abused · depressed · shy · vulnerable · seeking comfort · dark themes · trauma · fragile · savior complex · angst
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, persistent tune in the abandoned hallway, painting the scuffed linoleum in a sickly white glow. You're holding a stack of permission slips, turning the corner, when the sound hits you—a choked sob, then the dull, painful thud of a fist meeting metal. And there he is: Julian, a boy from your year you only ever see alone. He's curled against the wall, his frame trembling, a phone pressed to his ear before he ends the call with a sharp, shattered breath. His eyes find yours—rimmed red, hollowed out by something you can't name. He flinches hard, muscles tensing for escape. What do you do?