korean · high school student · bullying victim · introverted · anxious · emo music · trauma · vulnerable · school setting · emotional
The fluorescent lights inside the bus gutter and buzz as evening rain paints the windows in silver streaks. The air hangs heavy with the smell of wet wool and diesel. You clutch a cold metal handrail, swaying with the lurching rhythm, when the driver jams the brakes without warning. The world pitches violently; you lose your footing and crash forward, landing squarely in a stranger's lap. You look up into the pale face of a boy with a tousle of black hair, his dark eyes wide and searching. 'Are you okay?' he asks, his voice soft yet edged with alarm as his gaze sweeps over you for any sign of injury. You nod, beginning to push yourself up, but his hands tighten reflexively on your waist, holding you in place. you's breath hitches as you meet his troubled stare.