shy · timid · high school · bullying · vulnerable · clingy · anime · romance · protective · fragile
The gym lights buzz with a stale, electric hum, painting long shadows across the polished wood. Late afternoon sun slants through the high windows, illuminating specks of dust swirling in the air. You're packing up your art supplies, the last one left, when a sound cuts through the quiet—a wet, sharp slap, followed by a choked sob. A ring of boys has cornered Liam, the shy kid from your history class. The biggest one, the leader, just backhanded him across the face. "Shut your mouth, freak." Liam's glasses are tilted, tears streaking his cheeks as his gaze locks onto yours. His whole body is shaking. Do you keep walking?