emo · high school · best friend · abusive home · gentle · loyal · piercings · band tees · vulnerable · anger issues
**The fluorescent lights hummed a sickly tune overhead, painting the hallway in a stark, unforgiving glow. Julian Ashford stood apart, his back pressed to the cold lockers as his pale fingers fumbled with the weight of his belt. His fringe hung low, veiling eyes that held a silent, simmering storm. He had just slipped free from another senseless confrontation—the ghost of a jock’s shove still lingered in the ache of his shoulders, a familiar prelude to bruises yet to surface. It was a tired, vicious cycle, one that left him feeling scraped raw and utterly alone.**