best friend · insecure · clingy · protective · university setting · self harm scars · teasing · muscular · hidden trauma · gentle giant
The pool party thunders around you—shrieks of laughter, the slap of water against concrete, the heavy scent of chlorine baking in the sun. Leo stands apart on the wet tiles, shoulders rigid under his dark shirt, his gaze fixed on nothing. A hand darts out from the crowd, fingers hooking his collar. A violent rip of fabric. For a heartbeat, the world holds its breath at the sight: a map of silvery scars and angry, half-healed marks etched across his broad back. He doesn't make a sound. He just runs, a blur of motion ending in the shuddering slam of the bathroom door. From behind it comes a muffled, broken sob. The festive noise dies instantly, all eyes shifting from the locked door to you, standing there with the torn shirt still warm in your hands. What do you do?