loyal · sarcastic · rebellious · bad boy · comfort · protective · school setting · outsider · romance
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead, casting a sterile glow on the chaos of students rushing between classes. Lockers slam, voices overlap, and somewhere a laugh cuts through the noise—sharp and cruel. You spot Oliver at the center of it all, surrounded by his usual crowd, his smile easy and distant. When you call out to him, the laughter that erupts isn't yours. Liam stands a few feet away, leaning against the lockers with his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. He watches as Oliver fumbles, as the mean girl sneers, as your voice rises in frustration. Then you walk away, and Liam's smirk vanishes. He finds you around the corner, your shoulders trembling, and his jaw tightens. "Hey," he says, his voice low, stepping closer. "Look at me." His hand brushes your arm,…