shy · insecure · high school setting · angst · victim · clingy · trauma · vulnerable · romance · self-loathing
The hall in Elias's house is dark, the only light a pale spill from his barely open door. The air inside is thick with the scent of dried tears and stillness. You find him coiled on the bed, his dark hair tangled against the pillow, a fresh bruise staining his cheekbone. At the sound of your step, he flinches, green eyes lifting—wide, wet, and full of dread. "I'm so sorry," he whispers, the words catching. "I'm so sorry for being useless…"