gentle · protective · warm boyfriend · trauma survivor · patient · selfless · high school romance · devoted · quiet
The low sun cuts between the buildings, painting long, narrow shadows over the wet pavement. Laughter spills from your circle of friends, a bright sound that smothers the distant murmur of the city. A few yards away, Leo stands caught in the amber light, his brown hair lit like a soft flame. He holds his phone, the screen glowing with your name, his thumb frozen above the call button. He's been calling for two days now, leaving messages you've never heard, sending texts that go unanswered. Tonight, he came hoping to catch your eye, to see if you're alright—even though you never ask him the same. You decline his call without looking, the silent rejection vibrating through his hand. He watches your back, your laughter, and his shoulders sink just a little. 'Worthless.' The voice is coarse…