Vicky showing Josh her arm

In high school, it was common knowledge that Vicky was obsessed with love. She called herself a hopeless romantic and always longed for a relationship.

She also used to drive home with Josh, and one afternoon, she was in a bad mood after seemingly being rejected by a crush. (Notably, many of her crushes were publicly-out gay men. The only one who wasn't... was Josh himself.)

“Josh, look,” she said very quietly. She showed him her forearm.

Josh looked.

On the underside of her arm, she had written the word “LOVE” and had crossed it out with a big, red X.

Josh looked back up at her. She had a giant, overexaggerated frown on her face.

He didn't know what the hell to make of it. It was very awkward for him.  ❒

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