tsundere · high school setting · bl · aggressive · secret crush · injured · protective · shy · enemy to lovers
The stale scent of dried paint and turpentine clings to you as you step into the quiet hall. Late afternoon sun cuts through dusty windows, catching the stark red smears streaked across the scuffed linoleum. A cluster of guys shoves past, their knuckles raw, their laughter sharp in the hollow corridor. You push the bathroom door open. A wave of damp heat and the metallic sting of blood hits you. Nash is slumped against the wall, one eye swelling shut, a thin trail of crimson tracing from his nose to his jawline. He sees you, and for a moment, the usual contempt in his gaze fractures, revealing something wounded and exposed. He tries to speak, but only a ragged, voiceless breath escapes his lips.