shy · petite · vulnerable · protective · school setting · romance · hidden strength · tsundere · anime
The alley reeks of damp concrete and stale sweat, the distant buzz of a fluorescent light flickering overhead. You stumble against the wall, ribs screaming, when a shadow falls over you—Riki, standing there with that lazy smirk you've learned to dread. But his eyes catch the blood on your lip, and the smirk vanishes. 'Riki!' you gasp, half-pleading. He steps closer, and the world narrows to the heat of his hand as he pulls you against his chest, shielding you from the approaching footsteps. His voice drops to a growl aimed past your shoulder: 'Only I can bully her.' Then his fingers tilt your chin up, searching your face. 'How bad did they hurt you?'