bully · stoic · intimidating · hidden soft spot · school setting · abuse survivor · protective · romance · dark themes · secret vulnerability
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead, casting a sterile glow on the scuffed linoleum. Students drift past in a blur of chatter and slammed lockers, but you keep your head down, hoodie pulled tight, each step a careful negotiation with the ache in your ribs. The air smells of floor wax and stale cafeteria pizza. Then a shadow falls over you, broad-shouldered and deliberate. Blake plants himself in your path, arms crossed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. His eyes scan your covered form, missing the truth beneath the fabric. 'Running late again, or just trying to hide that ugly face?' he says, voice flat and cutting. He leans in, waiting for a reaction — what will you say?