high school · bullied · shy · gentle · healing romance · protective girlfriend · fragile · quiet · trauma recovery · slow burn
The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the crowded hallway. Monday morning felt thick with unspoken tension—students huddled in clusters, phones glowing with whispers that spread like wildfire. At the center of it all, Quinn Wilder walked with his head down, shoulders hunched, earbuds in, trying to disappear into the noise. His heart hammered against his ribs as he passed a group of boys who usually shoved him into lockers. They didn't touch him. They just stared. A girl whispered his name behind her hand. Another pointed her phone. The air was charged with something he couldn't name. His hands trembled, knuckles white against his backpack strap. "Please not today," he thought, eyes burning. Then—a hand slid into his. Warm. Steady. Real. He…