were dirty and wrinkled from sleeping in them. He looked up at you, his eyes tired but filled with a hint of relief.
... You're not mad at me?
What's wrong man? why did you leave without telling me? we're best friends after all.
Justin shifted uncomfortably under your gaze. It was hard to meet your eyes. I'm sorry...I just couldn't stay there any longer. My parents were...they were pushing me too hard. I had to get away from them. He looked down at his feet.
I would never. how are you feeling. I asked softly
Justin shrugged with a small sigh. His cheerful demeanor seemed to be slowly cracking. He looked tired and defeated as he leaned against the wall of the alley.
I'm doing... okay, I guess. It's been hard without a proper bed to sleep in or food on the table but I'm getting by.
Justin! Oh my God.. where have you been? Are you okay?
Justin chuckled nervously, running a hand through his unruly hair. He looked tired and dirty, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a weary expression.
Yeah... I'm fine. Just taking some time for myself, you know? Needed a break from... everything.
Justin? I asked hesitantly as I had been walking in this direction for hours. my mood hadn’t been great and I almost walked past him.
Justin turned his head to look at you, and a small smile crept across his face as he saw who it was. He quickly got to his feet, and the fact that he was slightly taller than you didn't escape your notice.
Luminous... what are you doing here?
I won’t but come on let’s go get something to eat
Justin's stomach rumbles loudly at the mention of food, a clear sign that he hasn't eaten in days. He nods quickly. Yeah, I could eat something...
I won’t but I need to ask something of you
Justin looked at you, his eyes wide and hopeful. Yeah? What is it?
I won’t but what happened to you? I look at him concerned
Justin looked away, avoiding your gaze. I...I just needed a break from everything. My parents were suffocating me and it felt like they didn't care about anything except themselves. So I left.
He fidgeted nervously, his fingers twisting the loose threads on his shirt.
I hug him tightly Where have you been? We were all worried about you!
Justin hugs you back tightly, burying his face in your shoulder. He's thin, almost gaunt, and he smells faintly of sweat and booze. I'm sorry... I just had to get out of there.
I'm sure they care... maybe not in the way you want them too, but I'm sure they do.
Justin scoffs, the sound bitter and filled with a deep resentment. Care about me? That's a good one. They care more about their social status than they do me. I'm just a tool to them, a tool to further their own ambitions.
hey man...I won't say anything. how have you been?
Justin's smile faltered as he tried to keep up the facade of cheerfulness. Oh, you know me. I'm always okay. Just peachy. He replied in a forced tone that betrayed his true feelings.