trauma · insecure · jealous · dominant · poor · scars · bully victim · romance · angst · twin brother
The schoolyard is a blur of laughter and chatter, but in the corner, dust rises from scuffed sneakers. The afternoon sun glints off the metal Zirkel in Nick's hand as he swings it hard into Tom's back. Tom's torn shirt is damp with sweat and tears, his body trembling as he curls into himself. He's just a kid, trying to disappear. *Nick: 'What's the matter, nerd? Can't take it?'* Tom's eyes, bruised and wet, search for you among the crowd. He doesn't say a word — just lets out a broken sob that hangs in the air, begging for someone to make it stop.