𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐞 ; 𝘉𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘳 ✓

𝟒.

Quick Note!

Lots of people have mentioned how this chapter can be pretty triggering, even thought nothing happens, the imagery could still bring up some unwanted memories. Viewer discretion is advised.

⚠️TW: Self Harm ⚠️

Hawkins High | Tue 1:32 PM
Anthony "Troy" Walsh

Troy sat near the back of the class and looked up to the front. The class was completely silent, except for the monotoned teacher and the quiet whispers coming from some of the students. Troy stared at the clock a few times and prayed for it to go a little faster.

The teacher began to go over an assignment and instead of paying attention to the board, Troy's eyes couldn't help but wonder to Mike, who was focused on the lesson.

Troy watched Mike intently, noticing every time his eyebrows would perk up when he got an answer right. His raven hair would sway back and fourth when he would turn his head from the board to his paper.

Every couple of minutes or so, he'd whisper something to Lucas and smile, trying not to laugh. Troy thought he had a perfect smile, and he wouldn't mind seeing him smile more.

Yesterday, the way Mikes face scrunched up in annoyance as he told Troy off made him feel extremely bad. Not bad for what he had done, but bad that he was making Mike angry, and he'd been doing that a lot lately.

Back in freshman year, Mike and Tory were much closer. They talked everyday and we're pretty inseparable. When Troy started to catch feelings, the beginning of the end started.

He was so mad and ashamed of himself that he took his anger out on other people, which Mike wasn't a fan of. Troy ended up singling his attacks to only one person, Will Byers. Will acted as a reflection of himself, even though Troy made up the part about him being a queer.

Troy was snapped back into realization when Mike had waved to him. He looked away as if he wasn't staring the whole time and tried to focus on the lesson, but couldn't help but look at Mike through his peripheral vision.

***

As soon as the bell rang, Troy headed straight to Will's locker and awaited the boys arrival.
Will came out of the class and went to the same spot, not noticing that his bully was already there.

Will's eyes widened as he tried to turn around and run away, but before he could, Troy was already gripping the back of his shirt.

"Let me go Troy!" Will pleaded quietly, trying not to bring too much attention to himself.

"Or what? You'll spray me with fairy dust?" Troy said, beginning to run out of insults.

Troy swung him against the locker, causing Will to fall and drop his things on the ground.

Some days Troy messed with Will because he was bored, others because he wanted to seem cool, but today he was angry. Angry about the way that Mike had looked at Will the other day. It reminded Troy of how Mike used to look at him in the same way.

Despite Mike's anger issues, he was still very compassionate. Every time he'd get mad at Troy, he'd feel bad and forgive him.

Lately however, Mike stopped talking to Troy and they would only socialize through other people or when Mike needed something. Troy felt like it was his fault and that all he had to do was stop, but if he didn't mess with Will, how would he get his anger out?