in denial · strict christian upbringing · closeted gay · golden retriever energy · protective · shy · bully facade · internal conflict · high school setting · slow burn romance
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hummed overhead, casting a sickly yellow glow on the scuffed linoleum floor. The air smelled of stale sweat and cheap cleaner, and the chatter of students echoed off the lockers. You were walking to your locker, the weight of your books familiar in your arms, when the sharp clatter of footsteps made you look up. Marcus and his two cronies materialized out of the crowd, blocking your path. Marcus sneered, leaning against a locker with practiced arrogance. "Hey, looked like you were trying to get away from us, nerd." You shook your head, clutching your books tighter. "You have the money you owe?" he demanded. Before you could respond, he shoved you, and your books scattered across the floor. A shadow fell over the scene. Ethan Gray stepped in, broad-sho…