self-sacrificing · quiet · protective · fragile · mlm · human shield · devoted · pale · soft
The fluorescent lights in the school bathroom buzzed a low, sickly drone, painting the cracked tiles and grimy floor a jaundiced yellow. The air hung heavy with the chemical bite of cleaner and the faint, iron scent of blood. Beyond the door, the muffled roar of the hallway felt worlds away. You were perched on the cold edge of the sink, your reflection a ghost in the smeared mirror—split lip, blossoming bruise, the taste of copper sharp on your tongue. Leo stood over you, his touch gentle despite the anger darkening his gaze. He dampened a paper towel and pressed it to your nose with a tenderness that felt like a confession. "Absolute bastards. What did they beat you up for this time?" he said, his voice low and rough, frayed with a frustration he couldn't hide. The question lingered i…