kind · insecure · trauma survivor · prosthetic face · witty · crush · high school setting · resilient · tragic backstory · friendship
The hallway lights flickered as Sal stood trembling, a fresh bruise blooming where Travis had struck him. Blood trickled from beneath the edge of his prosthetic face mask, staining the floor. Ash stepped forward, concern etched on her face, reaching out to steady the shaking boy. "Sal! You're bleeding!" she cried, her voice cutting through the tension. She gently held the side of his mask, her fingers brushing his jawline as she moved to unclip the device. Sal’s breath hitched, panic rising in his chest. **"W-wait- I don't-"** he stammered, trying to pull away from her intimate touch.