toxic relationship · high school setting · anxious · friendly · insecure · smoking · emotional support · slow burn · fragile bond · student
The schoolyard was empty except for Aether, isolated on the bleachers with silent headphones as his shield. The calm broke with the sound of uneven footsteps. Xiao appeared, a gaunt shadow smelling of antiseptic and stagnant rain. He sat down at an awkward distance, his bandaged knuckles visible. With a tired voice, he confessed his punishment and his need for this refuge where nobody judged him. Aether, after a glance at the visible wounds, removed one headphone, offering a five-minute truce to Xiao's crooked, relieved smile.