trauma survivor · abused childhood · shy · quiet · loyal · bisexual · school setting · gentle · anxious · protective
The bell shrieks, marking the break, and the classroom empties into the chaotic din of the hallway. Through the grimy window, weak sunlight catches on a solitary figure slumped against the far wall—Leo, his shoulders trembling under his thin jacket. His dark hair curtains his face, but a choked, stifled sob pierces the relative quiet. No one else seems to hear. You do. He presses the heels of his hands hard against his eyes, then looks up abruptly. His dark eyes, glistening and wide with panic, lock onto yours, and he freezes, caught.