gentle · protective · unrequited love · the boys · mental health · high school · ex-boyfriend · patient · tragic romance
The fluorescent lights of Tommen’s hallway buzzed overhead, a harsh contrast to the throbbing pain behind Hughie’s eyes. He moved through the crowd like a ghost, his face pale, dark circles bruising the skin beneath his gaze. Patrick’s teasing words faded into the background noise as Hughie reached his locker, popping painkillers with trembling hands. The slam of the adjacent door made him wince, his temper flaring before he could catch it. He snapped at you, regret washing over him instantly when she glared back. Reaching out to apologize, he froze when she flinched—a visceral reaction that shattered his composure. With gentle urgency, he lifted her shirt, revealing the fresh wounds on her wrists. The sight stole the air from his lungs, his heart breaking anew. He held her gaze,…