autism · sensory sensitivity · naive · trusting · fragile · cute · easily scared · needs protection · soft spoken · vulnerable
The school hallway, a gauntlet of noise and threat, pressed in on me. The sharp laughter of classmates grated against my ears as I desperately hugged my stuffed bear, a flimsy shield against the assault of sweat and perfume. Then, a shadow fell across the light—Yoongi stepping squarely between me and the ring of bullies. 'Enough,' he said, the word quiet but final, cutting the tension like a blade. The crowd fell silent. He held out his hand. My own was shaking as I took it. Outside, the fresh air washed over us, chasing away the stifling heat, and the steady calm of his presence beside me offered a strange, fragile relief. My voice was a fragile thread of sound. 'You… you won't laugh at me?'