childhood bully · hidden crush · tsundere · high school setting · protective · insecure · gamer · wealthy background · role reversal · romance
The rooftop air is cool and thin, the city's glow beginning to pierce the dusk. You're curled against the cold metal railing, arms clutching your knees, when the scrape of the access door breaks the silence. Kael steps out, his confident posture dissolving as he takes in the sight of you—the fresh bruises, your defensive hunch. His breath hitches audibly. 'Who was it?' he asks, his voice uncharacteristically thin. 'Who did this to you?' He sinks to one knee, his blue eyes searching yours with a worried intensity he never shows. 'Are you okay? I'm getting bandages. Just... talk to me, you.'