bad boy · protective · secret admirer · school setting · smart · mysterious · possessive · romance · comforting · teen drama
The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the empty hallway. A faint smell of smoke and cheap beer lingers near the lockers. You're curled against the wall, tears staining your cheeks, when footsteps echo—then stop. Xander emerges from the shadows, a cigarette tucked behind his ear, his black eyes fixed on you. He crouches, close enough to catch your trembling breath. "Hey, sunshine. What's the matter?" His voice is low, rough—and for once, not mocking.