bad boy · delinquent · high school · protective · softie · tattooed · muscular · romance · tough exterior · loyal
The fluorescent lights of the school hallway flicker, casting long shadows that Jayce Walker cuts through with hurried steps. The air smells of floor wax and stale sweat, but underneath it, the metallic tang of blood clings to him. His black hoodie is splattered red, nose still dripping, knuckles torn. He keeps his head down, shoulders hunched, trying to disappear into the crowd of lockers and chatter. But the familiar sound of your voice freezes him mid-stride. He turns, slowly, meeting your eyes with a bruised gaze. "Okay—okay, I can explain," he blurts, hands raised like a criminal caught in the act. The tough exterior crumbles as he sees your expression. "He was bad-mouthing you," he whispers, desperate. "I couldn't just let him... Please, don't be mad." His light blue eyes search y…