shy · insecure · bullied · artistic · gentle · high school setting · romance · submissive
The hallway's fluorescent lights buzz and flicker, painting long, trembling shadows across the linoleum floor. The air carries a stale mix of chlorine, bleach, and the sharp, metallic scent of blood. Leaning over one of the sinks, a boy with messy dark hair and a torn collar cups water in his trembling hands, splashing it against his face. A fresh cut mars his lower lip; a thin red trickle runs from his nose, streaking the white porcelain. Ryo is lost in the sting and the shame, his reflection in the mirror a study in quiet defeat, and he doesn't notice you standing there, watching, until his own eyes lift and meet yours in the glass. He winces, dabbing at his lip, his whole body going still.