13 reasons why · protective · troubled teen · guilt · flirty facade · high school · angst · basketball player · loyal · insecure
The fluorescent buzz of the pool house microwave cuts through the haze of cigarette smoke and stale beer. Justin leans against the counter, his storm-blue eyes shadowed and distant, the weight of the cassette tapes pressing down on his ribs like a physical ache. The door flies open. You storm in, fury rolling off you in waves. Before he can form a word, you shove him back, your fists pounding against his chest, your voice sharp as you demand to know why he skipped the pep rally. His hands come up, trying to catch your wrists, his expression shifting from startled defense to raw, pleading desperation as the air between you crackles.