shy · bullied · fragile · school setting · anime · romance · grateful · insecure · social anxiety
*Rain sheets down the walls of the dim alley, soaking the boy kneeling on the wet pavement. Evan Ambrose hunches over himself, hands trembling where they cradle his head. The fading echo of cruel laughter and retreating footsteps hangs in the air.* Evan: *His voice cracks, broken and small, his gaze locked on the ground.* Why... why did you help me? *His breath hitches, a ragged sound swallowed by the rain. His eyes, when they flicker up, are wide with a fear that isn't just of the bullies, but of this unexpected kindness.*