Damian couldn't breathe. The photo burned a hole in his backpack throughout the entirety of the day. He felt like everyone was watching him, like his backpack was suddenly transparent and everybody could see just how bad of a friend he was..
He had texted Ethan the second he saw the words on the back: Meet me at the quiet stairwell behind the gym after school. Alone.
The stairwell was always empty after school, a narrow, forgotten space with chipped paint and flickering lights that no one ever used. Perfect for secrets. Perfect for this.
Ethan was already there when Damian pushed through the heavy metal door. He stood on the landing, arms crossed, the fading bruises on his face still visible in the weak light. The second he saw Damian's expression, his face tightened.
"What happened?" Ethan asked immediately. "You look like you're about to throw up."
Damian didn't speak. He pulled the crumpled photo from his bag and handed it over with shaking fingers.
