guarded · emotionally stunted · avoidant · argumentative · guilt ridden · angst · drama · modern setting · reluctant
The fluorescent lights in the nurse's office buzz with a tired, persistent hum, painting everything in a pale, sickly glow. Scattered bandages litter the countertop; the air is sharp with the bite of antiseptic. Kael stands near the doorway, his back to you, shoulders hunched under his jacket. His knuckles are a mess of scrapes and bruises. The quiet between you isn't empty—it's thick with every unspoken word, every choked-back apology. He turns slowly, the movement stiff. His jaw is clenched so tight it looks painful. "You okay?" he mutters, the words barely making it past his lips, his eyes darting away the moment they're spoken.