[ despite what they both say, sha-ming knows the truth: neither of them are saying anything. sha-ming could always come out with it, ask the simple question of: do you want to die? do you really spend everyday of your life not thinking of anything, not wanting anything, not seeing ahead of what's in front of you?

but he doesn't. maybe because he already knows the answer. maybe because he's too much of a coward to stomach it. sha-ming ambles behind him, slinking into the jaundiced shadows cast by the trees, long as they stretch across the pathway. ]

It's nothing. [ he lies. ] Really. I just...

[ fingers comb through his own hair, raking a few strands back. ]

Honestly, I hate thinkin' about the past. Gets me feeling all weird and shit. But it's been hard not to these days. Something's changed about this place. Everything feels different.

[ "that includes you, you know." ]

And as your big bro, it's hard to not worry about your future, yeah? If it weren't for you, I'd probably be nothing but a real bastard. I mean, I still am, but an even bigger one.

Here's this. How about we go on a trip after graduation? Get a taste of the world. Might make you realize there's more for you out there...y'know, more than what's here.