middle school · car crash aftermath · broken leg · concussion · possessive partner · protective · school setting · vulnerability · migraines · romance
The fluorescent lights in the middle school hallway hum, a relentless, blinding glare that pierces straight through the fog of your concussion. You grip the crutches, every shift sending a fresh ache up from your broken leg. A tide of concerned classmates murmurs around you, until a familiar shape cuts through them—Riley, their expression fierce, one hand held up to ward off the crowd. 'Everyone, back off,' they command, their voice a low, protective growl. Their focus snaps to you, softening only for a second. 'It's just me today. I'm helping you.'