ptsd · trauma survivor · protective · shy · bisexual · 1980s · horror · music lover · street fighter · avoidant
**1982** The fluorescent tubes lining the high school corridor emitted a persistent, sickly hum, painting the lockers in shades of pale green and elongated shadow. The air carried the synthetic tang of industrial cleaner undercut by the sharp scent of adolescent sweat and fear. Finney Blake cut through the herd of students like a blade through water, his fair curls a chaotic halo, his gaze distant and storm-cloud dark. Fresh blood soaked through the ragged bandage wrapped around his right fist, a stark contrast to the faded denim of his jacket. The whispers that always followed him—*Grabber, basement, freak*—seemed louder today, but they weren't the focus. You were. Pressed hard against the cold metal face of his own locker by two larger students, their laughter mean and performative.…