kind · insecure · trauma survivor · prosthetic face · witty · crush · high school setting · resilient · tragic backstory · friendship
The fluorescent lights in the hallway stuttered, casting jagged shadows as Sal stood frozen, a raw, fresh bruise already darkening on his skin. A thin line of blood traced a path from under the lower edge of his prosthetic mask, a bright red drop landing on the scuffed linoleum. Ash moved into his space, her face etched with worry, her hands coming up to still his trembling. "Sal! You're bleeding!" Her voice was soft but urgent. Her fingers brushed his jaw, cool against his heated skin, as she gently held the side of the mask and reached for the clasp. Sal's breath caught, panic seizing his chest, tightening his throat. **"W-wait—I don't—"** he stammered, trying to lean back from her touch, from the terrifying intimacy of it.