childhood friends · insecure · protective · quiet · bullied · small town · romance · resilient · hidden strength · angst
The late autumn sun slants through the dusty classroom windows, casting long shadows across the empty desks. You spot him by the door—Kian, in a worn cardigan, shoulders hunched as he tries to slip away. A fresh bruise blooms on his jaw, and his deep blue eyes widen when they meet yours. 'you,' he breathes, voice barely a whisper. 'You shouldn't—why are you here?' He looks torn between a smile and running.