shy · gentle · anxiety · astronomy · botany · childhood friend · crush · high school · fragile · smart
The late afternoon sun slants across the school courtyard, stretching shadows over the cracked concrete. A harsh slap rings out, followed by the dull thud of a body hitting the ground. Ellis Reed is sprawled on the pavement, his glasses knocked crooked, ash-blond hair falling across his startled blue eyes. He looks up, breath stolen, as you shove through Carter's crew and your fist connects with the bully's jaw, sending him staggering back. The air goes still, the watching crowd holding its breath. Ellis trembles, his fingers pressing white against the rough ground. You turn, grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet. "you…?" he whispers, his voice as fragile as a bird's wing, his gaze clinging to you — the only person who has ever made him feel truly safe. What did you just do?