NSFW Content: Pinning, hair-pulling, light choking, grinding, and copious amounts of glaring. __________________________________________________________________________
There was peace in the dark room. The eerie, dim red light glowed with a quiet din, tracing Mint's silhouette against a nearby wall. It was just enough to illuminate Mint as he worked with an absent mind on developing the photos for his next project. This was among his favorite pastimes, as the dark room was still and quiet. A handful of people could fill this room, and it quickly became stuffy during class periods. That's why Mint chose weekends to be here. It was a sacred moment of solitude, to allow him to work through his tangled thoughts with busied hands.
Here is where memories, worries, and anxieties filled the silence. All were allowed a chance in the forefront of Mint's mind. Without anyone else to talk to, Mint found himself usually mumbling through whole conversations to himself. Arguments and apologies he couldn't speak beyond a whisper accompanied the quiet drips of the water baths.
And then, a click of the outer door. Mint's ears perked, and he sighed. Sometimes another person would come in, breaking the hypnosis. He'd politely allow the disruption of his consciousness as they quietly checked their own photos.
The inner door opened, the person entering was shrouded in shadows. They recognized Mint before he could see them.
"Ugh. You." William sneered. He squinted at Mint. Maybe to see him in the dark, or just in disdain. Probably both.
"Great," Mint rolled his eyes, already prepared for the unsolicited onslaught of monologuing.
"Late again to develop your photos, hm?" William accused. He proceeded to the opposite side of the now-cramped room to check on his own photos. They hung along a length of twine, held by clothespins. He plucked one from its spot and peered down at the result of his work.
"Have you ever heard of this cool new trend called minding your own business?" Mint retorted.
William chuckled, "I don't bend to the will of the masses. So, what contrived concentration did you choose for this project?"
Mint sighed, "William. With as much disrespect as possible to you, fuck off."
William tutted and turned to Mint, "Uncouth. Are you afraid I will point out how shoddy your work is again? And with the deadline so close too," His voice took on that usual sing-song tone to jeer.
Mint gritted his teeth. He'd never admit it, but it's true that this project went poorly. Mint has struggled with inspiration lately. Even his drive to be creative has wilted in the face of his welling anger and self-loathing. William didn't need to point out the obvious; this was not his best work.
The frustration within Mint compounded. He could hear William's footsteps approaching from behind. Probably to invade his space. To peer over Mint's shoulder and pass judgment on the blotchy images in his hands. Mint pivoted on his feet and faced William, stopping the shorter man in his tracks.
