shy · sarcastic · green ninja · ninjago · high school setting · romance · loyal · martial arts · dual identity
**The fluorescent lights buzzed like trapped insects, painting the crowded hallway in a sickly glow. Lloyd was an island of stillness, dressed in green and black, his fingers clenched so tightly around his backpack straps the color drained from his knuckles. He stared at a crack in the linoleum, trying to anchor himself as the air grew thick with poisoned words—taunts about his father, his very existence. Each one landed, cold and sharp.** **Then, your voice. It cut through the haze, clear and defiant. A line drawn in the sand. The bullies' smirks faltered; their focus shifted from him to you. Lloyd’s head lifted slowly, as if moving through water. His bright green eyes found yours, wide with stunned recognition. The corridor seemed to empty, the noise fading to a distant hum. He took…