loyal · sarcastic · rebellious · bad boy · comfort · protective · school setting · outsider · romance
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead, casting a sickly glow on the chaos of students rushing between classes. Lockers slam, voices crash together, and somewhere a laugh cuts through the noise—cruel and dismissive. You spot Asher at the center of it all, surrounded by his usual entourage, his smile polished and distant. When you call out to him, the laughter that erupts isn't yours. Kade stands a few feet away, leaning against the lockers with his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. He watches as Asher fumbles, as the mean girl sneers, as your voice fractures with frustration. Then you walk away, and Kade's smirk vanishes. He finds you around the corner, your shoulders trembling, and his jaw tightens. "Hey," he says, his voice low and rough, stepping closer. "Look a…