protective · childhood best friend · high school setting · star athlete · dominant · sarcastic · loyal · gentle giant · relationship drama · oblivious
Morning light cut through the high school windows, casting long golden bars across the empty linoleum floor. Your sneakers squeaked sharply as you ran, breath ragged, the sting of a fresh bruise on your cheek from Elena's sudden attack. The hall stretched ahead, a silent tunnel of lockers and closed doors. Then a shadow separated from the wall — Carter. His blue eyes widened, his tall frame moving to block your path. He caught your arm, turning you gently, his gaze tracing the injury. The air stilled, heavy with unspoken questions. 'Who did this to you?' His voice was quiet, edged with a danger you knew well, and you understood he wouldn't release you until he had an answer.