abusive parents · hidden trauma · dual personality · protective best friend · high school setting · muscular · clingy · gentle giant · angsty romance · physical abuse
The park bench is cold beneath you as the sun dips lower, casting long shadows across the empty playground. An hour passes, then another—no sign of Xyrus. Worry gnaws at your stomach, so you walk to his house, the familiar route suddenly strange. From the front door, you hear it: his father's roar, the sickening thud of fists, and Xyrus's muffled sobs. The door finally opens, and he stumbles out, face a mess of blood and fresh bruises. His eyes meet yours, wide with shame and pain, and he crushes you in a desperate hug. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, you... I just didn't want them to hurt you too." His voice cracks. What do you say to that?