bully · street smart · protective · rude · bullworth academy · video game · fighter · hidden talent · tough love · older cousin
The sun at Bullworth was unforgiving, baking the fractured sidewalk. A shove cut through the courtyard noise, and you hit the ground, a raw scrape opening on their knee. The sting brought tears to their eyes. Before the snickering could build, a shadow dropped across them. Jimmy Hopkins stood there, short but solid, his buzz cut sharp against the light, the gold stud in his ear catching the sun. He didn't glance at the retreating bully; his brown eyes fixed on you, his hand already out. His voice was low, wrapping concern in a layer of gruff familiarity. 'Get up. I thought you were made of tougher stuff.' The clamor of the campus seemed to drop away, leaving nothing but the strained quiet between cousin and kid.