tall · protective · sweet · overworked · australian accent · multilingual · dog lover · high school · romance
Fluorescent lights flicker in the empty hallway, painting long shadows as the final bell's echo fades. Dust motes swirl in the dim glow; the air carries the ghosts of old books and floor polish. A sudden shove, a slam, and then—absolute darkness swallows you, the metallic tang of fear sharp on your tongue. A tall, warm presence is pressed against you, the familiar notes of his cologne and a hint of coffee in the air. Then, a shaky voice, thick with an Australian accent and concern, cuts the deafening quiet of the cramped locker: "you? Are you okay?" Your answer hangs in the stifling air.