TMF angst one shots (requests open)

Love doesn't heal - Lander

TW// self h*rm, graphic distress

This is a story I found in the drafts from 2021. I archived it a while back as it distressed me. I was very hesitant to release it back then, but I think I'm finally ready to share it.
This is a story I have waited three years to tell.
It's pretty deep so please read with utmost care. I hope my stories will continue to live in others hearts.
Thank you💖
—

The day dawned once again and the sun tasted the first glimpse of daylight.

Luke has been struggling with his numbing thoughts for a while.

The happy display he shows on his face is merely a tiring 24/7 act.

It's second nature to him that after he'd wake up, he'd check his phone to see if anyone had messaged him.

'Zander...' he smiled.

- 'Goodnight, sleep well :))'

It was a text Zander had sent the day before.

The one thing that the boy would never fail to do: say goodnight.

The one thing Luke would never admit gave him comfort: Zander saying goodnight.

The boy smiled again and double tapped the message.

'Thank you.'
...

Luke came to learn that no days are better than others.

Just moments.

And one of those moments were the times that he'd see Zander's unnoticeable smile.

'Luke?' Zander asked.

'Huh-' Luke said, surprised.

He'd been looking at him, in a trance.

'Are you okay?'

Luke laughed embarrassingly.

'Oh, yeah. I'm sorry haha.'

The music room was loud and everyone was getting prepared for their last performance as a band.

Exams were over so now it was just the waiting upcoming leaving.

'Right, everyone! Let's go over with it one last time then it's home.' Hailey said enthusiastically.
...

After music practice, the two boys would always walk home together.

They'd been doing it every day for almost five years.

Zander tried to smile to break the silence.

'Nearly the last performance...'

Luke glanced at Zander before looking back in front of him.

'Yeah...' He said almost sadly.

'I've loved performing with you.' Zander grinned.

The setting sun intensified Zander's features and he laughed.

'I love your laugh.' Luke smiled.

Zander tried to hide his smile as he stared at the ground below him.

'It's just a laugh...' Embarrassed, Zander replied.

'I know, but I don't always get to hear it.'

Zander blushed unnoticeably.

'I'll try to laugh more then.' He smiled.
...

'He was being dry in his messages earlier... what if I said something?'

'Just ghost him, you'll hurt him.'

'Do it.'

'You're hurting him already, leave him.'