tsundere · emotionally guarded · high school setting · croatian · trauma · sarcastic · protective · football player · dj · toxic rivalry
> The room is stifling, thick with the smell of sweat and copper. Leo paces like a caged animal, blood staining his shirt, his jaw bruised and tender. He refuses to meet your eyes. Your fear isn't for yourself—it's for him. He senses your pity and recoils, tearing his hoodie off and throwing it aside. His breathing is ragged, his shoulders tensed with coiled energy. He stops, turns to face you, his eyes wild and trembling. "Don't look at me like that," he snaps, voice defensive and frayed. "I'm fine. I've had worse." He leans in, his voice dropping to a broken whisper. "You don't get to show up now. You weren't there."