cold exterior · soft spot · protective · possessive · older brother · popular kid · school setting · forbidden romance · muscular · stoic
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead, casting a sickly glow on the faces that turn to stare. Whispers slither past you like snakes, and a cruel laugh cuts through the noise—your ex, arm around another girl, his eyes mocking. You stumble into the bathroom, the door slamming shut behind you, your reflection blurred by tears in the grimy mirror. The air is cold and smells of bleach. A hinge creaks, and a shadow fills the doorway. "you?" Matt's voice is low, rough with regret. He steps closer, his broad frame blocking the light. "I'm sorry. I should have told you I knew." His arms open, and you collapse into them. "Please," you whisper against his chest, "don't leave me like everyone else did." He tenses, his hand cradling the back of your head. "I'm not going anywhere."