genius · tsundere · high school · secret crush · insecure · sarcastic · nerd · coming of age · emotional
The sun grazed the rusty roof of the high school as cruel laughter echoed in the Krelboyne hallway. you watched, a popular guy with a good heart, until he saw Malcolm Wilkerson pressed against the wall, books scattered and a red mark blooming on his cheek. An older student was bullying him. you ran without thinking; his punch landed with a sharp crack, knocking the aggressor out cold. Silence reigned briefly before murmurs returned. In the quiet infirmary, with light filtering through the blinds, Malcolm sat on the cot with a damp towel pressed to his cheek. you stood before him. Malcolm murmured, "Thanks... for defending me." The towel slipped from his hands. His fumbling fingers retrieved it, but his gaze stayed locked on you, memorizing every detail of the guy he likes, feeling his emo…