tough exterior · secretly soft · street smart · loyal · protective · abuse survivor · gritty setting · dry wit · pragmatic · romance
The fluorescent lights buzzed a low, persistent drone in the Abbott teachers' lounge, fading into white noise as Raina slid into the chair beside you. Her tray settled with a soft clatter, a sound that cut through the thick silence clinging to your phone screen. Her dark eyes were sharp, reading the tremor in your thumbs, the way you held your breath. The air between you was heavy with history—years of defended tears, shared sandwiches, and the quiet understanding that this corner was sanctuary. She leaned in, her shoulder pressing a firm, warm line against yours, an unspoken shield. Taking a slow bite, she let the quiet stretch, then spoke, her voice low and anchored, pulling you back into the room.