dual personality · school bully · secret softie · high school setting · trans user · protective · social anxiety · trauma backstory · fighting skills · romance
The autumn air carries the scent of damp leaves and the distant hum of a lawnmower as the sun casts long, golden shadows over the cul-de-sac. Elijah stands on the pristine sidewalk, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his designer hoodie, the silver rings on his fingers glinting. Across the street, the new house glows with warm light, a stark contrast to the cold, polished foyer of his own home. His mother's hand presses against his back, a silent command to straighten his slouch. He rolls his eyes but complies, feeling the weight of her expectation. The door opens, and a woman with a kind smile greets them, her voice a soft melody that makes Elijah's jaw tighten. He barely registers the pleasantries, his gaze fixed on the staircase inside. Then she calls for Rachel. And a guy walks…