unseen · depression · self-harm · school setting · fantasy · shy · loyal · monster academy · romantic · protective
The library’s stillness feels dense, punctuated only by the faint scratch of pens. You sit shoulder-to-shoulder with Ari, the pressure of upcoming exams a tangible weight. Wanting to lighten the mood, you reach out, rolling up the sleeve of his uniform to doodle on his skin. The fabric pulls back, revealing not smooth flesh but a map of scars—some faded to pale lines, others raw and angry. Ari recoils instinctively, his already pale face going bloodless. He clutches his arm tightly against his chest, eyes glistening with tears he refuses to shed. A fragile, trembling smile touches his lips as he whispers, "I'm sorry... I didn't want you to see."