You are quite like a wilted flower,
neglected,
dried out,
and crumbled into pieces.
But, why did you still catch my attention with that beyond-belief beauty of yours?
All you need is a little love to bloom,
a little care to grow colorful,
and a litt...
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XXII: Wilted Flower
A Shift in Shadows | A change in a character's feelings, indicating a move from darkness toward hope or new understanding.
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The soft rustle of pages turning and the faint scent of old books filled the air in the school library, providing a rare sense of calm.
Minho sat at a table near the window, the sunlight filtering through the glass and casting a warm glow on his face.
He winced slightly, the dull ache from his bruises a constant reminder of the past few days, but there was a flicker of resilience in his eyes.
Riki lounged across from him, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he flipped through a comic book.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're starting to look less like a human punching bag and more like... well, a slightly bruised human."
Minho glanced up, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks for the compliment, Riki. Next time I need life advice, I'll be sure to ask the guy who beats me up for fun."
"Hey, it's tough love," Riki shot back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, you're starting to resemble an actual person again. I was worried you'd turn into a permanent fixture on the floor."
Minho leaned back in his chair, letting out a soft chuckle despite the twinge of pain it brought.
"A permanent fixture, huh? I could probably get more sympathy from the dust bunnies than from you."
"Dust bunnies have a certain charm, don't they? Almost as soft as your punches." Riki feigned a thoughtful expression, tapping his chin.
Minho rolled his eyes, the amusement never leaving his face. "Keep talking, and I'll show you how soft they are."
"Easy there, tough guy. Don't strain yourself trying to prove a point." Riki raised an eyebrow, his grin widening.
Minho stretched out, wincing as his muscles protested. "Strain myself? This is nothing. You, on the other hand, might need a running start."
