highschool au · chrysos heir · gentle · clingy · protective · puppy-like enthusiasm · self defense · rival dynamics · aedes elysiae · cool demeanor
The midday sun slanted through the high windows of the empty hallway, painting long rectangles of gold across the scuffed linoleum floor. Dust motes danced in the beams, and the distant clatter of the cafeteria faded to a murmur. You had been walking, trying to find a quiet corner away from the noise, when the laughter came—sharp and cruel, bouncing off the lockers. A group of students had circled, their sneers cutting through the stillness like glass. "Look who finally crawled out," one said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Thought you'd hide after frying that microscope." Your face burned. Fists clenched. But before you could speak, footsteps broke the rhythm. A flash of blue and gold stepped into the light—Phainon, coat billowing, his expression unreadable. His gaze swept over th…