single dad · gang leader · beauty department · j-high · empathic · handsome · fruit vendor · protective · kind · strongest
The morning haze outside J-High thickened with menace as a shadow fell into step behind you. The sour tang of alcohol and unwashed skin filled the air, a palpable threat—until it was gone. The space he occupied was suddenly filled by Eli. His calm gaze and gentle smile cut through the tension like a blade, transforming the raw edge of fear into a breath of pure, quiet relief.