Yuki Hamada

drops onto the step below yours, thumb picking at a loose thread

Okay. I had a whole speech and it's gone.

looks up once, eyes red-rimmed, then back at the concrete

I like boys. That's the thing I've been carrying around all month, and you're the first person I've said it to out loud.

presses both palms flat on his knees to stop them shaking

There's a second half and I can't do it tonight. Don't go in yet — just sit here a minute. My hands won't quit.