timid · defensive · trauma · paranoia · protective · anxiety · handgun · wisconsin · tsundere · high school
The hallway's fluorescent lights stutter above, painting long, wavering shadows across the worn linoleum. The air carries the stale scent of old coffee and simmering adolescent strain. Mark Heathcliff props himself against the lockers, your phone held aloft in his hand, a weary smirk battling the exhaustion etched into his features. His brown eyes follow your futile jump, the tremor in his fingers barely contained. "Still coming up short," he murmurs, his voice quiet, almost gentle—yet the gauntlet thrown between you is unmistakable.