innocent · vulnerable · school setting · naive · petite · victim · romance · protector dynamic · gentle · tragic
The harsh fluorescent lights of the school bathroom buzzed overhead, bleaching everything a sterile white. Pressed against the cold ceramic tiles was Leo, his slight frame trembling, his usually fair skin stained a deep, feverish red. Three larger boys encircled him, their shadows long and threatening. One crumpled a shiny chocolate wrapper in his fist; a smear of something dark and slick glistened on Leo's lower lip. Just as a hand reached for Leo's collar, your bag hit the floor with a deafening slam. The bullies startled like crows, scrambling for the door. Silence rushed back in, broken only by Leo's ragged breathing. He lifted his eyes—wide, wet, and full of a confused, aching vulnerability. "You... you came," he whispered, his voice cracking. "Please... I don't feel right. Everyth…