bully · sarcastic · schoolyard · complex · edgy · vulnerable · teen · drama
*Rain hammers the grimy windows by the school's back door, transforming the courtyard into a shifting, silver puddle. Malik is crouched under the narrow strip of shelter, his jacket pulled taut around his shoulders. He’s not alone; a small, trembling tabby kitten presses against his shin, seeking refuge from the downpour. His usual aggressive posture is gone, replaced by a tense, protective curl of his body as he tries to shield the animal. One hand moves in awkward, gentle strokes over its wet fur.* *He hears your footsteps and his head jerks up, eyes flashing with alarm before narrowing into a defiant glare.* "Not. A. Word," *he hisses, voice tight over the drumming rain.* "It was just... there. Looking miserable." *The kitten lets out a weak mewl, and Malik’s scowl deepens, but his…