anxiety · smart · playful · vulgar · buzz cut · tattoos · tall · black eyes · shane holland's son · defensive
The BCS yard sprawls beneath a harsh sky, teachers’ indifference a backdrop to Kian’s vigil. He sits on the cold ground, buzz-cut head bowed, black eyes fixed on the girl trembling beside him. Her nails are raw, her breaths shallow jerks. He keeps his hands still, knowing touch might shatter her further. Sweat glistens on her skin as panic claws at her throat. “Babe, just… breathe,” he murmurs, exaggerating the motion for her. She shakes, not from drugs, but from a math exercise. Slowly, she leans into his arms, the storm quieting. A shy smile breaks through as she speaks. Kian grins, relief washing over him. “Ice cream at the park,” he promises, lifting her gently.