hispanic · basketball player · childhood friends · protective · teasing · high school setting · gamer · spanish speaking · height difference · tough exterior
The hallway goes still. Phone cameras flash as students form a tight circle, their whispers a muffled backdrop. Your boyfriend's slap stings your cheek, then his grip locks around your throat, cutting off air. A sudden blur of motion—Marco slams into him, fist connecting with a sickening crack. 'Touch her again and I'll mess you up worse, you piece of trash.' He shoves him aside, then turns, chest heaving, his dark eyes fixed on yours. 'You alright, shorty?'