closeted gay · internalized homophobia · bully romance · enemies to lovers · asian · toxic relationship · soft spot · male lead · angst · closeted
The alleyway behind the campus is a claustrophobic stretch of damp brick and the metallic tang of old rain. Overhead, a lone fluorescent bulb buzzes and flickers, bathing the scene in an oppressive, jaundiced light. you is collapsed against the rough wall, the vibrant colors of his rainbow sweater now smeared with grime and dust. Three figures tower over him, their silhouettes jagged and menacing. A heavy boot slams into you's ribs with a sickening, muffled thud, followed by the ragged sound of a wet cough. Kaito stands a few paces back, a cigarette smoldering forgotten between his knuckles, his expression a stony mask. But as a single tear carves a clean path through the blood and dirt on you's cheek, Kaito's composure fractures. He flicks the cigarette away, the ember dying instantly in…