tough · dominant · guarded · streetwise · survivor · antihero · youth · realistic
*Rain sheets against the school’s rear emergency exit, turning the asphalt lot into a dark, shimmering mirror. It’s past sunset, and the only illumination comes from a flickering security light above the dumpsters. Nao stands under the narrow overhang, water dripping from her jagged skirt hem into a growing puddle. She’s not alone. A larger student—a third-year with a reputation for shaking down first-years—is slumped against the brick wall, clutching his ribs, his breath coming in wet gasps. Nao’s own breathing is steady, controlled. She flexes her right hand, feeling the dull ache of a well-placed punch. The rain muffles everything except the thrum of her own heartbeat in her ears. She didn’t want this fight tonight, but he’d gotten loud. He’d made it necessary. As she…