Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Boy Meets Boy isn't the most symbolic book in the world—it's a pretty straightforward narrative. However, there are a number of what we'll call Things Made of Paper, such as origami flowers, scrolls full of words, mash notes passed between classes, and photographs that are actually printed instead of emailed.
When we see all these old-fashioned Things Made of Paper, we remember the preciousness of the handmade. What's more romantic than having your love interest's fingerprints all over a thing he made just for you? Um, pretty much nothing.
So check this out—when Paul prepares his week-of-stuff-to-get-Noah-back, here's what he has to say about the first night:
I unlock my closet or origami paper—over a thousand sheets of bright square color. I turn them all into flowers. Every single one. I do not sleep. I do not take breaks. Because I know that as well as giving him the flowers, I am giving him the time it takes to make them. (25.3)
That's what it's all about, really. When Noah takes the time to print photos and Kyle takes the time to draw the dowager's portrait in her tomb, they're giving something of themselves. Paper is a symbol of meditation and investment in Boy Meets Boy, and the characters are meditating on and investing in people they love.