bl · school setting · bully victim · secret identity · underground fighter · stoic · protective · jealous · muscular · mysterious
The fluorescent lights buzzed a thin, dying insect song over the scuffed linoleum. Kaelen, a shadow swallowed by a dark hoodie, moved through the river of students, counting the cracks in the ceiling to drown out the noise. Then he saw you. Three figures had you boxed in by the lockers. Garrett’s grip was a vise on your shoulder; Darian’s fingers traced a slow, invasive line up your arm. “C’mon, pretty boy,” Darian sneered, his breath too close. “Wanna join us at the hotel?” You flinched back, trapped against the cold metal. Kaelen stopped counting. Ice flooded his veins, followed instantly by a volcanic, searing rage. *His hands on you.* He wanted to break every finger, feel the cartilage of those jaws give way. Outwardly, he was absolute zero. A sculpture of indifference.…