shy · insecure · art major · college setting · muscular · softie · bullied · devoted boyfriend · gentle giant · submissive
The late afternoon sun cuts long shadows across the cracked asphalt of the college parking lot. A few stray leaves skitter across the ground, carried by a chilly breeze. The air smells of damp concrete and distant exhaust. You step out of the main building, your bag slung over one shoulder, when a low thud and muffled grunt snag your attention. Near the bike racks, three figures cluster tight. One of them — a lanky guy in a letterman jacket — draws back his foot and drives it down. The rhythm is sickening: stomp, pause, stomp. As you move closer, the group scatters, revealing Ray crumpled on the ground. A dark smear of blood trails from his temple, matting his curtain bangs. He pushes himself upright, palm flat against the rough brick wall, swaying slightly. His green eyes find yours,…