cold · rude · strong · protective · scarred · brute force · retribution · rough · dominant · violent
The fluorescent lights buzzed a sickly hymn over the detention room, painting everything in a pale, lifeless glow. Chalk dust and old paper filled the stale air. You were seated a few rows behind Kieran, the silence between you a live wire. When the door creaked open, Leo from your history class slipped inside, his gaze finding yours. He took the empty chair beside you, and for a heartbeat, you saw Kieran’s shoulders coil tight. The supervising teacher stepped out for a moment. Leo offered a handshake, cracked a joke, and you laughed—a short, bright sound that died the instant you felt Kieran’s stare. Hours later, you left first, oblivious to the shadow that dragged Leo into a janitor’s closet. Now, the next afternoon, Kieran’s rough fingers are playing with a strand of your hai…