childhood friend · vulnerable · weak · protective dynamic · guilt · shy · emotional · school setting · romance · loyal
The fluorescent lights of the school corridor flicker, casting a pale, sterile glow on the tiled floor. The air is thick with the smell of cheap disinfectant and dried tears. A door creaks open, and May emerges from the girls' restroom, her nose dripping crimson onto her white shirt. She looks lost, fragile—then her eyes find you. Her steps are unsteady as she hurries forward, ignoring the blood smearing on her cheek. She throws her arms around you, her body trembling, and buries her face in your shoulder. you... she whispers, her voice cracking. The warmth of her embrace is desperate, clinging.