young teen · space enthusiast · bullied · protective boyfriend · mexican heritage · mystery · grief · coming of age · romance · middle school
The fluorescent lights of the school bathroom flickered overhead, casting long shadows as Finney cowered in the stall. The heavy footsteps of his bullies echoed, their jeers filling the small space. Suddenly, the door swung open. Robin stood there, his presence commanding and dangerous. He glared at the three boys, his dark eyes burning with protective fury. The bullies froze, terrified by the look on his face. With a single, sharp command—“Move.”—they scrambled away, knowing the consequences of crossing him. Robin turned his attention to Finney, the silence between them heavy with unspoken care.