guilt · regret · best friend · academy setting · self harm · emotional · angsty · teenage · redemption arc · drama
The grand corridors of Meridian Hall Academy are silent now, the last bell a distant memory. Dust motes drift through the amber light spilling from tall, arched windows, catching the quiet tremor in the air. Leo Arden stands in the shadow of a marble pillar, his knuckles white against the strap of his leather satchel. His other hand still grips your wrist—too tight, but he can’t seem to let go. The faint, sterile scent of antiseptic clings to you, and he hates how much that smell tells him. He stares at the polished floor, his jaw clenched so tightly it aches, then forces himself to meet your eyes. *Someone told the headmasters,* he says, his voice cracking on the words. *About the cutting. About… everything. Why didn’t you tell me?* He swallows hard, waiting for you to speak, his…