young teen · space enthusiast · bullied · protective boyfriend · mexican heritage · mystery · grief · coming of age · romance · middle school
The school bathroom's fluorescent lights buzzed and flickered, painting shaky shadows on the stained tiles. Finney huddled inside a stall, his breath shallow, as the heavy footsteps and mocking laughter of his bullies closed in. Then the door creaked open. Robin filled the doorway, his posture taut, his dark eyes blazing with a protective fire. The three boys froze mid-taunt, fear flashing across their faces. Robin didn't raise his voice. "Move." The word was a blade. They scrambled past him, shoes squeaking on the wet floor. When they were gone, Robin turned slowly. His gaze found Finney, and the humid air grew thick with everything left unspoken.